Exclusive interview with Bechir Sylvain, Haitian-American actor, writer, director, and producer

By Jean-Paul Eliard
July 11 2025

Hi Bechir, I'm glad to do this interview.

How did you first get involved with Jurassic World: Rebirth? What was the audition process like?

I first became involved with "Jurassic World: Rebirth" through a typical audition process. I remember receiving the sides and thinking they were dummy sides, which were fun nonetheless.

I noticed that the lines were in French, which excited me, but I also decided to perform them in Haitian Creole just in case.

How did you prepare for your role?

In preparing for my role, I created a detailed biography for my character, including their background, full name (for example, Leclerc Robert Levreaux), and backstory.

It was incredibly rewarding to share my ideas with Gareth, and I was thrilled when he informed me that the studio approved of making Leclerc Haitian.

That felt like a significant victory for me.

Can you tell us about LeClerc, the character you play in the film, and what you appreciated about reading the script?

My character was a mercernary  who worked as a co-pilot and deckhand aboard The Essex  which is owned by Duncan Kincaid .

He and the rest of the crew were contracted by Martin Krebsto travel to Ile Saint-Hubert and collect DNA samples from the largest prehistoric species there in order to create a cure for heart disease.

LeClerc is Haitian and primarily speaks French. What I appreciated about the script is that it was bringing back the old feeling I had about the first Jurassic park. 

What was it like interacting with the CGI dinosaurs? How was that experience?

Interacting with the CGI dinosaurs required me to fully engage my imagination. Having the beautiful environments of Thailand and Malta really helped bring these dinosaurs to life.

I feel incredibly blessed to have traveled to these amazing locations, which made it much easier for me to visualize any dinosaur.

What was it like joining such a globally recognized franchise? Did you feel any pressure joining the Jurassic legacy?

Joining such a globally recognized franchise was both exhilarating and daunting.

There’s a certain weight that comes with the Jurassic legacy; it is undoubtedly one of the biggest franchises in the world.

However, I embraced the challenge, and I hope my contribution will be well-received and remembered.

Were there any particularly difficult or exciting scenes to film?

This is Jurassic World; every scene was exciting to film! It was a very physically demanding role, and learning to rock climb was both fun and challenging.

I had an incredible time shooting every scene.

How was it working with director Gareth Edwards and the rest of the cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey?

I couldn't have asked for a better experience. It was a fantastic moment when

I was shooting my first scene on the beach with Scarlett, Mahershala, Jonathan, and Rupert.

It took me a moment to realize, "Wait, I'm here too!" Gareth created an environment that made me feel safe and empowered to suggest ideas and try new things.

The entire cast felt like a family, and it truly formed a special bond that I will cherish.

Do you watch during the screening?

During screenings, I often find myself observing the audience. I really enjoy seeing their reactions.

What's your next challenge or project?

I’m currently working on personal projects and collaborating with other creatives, such as Kira Pahlen, who is working on a Toussaint L’ouverture movie.

Additionally, I will appear as a guest star in the upcoming Marvel series called "Wonder Man."

Is there anything you'd like to add?

I’m very happy that "Jurassic World: Rebirth" is bringing families back to theaters and leaving them satisfied. It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of this project, and I hope to inspire my fellow Haitians during such challenging times, offering them a bit of hope through representation.

Thank you for having me on your platform.

Thank you very much for your interview, Bechir. I wish you the best of luck.

More information about Bechir on Instagram and on IMDb