MB14, born Mohamed Belkhir, expresses his fervor for music and acting, revealing his journey from ‘The Voice’ finalist to lead roles in film and television. Currently starring in *Cat’s Eyes* as police officer Quentin Chapuis, he navigates a complex mix of humor and drama while uncovering personal connections. Reflecting on his growth from beatboxing to acting, MB14 shares insights on character development, the challenges of filming in iconic Paris locations, and the emotional depth he brings to his role.
MB14’s Passion for Music and Acting
With a contagious enthusiasm, MB14 shares his love for the arts. *”Music and acting are the things that excite me the most on Earth. I can’t imagine my life without them,”* he beams during our conversation. Born Mohamed Belkhir, this 30-year-old artist first captured attention as a contestant on ‘The Voice’ nearly ten years ago. Although he was a finalist in season 5, finishing behind Slimane, his journey took a remarkable turn when Claude Zidi Jr. spotted him on the show, ultimately casting him in the lead role of the film *Ténor*, released in 2022.
From Beatboxer to Leading Actor
Fast forward two years, and MB14 is now showcasing his talent in *Cat’s Eyes*. *”I already had a bit of a connection with TF1, which sparked my interest,”* he reveals. The Amiens native steps into the shoes of Quentin Chapuis, a police officer investigating burglaries in the captivating Paris art scene. Little does he know, one of the culprits is Tamara Chamade (Camille Lou), his former partner who mysteriously left him five years ago. *”This series encompasses humor, drama, comedy, tragedy, action, and romance. It’s a blend of diverse worlds. It can make you laugh, cry, and it’s filled with thrilling music and intense moments,”* MB14 shares, emphasizing his passion for such multifaceted projects.
**How did you find yourself in the cast of this highly anticipated French series?**
**MB14:** My agent received a casting call in spring 2023. I had no prior knowledge of *Cat’s Eyes*. Growing up in the 90s with shows like *Pokémon*, *Totally Spies*, and *Yu-Gi-Oh!*, I felt a thrill reading the first episode’s script. The chase scene at the Eiffel Tower hinted at a thrilling adventure. I was fortunate that director Alexandre Laurent wanted to meet me for an audition, which lasted about two hours and was filled with great chemistry. Interestingly, Camille Lou walked by during my audition, and I instinctively thought she might be playing Tamara.
**You seem to enjoy surprising people with your talent. Did you approach the audition with that mindset?**
I aimed to be as convincing as possible, believing I had everything to gain and nothing to lose. Just being invited to audition felt like a victory. I’ve always been the underdog, from being a beatboxer among singers on ‘The Voice’ to a singer among beatboxers in battles. It’s thrilling to challenge myself and find a place in this world. With *Cat’s Eyes*, I’m starting to gain confidence, and I believe some see potential in me that I’m yet to discover.
**How did your experience in *Ténor* with Michèle Laroque prepare you for *Cat’s Eyes*?**
I recognize how fortunate I am to land a lead role early in my career. Just as ‘The Voice’ served as a training ground for *Ténor*, that experience helped me grow as an actor. It was an extensive playground where I could explore opera, rap, and familiarize myself with the camera, honing my skills for a larger project like *Cat’s Eyes*, which spanned almost five months with about fifty shooting days in stunning locations.
**Camille Lou mentioned that you had numerous discussions about your character, Quentin…**
Honestly, I was surprised to be cast. As someone aspiring to direct, I wouldn’t have chosen myself based on my accent and speaking style from the North. I envisioned Quentin as tall, handsome, and muscular—a deep-voiced American archetype. However, Camille and Alexandre helped me uncover the more sensitive, authentic side of Quentin, which is essential to the character in the series.
**In the production notes, Quentin is described as *’an upright, daring, and idealistic cop’*. Yet, he seems to be a heartbroken lover beneath it all, right?**
Absolutely! He embodies bravery and takes risks to fulfill his mission, possessing a vigilante instinct. However, we focused on the man behind the badge. Quentin is both confident and determined in his investigations but also emotionally sensitive, especially with Gwen (Cindy Bruna) and Tamara. We all have that one person who makes us lose our composure, and for Quentin, that’s Tamara—his emotional kryptonite.
**Quentin spends a significant part of the series chasing Tamara, unaware of her identity. Did you anticipate the physical demands of this role?**
Not at all! If there’s a season two, I’ll definitely prepare differently and engage in sprint training. I hurt my knee during a chase scene at the Eiffel Tower on just the second day of shooting. Running in boots, rather than sneakers, added to the challenge!
**Did you prepare by watching the original animated series?**
I managed to catch about three episodes. While I enjoyed it, I didn’t think I could portray Quentin in that style! Adapting manga to live action is complex, as the original often allows for emotional and situational extremes that are hard to replicate. I aimed to see our *Cat’s Eyes* as a unique story set in Paris, which helped keep me grounded. Alexandre, our director, allowed me the freedom to adapt my lines and add personal touches.
**What surprised you most about this extensive shoot?**
So many things! Filming at iconic Parisian landmarks like the Louvre and Palace of Versailles was surreal. Experiencing the Eiffel Tower at night, 200 meters high in the rain and cold, felt unbelievable—an opportunity of a lifetime! Despite challenging weather, the camaraderie on set was fantastic. Creating a series like this is akin to fitting a liter of water into a 75 cl bottle—it demands immense dedication from everyone involved. Yet, it was also filled with laughter and light moments.