Sheyi Cole - World In Motion
British actor Sheyi Cole, recognised for his performances in acclaimed productions, from HBO’s Full Circle and Steve McQueen’s Small Axe. As he gears up for his latest role in the brand new Netflix feature The Beautiful Game, delving into the real-life drama of the annual Homeless World Cup tournament, Cole's journey from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to the forefront of the entertainment industry is nothing short of remarkable. In this exclusive interview we explore his transformative portrayal and the powerful narratives driving his career forward.
(Left) Cover: Sheyi Cole in Saint Laurent, photographed by Vic Lentaigne in London / Styling by Sylvester Yiu / Grooming by Bianca Simone Scott @ The Only Agency using Fenty Beauty and ARKIVE Headcare scalp serum / Photography assistant: Darren Skene / Studio: The Cove Studio / Cover design by Studio ATOF, ‘Louise’ typeface by Ange Degheest, Eugénie Bidaut, distributed by Velvetyne.fr / Special thanks to Telescope and The Only Agency
Your breakout role as Alex Wheatle in Steve McQueen's Small Axe received critical acclaim. How you prepared for this role, and what inspired your portrayal of the character?
For a character as complex as Alex a lot of work has to be done. I was extremely lucky that Alex could be around whenever I needed. Alex and his family were super helpful when it came to understanding who he is as an individual - his likes and dislikes. But, even having to understand what it was like in the 80s I needed references. Steve McQueen and his team around him helped me immensely when it came to transporting back to a time before I was born. I felt incredibly supported by everyone at all times.
Shirt with floral print by ALEXANDER McQUEEN
Small Axe has been celebrated for its portrayal of untold stories from the Black British experience. How do you feel the anthology series has contributed to the representation of these narratives in mainstream media?
That’s a hard question to answer. If I’m being honest things like Small Axe take years to get green lit as they aren’t your conventional mainstream show. But I do hope that it encouraged other film makers and people in the industry to continue to fight for what they believe in. To educate through film and tv. I recently watched Lenny Henry’s show ‘Three Little Birds’ and I commend everyone involved because stories about Black Britain are not always easy to get out there.
Shirt with bow-neck details by SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO
In the latest Netflix feature The Beautiful Game, you star alongside an impressive cast. What drew you to this project, and what can audiences expect from your character in the film?
The straight answer is football. Football drew me to it. Football has been the love of my life from as early as I can remember, playing Sunday league from such a young age I have plenty of fond memories throughout my childhood. It was the first sport I had a connection with. As the cast grew, I later found out my good friend Michael Ward would be staring in it so accepting the role was a no brainer. It later went on to be one of the best moments of my life.
Playing someone like Jason really didn’t feel like work, we have a lot of similar personality traits. We think positively, we love people and we love football. You can expect a childlike innocence from this young man in his transitional years. His naivety sometimes gets him in trouble, but honestly, he means well!
Shirt with floral print by ALEXANDER McQUEEN
The Beautiful Game revolves around the annual Homeless World Cup tournament, shedding light on societal issues. How do you approach portraying the challenges faced by your character and the broader themes of the film?
When it comes to any character I work on I have to look at the humanity of a person, not their circumstance. The humanity of someone is so much more interesting and complex. While they are certainly informed by their particular circumstance, their character shouldn’t be solely reduced to it. My character Jason, for example, is a young boy with great ambition and heart, who is also experiencing homelessness.
Shirt with bow-neck details by SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO, leather trousers - stylist’s own
You've been recognised as one of Forbes' 30 under 30 in the entertainment sphere and named on the Dazed100 Hot List in 2023. How do you navigate the pressures and expectations that come with such accolades while staying true to your craft?
For me it’s always been about the work. If awards and accolades come it’s only a plus, but the real reward is hearing and seeing how much your work effects people all around you. I get more excitement knowing my work has reached people all over the globe than the accolades that come from it. I always want to pick work that means something, work that allows me to collaborate with auteurs, people that are kings and queens of their craft. I guess most of those people tend to win awards, but when working closely with them it is never something they chase or even think about it. They let the work speak for itself.
Shirt with floral print by ALEXANDER McQUEEN
With an impressive portfolio of work already at such a young age, what kind of roles or projects are you eager to explore in the future? Are there any particular stories or characters you're passionate about bringing to life on screen?
I would LOVE to be a part of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) playing Miles Morals in a live action feature. I just see so many similarities in our vibe and ambition, personally I think he’s the coolest superhero in the universe after Blade and Iron Man, and I’d like to think I’m pretty cool myself (ha ha).
I haven’t had my professional stage debut yet, but playing Romeo too would be cool, I think he’s one of the more interesting characters we have for young male actors.
Finally, what do you think SID stands for?
Stay in demand - keep creative, keep fresh, stay busy and don’t let anyone box you in! SC
The Beautiful Game - out now exclusively on Netflix (subscription apply)
Trailer below:
Music video for ‘World In Motion’, preformed by New Order, 1990. Th single was released as a single in 1990 to celebrate England's appearance at the 1990 World Cup in Italy (Italia '90).
