Mekonnen “MK” Knife, Star of “Zombies 4,” Shares Favorite Moments from Disney’s Worlds Collide Tour, Behind-the-Scenes of “Mayhem” and Message to Fans

This actor, singer and dancer is touring the country with stars from the “Zombies,” “Descendants” and “Camp Rock” franchises, performing the biggest hits from all three.

Mekonnen "MK" Knife is currently entertaining fans of all ages across the country as part of the cast of Disney's Worlds Collide tour.

The actor, singer and dancer, who plays Vargas in Disney's Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and returns for the upcoming fifth installment, joined forces with other stars from Disney's Zombies, Descendants and Camp Rock franchises for an energetic three-hour world tour across the country. His co-stars are Malachi Barton (Zombies 4, Camp Rock 3), Liamani Segura (Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, Camp Rock 3), Dara Renee (Descendants: Red Rising), Hudson Stone (Camp Rock 3), Suyam Bhatia (Zombies Roaming), and Vyam Bhatia (Zombieland 4). Alexandru Bird (Descendants: Wicked Wonderland). The show features songs from each of those franchises along with some surprises.

Asylum brings back "Nation Z" from the dead (Exclusive)

"Avengers: Endgame" overtakes "Avatar" to return to the top spot at the worldwide box office of all time.

In between tour dates, Naif recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the show, his favorite songs to perform, his fans and his hopes for the future.

Honestly, there are so many moving elements in the show that it's hard to narrow it down to a specific segment. I also enjoy the routines I'm not in and can watch everyone. I think that's one of my favorite parts, being able to see it from a different perspective and watch other people and routines that I'm not in. I think this is something special. Everyone has a time to shine.

The duration of the show is three hours. Then you must be tired!

I mean, it's always high energy. I'm tired—and I'm doing this back-to-back, my body feels it—but the energy we get from the crowd is that extra 1 percent, you know? It keeps us going.

The audience is made up of families who have brought their children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Why do you think this appeals to a wide range of fans?

There are people who are 18 years old, adults and have grown up watching these movies. I think it's made for all demographics. Even if you haven't seen any of the movies and walk in completely blind, you'll still have a great time. There is a lot going on in the show. There's really no chance to sit back and take a nap because there's so much going on. You can't help but have a good time.

This show contains many positive messages. Can you talk a little bit about that and why it's so important to share these kinds of messages with fans?

With this kind of influence and impact that these movies have, there are many motivational messages and quotes in these movies. We wanted to implement that in the show. It's just a good way to be able to talk to a lot of people on such a big stage, share positivity and kindness, and there's no better way to do that than on stage in front of 10,000 people.

Fans also love how the show combines pictures and videos of you all when you were younger. You talk on stage about your dream of becoming a dancer and now you have fulfilled it. You perform in some of the biggest arenas in the country.

It's wild, we're all living our childhood dreams. I love the montage of us as little kids and then seeing us now. This is a really cool feature to add and be able to see your career grow.

What is your favorite song to play during the show?

I had a lot of fun doing "It's On" [from Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam], "Like the Zombies Do" [from Zombies 2] and "Chillin' Like a Villain" from Descendants 2]. These three crushes are really fun together. It's a fun transition from the opening.

You will experience quick costume changes during the show. What is it like behind the scenes all this time?

It's intense [laughs] It just moves a lot of people. It's like the matrix. Everyone comes in and out and in and out. It's a mess, but everyone makes their quick changes and everyone gets there on time. Everyone works together as a team. It's like a real community; Everyone helps in some way I had to do a quick change where I had to finish my solo and then run to the other side of the stage. I have to put my coat on as I run and someone is waiting there holding it. I am literally running in the dark with my arms in my jacket trying to make my mark

You're touring all over the US and then you go global. How is fan interaction when traveling across the country and beyond?

It is special that every city has different energy with fans. No city is the same as before. One of my favorite parts of the show is being able to see how different cities react.

Out of all three film franchises on this tour, do you have a favorite?

Oh my god, you put me in my place. [Laughs] I mean, I have to go with zombies because I love zombies and that's my job. But honestly, I grew up watching all of this. I actually grew up watching Camp Rock before any of them. I grew up watching Camp Rock and High School Musical and then I eventually got into Descendants and found Zombies after Descendants. All of them are special.

The first Camp Rock was released nearly 20 years ago, and other Descendants and Zombies movies are in the works. Why do you think these movies last?

It's positive and people like to be able to relate to music and dance. This is something I connected to when I was a kid, dancing and singing karaoke to these songs in my living room. It's a space where everyone's friends are just having fun. It's something special, and to be able to put it on stage is really cool. Like a new generation of fans who didn't grow up with it, it's their turn to experience what we experienced in our time. Younger, which is really special.

Some of these franchises are five movies in the making and still going strong.

Yes, they keep coming. It's like a sushi [conveyor belt]. [laughs]

Do you feel that the actors have become a second family for you?

Of course, it takes a long time to be on tour. It's different with filming. I'm from Australia, so I'm on the other side of the world with my family. It's a big sacrifice, but I think we're really connected. We spend a lot of time together on the bus, and it's really become a community. Everyone becomes like a family because we are all away from our families.

Has your family been able to come to a program?

Yes, my dad was with me throughout the two months of rehearsals that we had, and he was there for the first two shows. He probably has two more shows and then it's back to Australia. And then my family comes back for the New York shows. I really appreciate them seeing it.

What advice would you give to a young performer who wants to pursue singing, acting, dancing, etc. professionally?

Don't compare yourself to others. Each person's journey is different from the next. Try not to get overwhelmed by what's out there and don't compare yourself to wherever someone else is, what level they're at, or what they're doing in their career or journey. Just because this person is taking it this way doesn't mean yours will be the same way everyone is different in terms of flourishing and flourishing in their journey. Take it at your own pace. And really stick to your village and keep your people close because this industry is really big and it can be very scary and overwhelming. So when you have your people, keep them close.

What happens to you after the end of the tour?

All I can really do right now is tour. I'm down for anything after the tour, whatever opportunity God gives me, I'm happy to do anything. I like to use the live-action space and make movies in that world, and also do stunts. But I'm open to anything.

Is there anything else you would like to tell your fans?

Thank you for your attendance at the exhibitions and thank you for your support. We all appreciate it. There are days when it's physically hard to put on this scale, but the energy [the fans] bring gives us so much love. So I just want to thank you for giving it to us. We appreciate it. It does not go unnoticed.

The Worlds Collide Tour is scheduled to continue until February.

R.J. Former Mitte director says he is 'in complete shock, completely devastated and struggling' following actor's suicide