The rise of 33-year-old Damson Idris is a true success story, catapulting him from the streets of Peckham, South London, to the heights of Hollywood. Far from being a path paved with gold, his journey is marked by perseverance and unwavering determination, as evidenced by his driving lessons: “When I finally passed [my driving test], I was an exceptional driver, the best in Peckham,” he confides with a mischievous smile during a recent photoshoot.

If Damson Idris’s name isn’t familiar to you yet, get ready to discover him. Those who’ve been captivated by the intensity of “Snowfall” and its dive into the dark underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles, or thrilled by the menacing androids of “Outside the Wire,” already know the extent of his talent. But it’s with Joseph Kosinski’s highly anticipated film “F1,” released this Wednesday, June 25, that the British actor is set to shift into high gear.

Before conquering screens, Damson Idris dreamed of gracing football fields, aspiring to be the next Ronaldo. But fate had other plans. After promising early roles in British productions, it was the American series “Snowfall” that offered him his first major role, taking him far from his hometown. To finance his trip to the United States, he worked in a sneaker store, always keeping Hollywood’s spotlight in his sights. His audition for “Snowfall” was an immediate success, directly impressing Dave Andron, the showrunner and co-creator of the series.

Today, Damson Idris is much more than just a hot actor: he’s a true phenomenon. An ambassador for renowned brands like Prada and Tommy Hilfiger, the Anglo-Nigerian captures all eyes, both on the runway and on screen, ever since his breakthrough in “Snowfall.”

After a meteoric rise on the small screen, Damson Idris is set to make a significant mark in one of 2025’s most anticipated films. He’s co-starring in “F1” alongside none other than Brad Pitt, in a high-speed epic that required four months of intensive training to portray a fighter pilot. This exceptional training was provided by experts, including paddock legend Lewis Hamilton, who is also a co-producer on the film. Although Idris had already driven race cars, including Porsches, his initial confidence quickly evaporated when he learned to drive at speeds approaching 300 km/h.

With “F1,” Damson Idris is poised to definitively establish himself as an international star. Buckle up, because his ascent has just begun.