I know, I know: Idris Elba is still out here killing the game, saving the world, kicking ass and taking names. Trust me, I’m well aware (and a fan of every time he does it). But it’s always fun to get people talking right? And it’s never too late to see who the next rising action star akin to Elba could be.
So it’s in that vein that we present this list. If you see your faves on here, great! If not, don’t lose hope, there’s always next time.
Now that Damson Idris’ tenure as Franklin Saint is over, he’s open to more work that’s sure to accentuate the range he developed while on the popular FX series, Snowfall. And I know I’m not the only one who can already envision him following in Elba’s footsteps but more importantly: charting a phenomenal acting path on his own.
There’s not a lot I can say about Daniel Kaluuya that hasn’t already been said before but I’ll leave you with this: Jordan Peele called him “his De Niro.” If that doesn’t sell you, (along with his filmography and good looks)—I don’t know what will.
I’m fully convinced there’s nothing or no role John Boyega can’t crush but if you’re still on the fence, just watch his last three films (They Cloned Tyrone, The Woman King, and Breaking) and then come back to me.
Kingsley Ben-Adir may have everyone enamored by his softer side in this summer hit movie, Barbie, but if you took some time to watch his performance in the Disney+ series Secret Invasion then you know we are OWED more roles for him to be the bad guy. He’s good...a little too good which means those scripts need to be rolling in.
While he established his status as a hands-down hearthrob in Bridgerton, it was his antics in this year’s Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves (and his stint as a crooked CIA officer in The Gray Man) that leaves me wanting to see him in more action, ass-kicking roles. You hear that, Hollywood? Time’s a-wasting. Give the people what they want!
Aaron Pierre is another face you don’t see often, but when he appears all eyes are on him—and it’s not because his blue eyes look like pools you could spend all day floating in either. The vulnerability he brings to his characters, much like the role he portrayed in the 2022 film Brother is something we all need regular doses of.
I’ve been counting down the days that Alfred Enoch was consistently back on my TV screen since his character was killed off on How to Get Away With Murder years ago. I’m still waiting even though I know (and he probably does too) that he shouldn’t be. This man has it all—but the right film and TV shows that let him explore his action/horror/thriller or even rom-com side. Come on Hollywood, you’re slacking and I won’t stand for it too much longer!
Daniel Ezra may be a convincing football player on All American, but I have a strong feeling the depth we’ve seen on that show is merely scratching the surface of what all he has to offer.
I’m sorry—did you say something? I was too busy dreaming about how I wish I could’ve switched places with Emily in season two of Emily in Paris just to be next to Lucien Laviascount. He’s got the looks, the charm, and the chops. Where is his action film?!
Justice for Nicholas Pinnock because the powers that be know we needed more seasons to see his performance on For Life. Not only was it gripping, but it was also compelling—two qualities anybody looking to be the “next Idris Elba” certainly need to possess.
Fans of the popular Netflix series, Lupin, are already familiar with Omar Sy’s skills. And with a killer smile like that, he needs to constantly be on the phone with Hollywood not now—but RIGHT NOW.
The power that Martins Imhangbe has onscreen cannot be overstated, I mean he was the only other actor able to steal attention away from Rege-Jean Page when were sharing scenes together in Bridgerton—and that’s no easy feat, respectfully. Put some respect on this man’s name and shoot him and action script!
There is no one being talked about more for their performance in Interview with the Vampire as much as Jacob Anderson is and that’s for a good reason. Somebody give this man an action-horror-thriller NOW.
Aml Ameen proved he’s a catch when it comes to rom-coms (looking at you Boxing Day) and go-to guy when it comes to portraying historical figures (he’ll be playing Martin Luther King Jr. in the upcoming film, Rustin)—but it’s time for him to don a suit and get into his action bag. I know he has it in him.
There’s no denying this British bruv has what it takes, but if you needed proof—stream the first two seasons of Bel-Air on Peacock and tell me his performance doesn’t make a compelling case.
If you haven’t tapped into Sope Dirisu’s amazing acting via Gangs of London, then I don’t know what you’re waiting for.
While many may remember Parker Sawyers as Barack Obama in Southside With You, he’s also been killing it in the popular Max (formerly HBO Max series,) Spy/Master.
ALL HAIL TOPBOY! No but seriously, it’s solely because of Ashley Water’s fire-ass performance in the hit Netlfix series that makes me give him my co-sign as the next Idris Elba. (Drake is also a fan, so there’s that.)
David Jonsooon proved he was the one to watch in the Sundance favorite, Rye Lane, released earlier this year. He may be young, but that only means he’s got more time to show us more of his acting chops.
Trekkies already know what type of time “Book” is on in Star Trek: Discovery, its time for the rest of the world to know it too.
