In “Code 8 Part II” Alex Mallari Jr. plays Sergeant King, the corrupt police officer going up against the film’s heroes.

The Filipino-Canadian actor was originally booked to play another part, but film’s director Jeff Chan asked him to audition for the main villain role.

“Especially because it's not so physical,” Mallari recalled, “and I really got to flex some acting muscles there. Even an opportunity to audition was a big deal for me. And then to be able to tackle it and bring this character to life, I couldn't have been more grateful. 

“I made sure that every day that I was in, I gave it my all,” he added. 

The story is set in a world where certain individuals have power, and are policed through high-tech robotics.

Mallari shared that the injustices he witnessed in his neighborhood growing up, those amongst his own peer group, motivated the choices he made in certain scenes.

“It was important to really make it about the system,” he said. “We tried to remove race out of it, and I guess that's why they went with me as King.”

He also expressed hopes that they how would stir people to engage in conversations about systemic issues in society. 

Fil-Canadian actor Alex Mallari Jr. plays the villain role in the Netflix film "Code 8 Part II." (Courtesy: Netflix)

Mallari relished the opportunity to work with lead actors Robbie, and Stephen Amell, who also co-produced the movie.

“It was both fun and collaborative, but it also had this air of almost intimidation,” said the actor. “They're so good at what they do, just to sit across from them and perform these scenes. I was also a fan at the same time.”

In 2022, Mallari also played the leading man in Discovery+ Christmas rom-com “One Delicious Christmas” that’s still streaming on HBO Max.

The actor shared what it’s like to make romantic films set in winter, but are actually filmed during high-temperature months.

“Filming a Christmas movie in August is very difficult,” he said. “We have to put all the layers on and make it really look wintry. But meanwhile, it's 30 degrees Celsius. It's just boiling and you're sweaty, trying to be cute and none of it is actually cute. I’d do it again though.”

Mallari is also a regular on the hit Netflix series “Ginny and Georgia” which will soon resume back-to-back filming of its seasons three and four.

“Code 8 Part II” is now out on Netflix.