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From his days on HBO's 'Oz' as hardened convict Simon Adebisi to his role on ABC's 'Lost' as Mr. Eko, British actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje has played some memorable roles on the small screen. The London native and son of Nigerian parents is about to expand his fan base with his next big-screen role: playing weapons expert Heavy Duty in the comic book adaptation of 'G.I Joe: The Rise of the Cobra.'

Directed by Stephen Sommers and co-starring Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Ray Park, Rachel Nichols, Said Taghmaoui and Marlon Wayans, the film is a modern telling of the 'G.I. Joe vs. Cobra' storyline and its compelling characters that Hasbro created 25 years ago from the toy franchise and cartoon series.

Speaking exclusively to Black Voices, Akinnuoye-Agbaje talks about his character, working with Sommers again and his revelation that he may play the superhero Black Panther.

How did you get attached to the film?

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje: I had worked with Stephen Sommers on 'The Mummy Returns,' and he basically called me up, took me to dinner and said, "How would you like to get fit and play this role?" He said the role was Heavy Duty in 'G.I Joe.' I just said, "Is that a spin-off from 'G.I Jane'?" I grew up in London, and you didn't have much awareness of the cult phenomenon that it is. He had to clue me in and showed me some of the videos and comics, and once I saw what the phenomenon was about, I was excited to be part of the film. I also had the opportunity to twist it, change it, tweak it a little bit and make him British, because they were making an adaptation and making the group an international outfit. Having Heavy Duty speak with a British voice, which is my native tongue, it was a good fit.

What was it from the comics and videos that got you to say yes to doing the film?

AAA: The story is similar to the cartoons I watched and also the action figures and stuff like that. Because I worked with Stephen previously, he had a vision of how he wanted this franchise to go, and I really enjoyed my experience with him. He brings a childlike energy to the set. Although it's a rigorous hard shoot with these blockbusters, with him, you actually get to play and enjoy yourself. When he showed me the size of the gun that I would be working with, I said it was a done deal.

How did you prepare yourself physically for the role?

AAA: Again, I know Stephen's work orders, and he's very strict about actors being physically fit, so we all signed up for this six-week training course with this outfit called Epoch, who were also responsible for the look in '300.' We did two workouts a day, morning and evening, and fight training. And if we were good boys and girls, we got to play with the toys, which meant going off to the shooting range and firing off some shots. It was a lot of fun.

How did you like playing with the guns?

AAA: I haven't played with guns in my career, because I'm actually quite shy of them. I'm not that into it, but this is a character that demanded that. This is what his expertise is in, and so I immersed myself in it. Heavy Duty has this bracelet that is made from the shells of bullets and wears an earring that is a torpedo. I saw the envy of the actors' faces. They wished they were in my position.

How was working with the cast?

AAA: It was a lot of fun and a lot of jokes on set and off. The energy that you see on screen is what was created on the set and it leaked on the film. Stephen likes to work with people that he likes, because it's a hard job, and five scenes shot simultaneously with eight or nine cameras can be daunting. The moment you sign on, it's a fast ride. It looks glamorous and is fast paced, but for the actors, you have to be on the ball. It was a blast to be with the cast.

Was it comfortable wearing the uniform?

AAA: The uniforms are good. They are sexy. The production team went all out on not only on the gadgets, but the toys and the outfits. They just look fantastic, from the hair styles right down to the boots and watches and leather jackets. It's all sexy.

Are you signed on for a sequel?

AAA: Yes. We all signed on for a trilogy, actually. Ultimately, that depends on you guys and how it does at the box office. I think you will love this, whether I'm in it or not. This is a damn good film.

From your work on HBO's 'Oz,' ABC's 'Lost' and this film, you've been part of projects that have a large fan base. Most recently, there's been talk that you are lining up to play the superhero Black Panther on the big screen. Care to talk about that?

AAA: The characters I've created have been iconic, from Adebisi on 'Oz' and Mr. Eko from 'Lost,' and I've always had a passion to play a superhero, and now it appears to becoming real. We're in talks with Marvel for me to play one of my favorite superheroes, which is obviously Black Panther. It would be a boyhood dream to have that materialize. I was at Comic Con this year, and the timing for such a character to come to life couldn't be more appropriate. I would love to be the one to wear the suit and go out and represent.

Is John Singleton still attached to direct the film?

AAA: I don't know at the moment. I don't believe so. All I know is that the rights have reverted back to Marvel, and it's now up for grabs, and I'm doing the grabbing.

Most of the comic book films we've seen have thrown in something different than what appeared in the comics. What would you like to see done with Black Panther?

AAA: It depends on how the film is packaged with the director that comes on board. For me, I would infuse it with the same intense reality. Yes, it's a comic, but to able to make him relatable by the ordinary man as well as make him superhuman, I'd like to convey an element of him that is real and raw, the same rawness that you saw in Adebisi, Mr. Eko or Majestic from 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'. He's a panther, which is based upon an animal, a proud animal. I would bring some elements from my culture, which is Nigeria. I'm from an area which is known for its regality. In fact, my name, Adewale, means the crown has come home, the crown is here.

What else is on your plate?

AAA: I just finished a guest episode on TV's 'Monk.' It was good to work with Tony Shalhoub, a really nice comedian. I think the episode airs the same day as the movie release. It may be an Adewale day. I'm still looking at projects. Nothing is confirmed as of yet, but it looks likely that something will be set in the next couple of weeks.

Why should anyone see 'G.I Joe'?

AAA: It's the end of the summer, and if you want to end out the summer with the biggest blast, we've saved the best for last. It you want to take one big, high-octane joyride before you get back to reality, go to school or do whatever you need to do, this is it. Strap on your seatbelts and off you go.