Damson Idris’s star has been rising rapidly since his breakout role in FX’s “Snowfall,” and now, he’s accelerating even further with his latest venture: starring alongside Brad Pitt in Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer’s highly anticipated Formula 1 movie. In an exclusive interview with Vanity Fair, Idris opens up about his journey, the challenges of his new role, and his reflections on his career so far.
When Joseph Kosinski, the director of “Top Gun: Maverick,” announced his next project—a Formula 1 movie with Brad Pitt—Hollywood buzzed with excitement. Idris, who secured the coveted role of the young lead, recalls the thrilling moment captured by paparazzi: “That was our first day of filming,” he says. “I look to my left, it’s Brad Pitt. I look to my right, it’s Javier Bardem. I look at my hands, they’re shaking. And we shoot all of this epic stuff and all the amazing drivers are there, from Lewis [Hamilton] to [Max] Verstappen to everyone.”
Idris shares the gruelling realities of filming on set in Abu Dhabi: “I was in the car for 45 minutes today. It sounds normal, but it’s not. It’s very hot out here. You’re strapped in, sweating through the helmet. You lose so much weight.” Despite the physical demands, Idris remains focused, proud of his growing knowledge of Formula 1 cars and the excitement shared by the crew, many of whom binged “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.”
Born in Peckham, Southeast London, Idris is the youngest of six and the only one in his family not born in Nigeria. His mother’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired him. “When we arrived in London, you had to kind of hustle again and make your way up,” he explains. His family’s support, even if they preferred he pursued roles in soaps, has been unwavering. “I’ll be working at the National Theater and she’s like, ‘Yeah, that’s great, but when are you going to end up on EastEnders?’”
Idris’s portrayal of Franklin Saint in “Snowfall” earned him critical acclaim over its six seasons. Reflecting on the show’s success, he notes, “We were a show that kind of went below the radar for about three, four seasons, and then COVID hit and streaming boomed. All of a sudden it’s like I can’t go to Ralphs anymore, and the biggest musicians in the world are talking about Franklin. It’s ageing like wine, and I’m just thrilled that I could be a part of something like that. I think Snowfall will live forever.”
Idris’s career hit a high note when he won Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series at the NAACP Awards for “Snowfall’s” final season. He beat out industry titans like Forest Whitaker, Jesse L. Martin, and his mentor Idris Elba. His acceptance speech, highlighting his mother’s long journey from Lagos to Los Angeles, went viral. “She’s the most famous woman in Nigeria right now,” Idris laughs. Elba’s playful attempt to “steal the trophy” during the ceremony underscores their close bond.
Another memorable moment came when Denzel Washington, initially unaware of Idris, playfully tickled him at a basketball game after they finally met. “God willing, one day I will get to work with him,” Idris muses.
Landing the role in the Formula 1 movie was a pivotal moment. “I get a call from Joe like, ‘Hey, do you want to be a Formula 1 driver?’ I was like, ‘I’m in Turks and Caicos right now, but I can leave right now.’ Next thing you know, I was in London at Rockingham and in Silverstone training every day.”
Driving on a wet track during his audition was nerve-wracking. “It was wet that day, I’ll never forget. I was like, Oh my gosh, please don’t crash. One, because you’ll probably die, but two, more importantly, you won’t get the part.”
Idris speaks highly of director Kosinski, calling him “a director’s director” and praising his cinematic vision. He equally admires Brad Pitt’s skills behind the wheel, noting Pitt’s humility and impressive driving ability. “Talk about a superstar. His humility is second to none. I don’t know if people know this, but he is really good behind that car. Really good. Too good almost. He makes me nervous how good he is.”
Off-screen, Idris has a keen interest in fashion. “I’m intrigued by my history, what I like and how I felt living in the hood where no one’s wearing Prada but really loving Prada. Tommy Hilfiger was the first thing I ever bought from Bicester Village,” he reminisces.
Click here to read full cover story.
English