Tosin Cole is said to be a chameleon actor who likes to change his appearance for each role. Recently, we saw him in the cinema in the biopic on Bob Marley “One Love”, where he played the pianist of the king of reggae. For three years he also played Ryan Sinclair, one of Doctor Who’s companions, in the eponymous series. New change of register for the 31-year-old Briton with the new superhero series “SupraCell”, available from June 27, 2024, on Netflix.
“SupraCell” shows areas of London that are far from tourist clichés. For what?
Rapman, the creator, writer and producer of “SupraCell,” is from South London. He wanted to show the different groups of people of all origins who live in these neighborhoods, even if some are often stigmatized because they are part of minorities. But also because we must stop thinking that when an individual comes from a difficult corner of a big city, this will necessarily determine their entire existence in a negative way. Rapman talks about what he has known for a long time and it sets the tone for the different characters in the series, showing a real diversity of people who live in London.
How is this series different from the superhero series we’ve seen for years?
It is very different in the sense that these characters are not superheroes who must save the world from an invasion of aliens, for example. Everyone can relate to one of the heroes of “SupraCell” because deep down, we play normal people who one day find themselves having powers. Some may use their power for their own benefit, others to help people or save them from difficult situations. Our episodes depict everyday situations and force viewers to ask themselves what they would do in these characters’ shoes, if they had power. No other superhero series or movie has the realism of “SupraCell.”
You are presented as a chameleon actor. Do you agree?
I take this as a compliment, because I think it is essential for an actor to know how to change his skin from one project to another and therefore to also modify his appearance, if we do not want to receive the same style permanent proposal.
Is it true that you stopped studying a few weeks before the final exam, even though you were an excellent student?
My dream has always been to do theater or act in front of the cameras. I was offered my first roles when I was 17 and had lots of auditions, including for one of the UK’s most popular shows, ‘EastEnders’. Even though I had nothing against continuing my studies, the question of choosing between my passion and school did not arise for very long (laughing). And I have no regrets!
