Brad Pitt and Damson Idris star together in F1, the anticipated film set to premiere on June 27th in U.S. theaters, with Idris realizing a long-held dream of working alongside the Hollywood icon. The project brings together two dynamic actors, with Idris playing hotshot rookie Joshua Pearce and Pitt portraying his experienced rival, Sonny Hayes, marking a significant milestone for both talents.
Damson Idris Rises from Humble Beginnings in London
Adamson Alade-Bo Idris, recognized on screen as Damson Idris, has often spoken about his modest upbringing in South East London. Recalling his early days, the British-Nigerian actor has described his childhood home as overcrowded and filled with challenges, including worn-out furnishings and scarce resources. As the youngest of six children, he credits his mother for instilling perseverance and optimism in her family, despite tough circumstances.
While most of his siblings chose stable career paths in fields like law, IT, or business, Idris found his calling in the arts. Transitioning from stage productions to UK television, he steadily refined his acting skills and forged essential relationships within the entertainment industry, all while setting his sights on Hollywood success.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment during his stage run in The Lion King, Idris shared an encounter that sparked his aspirations to collaborate with Brad Pitt.
“one day I’m going to work with him.”
—Damson Idris, Actor
A Breakthrough Role Demands Dedication to Craft
Idris achieved a significant breakthrough in 2016 when he took on the starring role in the FX drama Snowfall, helmed by John Singleton. After dedicating considerable time to perfecting his American accent, he won the role of Franklin Saint, a young man navigating Los Angeles during the 1980s crack epidemic—a performance that brought him both recognition and steady work over six seasons.
During his tenure on Snowfall, Idris expanded his film résumé with roles in City of Tiny Lights and Megan Leavey, the latter featuring Kate Mara. He also led the autobiographical drama Farming, directed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, with his portrayal of Enitan earning him a top acting prize at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Notably, his collaboration with Anthony Mackie in Netflix’s sci-fi feature Outside the Wire further showcased his versatility. Beyond acting, Idris added another achievement to his growing list in 2023 when he became a Tommy Hilfiger menswear ambassador.
The Challenging On-Set Experience of Filming ‘F1’
In F1, Idris embodies Joshua Pearce, competing for Apex Grand Prix Team (APXGP), with Pitt’s Sonny Hayes as his formidable adversary. The actors performed their own driving scenes at racing locations such as Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom, increasing the authenticity of the film. The intensity of the production left a strong impression on Idris during his first day on set.
“I look to my left, it’s Brad Pitt. Look to my right, it’s Javier Bardem. I look at my hands, they’re shaking,”
—Damson Idris, Actor.
“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.”
—Damson Idris, Actor
Off camera, Idris’s enthusiasm for performance cars remains clear. His personal collection includes vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911 GTS, and he is often seen driving through Los Angeles in cars such as the Porsche Taycan, Bentley Flying Spur, or Mercedes-AMG G 63.
The release of F1 not only fulfills Idris’s aspiration to work with Pitt, but also introduces a new sports drama centered on speed, rivalry, and ambition, aiming to captivate audiences with its real-life racing sequences and behind-the-scenes stories. As summer approaches, the film is positioned as a major theatrical event, offering both Hollywood spectacle and a look at the dedication of its stars.
