With his recent portrayal of the villainous Gravik in Marvel’s Secret Invasion and his role as one of the Kens in Barbie, Kingsley Ben-Adir has established himself as an actor to watch. Originating from the UK, Ben-Adir started his career in critically acclaimed stage plays in London before transitioning to television and film. Although his filmography may be relatively small, it is filled with successful shows like Peaky Blinders and High Fidelity. Furthermore, Ben-Adir’s future looks promising as he is set to play Bob Marley in an upcoming biopic. To commemorate the conclusion of Secret Invasion, let’s explore some of Ben-Adir’s top movies and TV series thus far.
10. Secret Invasion (2023)
Secret Invasion follows the story of Nick Fury and Talos as they uncover a group of rogue Skrulls who have infiltrated Earth with the intention of exterminating the human race and claiming Earth as their own. Ben-Adir portrays the primary antagonist, Gravik, the leader of the conspirators, and skillfully balances contempt and charisma in his character. Leading a cult requires just that! While Ben-Adir’s performance as the main villain is remarkable, the show itself has received mixed reviews due to its underwhelming finale and the recurring theme of world-ending stakes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nevertheless, Gravik proves to be a more formidable adversary than Kang, earning Secret Invasion a spot on this list.
9. Soulmates (2020)
Created by the minds behind Black Mirror and Ted Lasso, Soulmates is a science fiction anthology series set in a not-too-distant future where Soul Connex, a company, provides a test that accurately predicts a person’s soulmate. Each episode explores a different self-contained story centered around individuals who have chosen to discover their soulmates and the consequential scenarios that arise. Although the show was canceled after one season, it bears resemblance to Black Mirror and is certainly worth a watch. In the first episode, Ben-Adir stars opposite Sarah Snook from Succession as her character’s husband, Franklin. Soulmates delves into the notion that finding one’s soulmate does not necessarily guarantee an easier life.
8. Noelle (2019)
Noelle, a Christmas movie available on Disney Plus, embodies the expected cheesiness and predictability of the genre, but those aspects are not necessarily downfalls. The film follows a family of Santa Clauses through generations after the disappearance of Nick Kringle (Bill Hader), the next in line to become Santa. Noelle (Anna Kendrick), an enthusiastic lover of all things Christmas, embarks on an adventure to locate her brother and save Christmas. She enlists the help of private investigator Jake Hapman (Ben-Adir), and together they search for Noelle’s missing sibling. Despite the predictable plot, Noelle possesses a charming holiday spirit.
7. High Fidelity (2020)
Canceled after one season, High Fidelity is a 2020 gender-swapped television adaptation of the 2000 film of the same name. Nevertheless, it is worthy of attention. The series follows the life of Robyn “Rob” Brooks (Zoë Kravitz), the owner of a record store, as she reminisces about her past failed relationships. The show’s atmosphere, akin to the carefully curated selection of records in Rob’s store, is expertly crafted. Kravitz delivers a compelling lead performance as Rob, who copes with her recent breakup by compiling top five lists, including a list of her five worst heartbreaks. Ben-Adir portrays Mac, Rob’s “one that got away,” who also features on her list. High Fidelity is a delightful romantic comedy with an exceptional soundtrack, albeit cut short by its one-season run.
6. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Despite its low rating on Rotten Tomatoes, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword offers an eccentric, action-packed experience alongside a captivating soundtrack. The film reimagines the familiar tale of King Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) returning to claim his birthright from the sinister Vortigern (Jude Law). Ben-Adir takes on the role of Wet Stick, one of Arthur’s childhood friends.
5. Vera (2011-Present)
Vera is a highly acclaimed British crime series based on Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope novels. Since its premiere in 2011, the show has captivated audiences with its titular detective, Vera, portrayed by Brenda Blethyn. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Vera solves crimes in a straightforward and brusque manner. Ben-Adir appears in multiple seasons of the show as Dr. Marcus Sumner, a recurring character. Vera garners praise for its engaging plotlines and the strength of its main character, who leads an independent life and dresses comfortably while excelling in her field. Vera’s relatability lies in her extraordinary normalcy and her unwavering commitment to her values.
4. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Originally a popular BBC series, Peaky Blinders gained further acclaim when its rights were acquired by Netflix, allowing a global audience to appreciate its brilliance. Set in post-World War I Britain, the show revolves around a merciless gang led by crime boss Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy). Ben-Adir appears in a small role as Colonel Ben Younger, making his debut in the fifth season. Though his time on the show is brief, his performance stands out among the talented cast. Peaky Blinders is celebrated for its enthralling action sequences and stellar ensemble performances.
3. The OA (2016-2019)
Among the many canceled Netflix shows that left fans yearning for more, The OA made a particularly lasting impression. Not only was it discontinued despite its positive reception, but its second season ended with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers without a satisfying conclusion. The science fiction mystery series, incorporating fantasy elements, follows the story of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who reappears after being missing for seven years and suddenly gains the ability to see despite her previous blindness. In the second season, Ben-Adir portrays a private investigator who crosses paths with Prairie, leading them to collaborate and solve their respective predicaments. Fans continue to hold hope for a possible third season, no matter the length of the wait.
2. Barbie (2023)
Apart from his successful stint on Secret Invasion, Ben-Adir has gained recognition for his portrayal of Ken in the upcoming Barbie film. Starring alongside Ryan Gosling’s Ken and Michael Cera’s Allen, Ben-Adir delivers a standout performance among the male doll characters. The movie’s comedic nature showcases the actor’s impressive range, and personally, I found him to be one of the best Kens in the film. Barbie has been met with both critical acclaim and commercial success, charming audiences as it follows the journey of Barbie (Margot Robbie) from her fictional home of Barbieland to the real world after a series of unfortunate events.
1. One Night in Miami (2020)
One Night in Miami centers around a real-life meeting in 1964 when Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Sam Cooke gather to celebrate Ali’s victory over Sonny Liston. These influential figures discuss their accomplishments as well as the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges faced by Black individuals in 1960s America. Directed by Regina King in her directorial debut, the film received multiple Academy Award nominations in addition to widespread acclaim. In a career-defining role, Ben-Adir portrays Malcolm X, a role that demands capturing the charismatic nature of the civil rights leader. Ben-Adir delivers an exceptional performance, both in his individual storyline and the conversations among the four characters. The discussions highlight the socio-political climate of the era, making One Night in Miami a thought-provoking masterpiece.
In conclusion, Kingsley Ben-Adir’s talent shines through in his various roles, from his captivating portrayal of the villain Gravik in Secret Invasion to his acclaimed performance as Malcolm X in One Night in Miami. His filmography demonstrates his range and versatility, and with upcoming projects such as the Bob Marley biopic, Ben-Adir’s future in the industry looks incredibly promising.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
