Shemar Moore is gearing up for the second season of his popular series, ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles,’ revealing to PEOPLE the challenges he faces in maintaining the physicality required for his character, Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. At 56 years old, Moore acknowledges that keeping up with the demanding requirements of the role is becoming increasingly difficult, yet remains dedicated to his craft.
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The seasoned actor, who has been portraying Hondo since ‘S.W.A.T.’ debuted in 2017, shared insights on his training regimen as he prepares for another round of action-packed filming. “It’s a priority for me,” he stated, adding, “I’m in the gym right now and I’m eating right.” With the upcoming season set to hit screens soon, Moore is determined to embody the essence of his character once again.
Reflecting on the physical demands of the role, he admitted that the routine he follows today is far more intensive than it was a decade ago. “Fifteen years ago, it was a lot easier,” Moore commented candidly. He remains committed to his fitness, training with a personal trainer he has relied on for 20 years. “He’s kicking my butt to get it all together,” he said, highlighting the reality of the challenge he faces in achieving the desired physique.
Beyond appearances, Moore emphasised the necessity of fitness for the role. “It’s not just vanity,” he said, explaining that the action sequences require a significant level of stamina and strength. Each episode of ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ takes roughly eight days to film, with extensive action scenes comprising about half that time. Moore elaborated on the rigorous demands, from chasing suspects and engaging in fight scenes to executing stunts like jumping off fire escapes and dangling from helicopters.
As part of the ensemble cast of ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles,’ Moore expressed a sense of responsibility to uphold the integrity of law enforcement professionals who inspire the series. “We’re having fun and entertaining, but we must show respect to the men and women of law enforcement,” he asserted. This dedication to authenticity serves as a motivating factor for Moore and his co-stars, who aim to portray the reality of their characters’ experiences with sincerity.
Having transitioned from the original ‘S.W.A.T.’ series to its spinoff, Moore acknowledged the challenges of bidding farewell to his long-time co-stars. “It was hard,” he recalled, but he also relished the opportunity that ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ provides to delve deeper into Hondo’s personal journey. “It’s still Hondo, but now you’re going to see a more human element of perseverance and finding purpose,” he noted.
Despite the increasing challenges associated with his role, Moore remains steadfast in his commitment to continue playing Hondo for as long as possible. “I ain’t quitting until Father Time says, ‘Hey, sit down somewhere,’” he declared with unwavering determination.
The anticipation for the second season of ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ is palpable, with the premiere date set for September 25 on STARZ. As Moore prepares to return to the screen, he remains a symbol of resilience and dedication, inspiring both fans and aspiring actors alike to pursue their passions relentlessly. With Hondo’s character evolving, viewers can expect an engaging season filled with action, emotion, and depth.