Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature carved out to take you on a journey to TV and Film’s glorious past.
Today, as the icon continues to build his eighth studio album, Usher‘s role in 1998’s ‘The Faculty’ is spotlighted and celebrated for the part it played in turning the entertainer into a household name.
Released on December 25th 1998, the movie tells the horrific tale of a high school which holds a dark and deadly secret….its faculty is being controlled by aliens.
Perhaps a “fresh” take on Wanger’s ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’, the project was fronted by Elijah Wood (‘Lord of the Rings’) Salma Hayek, Josh Hartnett and the fresh-faced chart “slaying” R&B newbie that was Usher.
Only four years removed from his self-titled album at the time, the singer was sought out by Miramax Films who were keen to use his pulling power to magnetise his music loving audience.
Did it work?
The release would lead the way for the performer’s roles in the movie ‘She’s All That’, ‘Light It Up’ and 2001’s ‘Texas Rangers‘, in which he starred alongside Ashton Kutcher.