As we all know, Hollywood icons don't achieve superstar-status overnight. All actors have to start somewhere, and it's a rollercoaster journey with as many twists, turns and loop-the-loops as possible until they reach their success destination, and the latest actor to have arrived is Daniel Kaluuya. Becoming a household name after playing Chris Washington in Jordan Peele's thriller Get Out, the actor has stolen the nation's hearts, winning the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award that was chosen by the public.
Now, try and think back to a time before he starred in the film that led him to become W'Kabi in Black Panther. Now try and think further back to a time before he became the first actor of Ugandan descent to be nominated for an Oscar. Now try and think really far back to a time where he was a staple on several BBC TV shows. No, we're not trying to send you to 'The Sunken Place', we're just helping you to remember times you've possibly seen Kaluuya, without realising it. Since appearing on our screens over ten years ago, the 29-year old has been involved in numerous British blockbusters alongside Rowan Atkinson and daring dramas with David Tennant.
Still can't remember? Let's take a trip down memory lane:
1. Skins
Any millennial will know that Kaluuya portrayed plummy-voiced Posh Kenneth in E4's teen-based drama Skins. Appearing in seasons 1 and 2 as a wannabe rapper from a high-class background, he made a lasting impression on fans even though he was only a minor character in the series from 2007-2009.
However, most people are unaware that Kaluuya dabbled in screenwriting in his early years. He was a co-writer for Skins during his time on the show, as well as being a head staff writer for episodes titled 'Jal' and 'Thomas'.
Talking to Vice, Kaluuya mentioned he got the role which launched his career by accident. "Skins was looking for young writers, so I went there as a writer before the show was cast," he told the outlet. "Then I went to an open audition, which I didn't realise was for Skins. I was only supposed to be in one episode, but apparently, I did really well in a read-through, and they wrote me in for more."
Available to watch on 4oD.
2. Doctor Who
If you’re a Doctor Who devotee, you’ll already know Kaluuya starred as Barclay in an episode called ‘Planet of the Dead’, written by Russel T. Davis and Gareth Roberts, back in 2009.
Yes, that's right, in this Easter special, he worked alongside David Tennant, during his turn as the space adventuring alien, as well as comedian, Lee Evans. He played a passenger on his way to meet his soon-to-be girlfriend Tina, but the bus was sucked into a wormhole, leaving him to be a companion of the Doctor in this time-travelling chapter
Available to watch on Netflix.
3. Johnny English Reborn
In 2011, Kaluuya took the part of Agent Colin Tucker in the sequel to the successful(ish) James Bond spoof. Playing an attentive and alert apprentice to Rowan Atkinson’s Johnny English, Kaluuya is very much the show-stopping sidekick, creating a stand out performance as well as saving English's life many times from their enemies, Vortex.
According to Atkinson, Kaluuya was the only suitable actor for the role. "We auditioned 40 or 50, 20-something, male actors for the part, and he literally was the only one who was absolutely right." He told Collider. "My only regret about Daniel was that we didn’t do more with him."
We completely agree with Atkinson! Do you?
Available to purchase.
4. The Fades
BBC Three's award-winning supernatural drama was the next show to snap up young Kaluuya, casting him as 17-year-old walking encyclopedia, Michael 'Mac' Armstrong. Staring alongside Iain De Caestecker, the pair found themselves involved in an army against the evil 'Fades' led by fellow Skins star, Joe Dempsie.
Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after one season proving to be ahead of its time, which is a shame because who doesn't love a good spooky show?
Available to purchase.
5. Black Mirror
Embracing his most freaky small-screen role, in 2011 Kaluuya appeared in Charlie Brooker’s dystopian TV series Black Mirror, which you should already know unless you’ve been living under a rock. Taking on the character of Bingham ‘Bing’ Madsen in season 1's Fifteen Million Merits, the episode is a satirical take on talent shows, living in a world where the only chance to escape a life of drudgery is to win the program 'Hot Shots'.
Interestingly, however, there was a four-year gap between Kaluuya filming Black Mirror to when his acting career took off, due to streaming site Netflix only becoming popular back in 2015 in America. Jordan Peele noticed Kaluuya because of his appearance on the show, which led him to obtain his breakthrough role.
Available to watch on Netflix.
6. Kick Ass 2
Switching things up from his usual good-guy characters, in Kaluuya's next big-screen role he became Black Death in the 2013 sequel to superhero movie Kick-Ass. Joining a criminal gang, led by Superbad's Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kaluuya proved he is a man of many talents when it comes to acting.
With a deadly right-hook accompanied with his spine-chilling skull mask, he joined his boss on a crime spree, rampaging through the town. Although Kaluuya's appearance is limited, his presence certainly packs a punch.
Available to watch on Netflix.
7. Sicario
In his last movie performance before Get Out changed his life forever, Kaluuya portrayed FBI agent Reggie Wayne, playing a supporting role alongside Emily Blunt in Denis Villeneuve’s 2015 dark drug thriller, Sicario. The film grossed $12.1 million on its opening weekend, making it a financial success and exceeding expectations.
If you haven't already laid eyes on Sicario, here's what to expect from Kaluuya himself. "It’s a film that’ll make you think, that’ll make you feel." He told The Knock Tunnel. "Cinematically, it’s an impressive piece of work. I mean it will make you jump, be at the edge of your seat, hold your breath, go crazy."
Available to purchase.
So, how many roles did you recognise?
Recently adding Black Panther to his resume, starring in Marvel's cinematic universe (as we know, he is no stranger to superhero movies), Kaluuya is becoming accustomed to breaking records wherever he goes. Released in mid-February, the film has become one of Marvel's highest grossing productions making over $800 million worldwide.
The London-born actor is now one of Hollywood's most promising new stars and has already secured his next thriller role as Jatemme in Windows starring alongside Liam Neeson and Viola Davis. Set to be released in late November, just in time for awards season, we're confident he'll soon be making another appearance on the red carpet, if not multiple, let's just hope he doesn't sink into the floor (again).
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