Jacob Scipio might not be new on the scene, but with his latest blockbuster hits, one can’t help but feel like his time is now. Scipio reprises his role as Armando Aretas in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which, in less than a month, has grossed $151 at the domestic box office. Not only that, but it’s also the second highest grossing worldwide film in a long running franchise. Who holds the number one spot? Its predecessor, Bad Boys For Life. Some other credits of his include Expend4bles, The Outpost, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talet, and Pieces of Her.

His presence on screen is captivating and he possesses an undeniable talent that draws you in the second he comes on screen. His roles are often action packed, but with a dynamic range, he proves that there’s nothing he can’t take on. Maybe next we’ll see him in that western that he let us know he’d love to take on. Regardless, Jacob Scipio is a name to watch in Hollywood.

Jacket by Thom Sweeney
Pants by Celine
Shoes by Kurt Geiger

As well as being an actor, you’re also a writer– having written multiple screenplays for short films. Is there something about having experiences on both sides of the story that influences how you approach each role?
Certainly. When developing any character I want to discover as much as I can about him. So creating a character bible helps me: Their childhood, where they went to school, key moments in life, that kind of thing. You may not ever use this information, but it's in the subconscious. And you can lean on it when needed. With acting you only have to worry about your guy. When writing you have the responsibility of fleshing out every character in the play. That's the challenge.

You starred in Bad Boys For Life, where you played Armando Aretas, and will be reprising your role in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, set to be released on June 7, 2024. When playing a villain, do you ever think a villain is truly just a villain, or do you hold space for your characters to be human?
On paper Armando is a bad dude. But in Bad Boys For Life there was one line in the script which jumped out on me: "No innocents.” I used it as a launchpad for him. Sure he's a cold blooded killer, but a killer with a code. No human being is ever just one thing. There's shades of gray in us all, and that's an exciting place to visit. The gray space between 'good' and 'bad'.

I’m sure that after so many years, it was very easy for Will Smith and Martin Lawrence to fall into step, reprising their roles in this franchise. Did you fall into the fold just as seamlessly or was there an adjustment period?
Amando was certainly bubbling away the whole time since wrapping BB3. He's a part of me. So when returning for BB4, It was like I hadn't missed a day. It felt like I'd stepped into a time capsule and the last four years hadn't happened. It was trippy. We shot in a lot of the same locations, with a lot of the same cast and crew. It was like a homecoming, and everyone was ready from day one.

You’ve said that you create character studies for your characters to really get to know them. Just out of curiosity, what song do you think Armando would play to get hyped up?
Shyne - That's Gangsta.

**Left:**
Full Look by Fear of God
Shoes by Kurt Geiger
**Right:**
Shirt by YSL

A lot of the projects you’ve taken on are quite action packed, which I’m sure makes emotions and adrenaline run high. How do you bring yourself back down to earth when filming is over for the day?
A glass of red and a nice cigar.

Throughout your career, you’ve worked with some incredible actors. Who surprised you the most, and how so?
I learn something new from my co-stars every time. There are valuable lessons in each interaction. That's the gift of this job.

Some of your characters, like Galan in Expend4bles, are very high energy and in your face, while others, like Michael Vargas in Pieces of Her, are a bit more subdued and mysterious. Where do you find yourself falling, personally– as more of an introvert or extrovert?
Ambivert. I think that's a thing. I enjoy the quiet times with family and friends, but also I love celebrating the hard earned moments and cutting a rug.

Have any of the roles you’ve taken on taught you something about yourself, or changed your mindset on anything?
Playing Staff Sgt. Justin Gallegos in The Outpost was the honor of a lifetime. It was a huge responsibility honoring his legacy while also attempting to portray a truthful portrait of armed conflict. War is hell. But I learned that a lot of these men and women do not fight for some kind of ideology. It's about the men and women to the left and right of you.

What was it like shooting for PhotoBook, were there any standout moments?
Aaron's dog. If the set has a dog I can pet I'm happy. He had pretty good snacks too. Snacks and dogs equals a good shoot.

At just nine months old, you landed your first role. What was it about acting that continued to appeal to you as you got older?
At first it was just a great excuse to get out of class. But I remember discovering the finality of death around eight years old. Around that time my dad showed me this old kung fu movie called The Prodigal Son. It was badly dubbed, but just an incredible movie. Lam Ching-ying, who played the kung fu master, had passed away in real life. In my childlike mind I couldn't comprehend how someone who was so vital and alive on screen could be dead in real life. It didn't make sense. So I decided that the only way to cheat death and live forever was to become an actor.

Is there any genre of film that you’re itching to take on?
Yes. A western. I love the open plains, the landscape, the freedom, the myth and promise of America. I think it's truly the greatest genre in cinema. Plus, I want to shoot a gun on horseback.

Instagram: @jacobscipio

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Jacob Scipio
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Aaron Jay Young
Fashion Stylist: Jay Hines at The Only Agency
Groomer: Shannon Pezzetta at A-Frame Agency
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Caroline Nycek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

Jacob Scipio is Back as Armando Aretas in Bad Boys: Ride or Die