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Damson Idris continues to cement his place as one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation, earning praise for his role as Joshua Pearce in F1, a high-octane racing drama co-starring Brad Pitt and produced by seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton. As the film enjoys global box office success—crossing the $300 million mark and becoming Apple’s highest-grossing film to date—Idris is also making headlines for his refreshing take on acting and celebrity culture.
In a recent interview with Amelia Dimoldenberg for Chicken Shop Date, Idris spoke candidly about his experience on set, particularly his time with Lewis Hamilton. Reflecting on the bond they formed, Idris described Hamilton as “the coolest guy in the world,” adding that the professional driver personally taught him how to drive for the film. This hands-on mentorship added an authentic layer to the racing scenes and strengthened the camaraderie between cast and crew.
The conversation also delved into Idris’s approach to acting, where he made it clear he’s not a fan of method acting. Citing an amusing post-Snowfall moment, Idris recalled slipping into his character’s American accent while around family, only to be met with a sharp reality check. “Very quickly they were like, ‘Shut up and talk normal,’” he laughed, highlighting his belief in separating character from real life once the cameras stop rolling.
Amelia also brought up a persistent rumor suggesting Idris keeps a photo of Denzel Washington in his dressing room as a form of inspiration. Idris playfully dismissed the claim, saying, “Why would I? I mean, where is the dressing room?” His laid-back response underscored his humble, grounded nature, even in the face of rising fame.
As F1 continues to perform strongly at the box office, outperforming titles like Napoleon, Damson Idris’s career trajectory seems to be accelerating just as fast as the cars in the movie. With his blend of charm, talent, and a down-to-earth attitude, he’s proving he belongs in the same league as the legends he’s often compared to.