Shannon Gisela, Brittany Adebumola and Dylan Jackson Talk M.I.A., Miami, Friendship and Found Family

Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias spoke with Shannon Gisela, Brittany Adebumola and Dylan Jackson during press day for M.I.A..

The trio opened up about bringing Etta, Lovely and Stanley to life, while also discussing the emotional core of the series, the importance of Miami, and the natural chemistry that helped shape their on-screen friendship.

Shannon Gisela discussed how she connected with Etta from the beginning, especially through the character’s South Florida roots and bicultural identity. For Shannon, love is at the center of who Etta is — love for her family, love for life, and the emotional drive that carries her through the season.

Brittany Adebumola described Lovely as the most open of the trio. Lovely leads with her heart and brings light, spirituality and balance to Etta’s world. Her connection to Haitian culture and her ancestors gives the character a unique emotional perspective.

Dylan Jackson broke down Stanley’s role in the group, explaining that Stanley understands Miami and knows how to read people quickly. While he brings some humor to the series, he also carries a sense of realism and emotional awareness that helps balance the group.

When asked about building trust together, the cast shared that their chemistry came naturally. From early chemistry reads to spending time together in Miami, their bond grew organically and helped create the sense of found family that comes through on screen.

Miami at the Heart of M.I.A.

The cast also spoke about how important Miami is to the series. Beyond the familiar images of Miami Beach, M.I.A. explores neighborhoods like Little Haiti, Little Havana, El Portal and Miami Shores, while also touching on real issues such as environmental gentrification.

Shannon added that much of the crew was made up of local hires, giving the production a homegrown feeling and a sense of pride in showcasing Florida.

• Shannon Gisela plays Etta, the emotional center of the series
• Brittany Adebumola plays Lovely, who brings light, heart and spirituality
• Dylan Jackson plays Stanley, whose realism and perception balance the group
• The trio’s natural chemistry strengthens the found family dynamic
• The series highlights Miami culture, neighborhoods and community

With a mix of action, emotion, culture and strong character dynamics, M.I.A. gives audiences a gritty story with real heart. The bond between Etta, Lovely and Stanley is one of the key reasons the series stands out.

Watch the full interview above with Shannon Gisela, Brittany Adebumola and Dylan Jackson on Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias.