Here is our dauntless prediction - 10 years from now, British actor Elliot Knight will be cast as the first Black actor to portray James Bond in the epic spy film series. Until then, the sincerely debonair guy with the diverse screen gifts will continue headlining breakout films and hit network television series. After commanding the titular lead role in the action-adventure fantasy family saga “Sinbad”, and starring as Charlie O’Brien in BBC’s standout drama series “By Any Means”, Knight shined his on-screen armor on such globally renowned shows as Dick Wolf’s “Law & Order UK” and Shonda Rhimes’ “How to Get Away with Murder”. But perhaps Knight’s complete becoming of Merlin in the ABC fairy tale “Once Upon a Time” - in which the thespian’s classical foundation, impressive range, character command, and dramatic believability - is where his arrival as one of Hollywood’s next big names was most loudly announced.
Written by ToneSwep
Creative Direction by Eve Chen of Melange NYC
Images by Alejandro Garcia
Styled by Justin Xavier
Grooming by Nook Sity
Knight, 25, is a leading man whose household name status is moments in the making. He now stars as detective Brady Ross in the CBS mystery series “American Gothic”. Described by Rotten Tomatoes as “… a soapy, campy family murder-mystery that’s ultimately just engaging enough,” the highly anticipated series had been the discussion of show critics for months leading up to its June 22nd premiere. In addition, Knight’s big screen debut is set for an August 19th release as he stars in the upcoming indie film “Billionaire Ransom”. With this, the actor’s reach has extended to theaters worldwide. On a fun summer day in Manhattan, the cool, calm, and ever self-contained Brit took a break from filming in Toronto, flew in to Gotham City, and hung out with the DOPE MAG creative crew for his exclusive cover shoot and in-depth interview. In this candid man-to-man convo with editor ToneSwep, Knight dishes on the elusive Silver Bells Killer, why perceived ‘No Ones’ always seem to win, and how surfing career waves feels right when one is truly connected to the world.
(Tone Swep: TS) How does a good lookin’ British guy land the lead role in what is billed as television’s biggest mystery drama in years?
(Elliot Knight: EK) How generous of you. I was in LA and read Corinne’s (Brinkerhoff, series Creator) script last year and loved it - the twists and turns of the plot and the deceptive, complex nature of the characters, especially Brady and the dynamic of his involvement with the Silver Bells case and how it plays into his personal life. So I read for the part with April Webster, the casting director, and for the network, and they cast me there in the room. Definitely a welcome surprise!
(TS) American Gothic opened to great ratings with 3.4 million viewers, and a compelling story - a victim of the Silver Bells Killer was found in the concrete remains of an old tunnel. This is somehow tied to your wife’s family business. Man! Heating up already; talk a little about the feel and focus of the series.
(EK) The drive of the series is predominantly to solve the main mystery: who is the Silver Bells killer? Along the way to solving that mystery, a multitude of others are discovered that seem to uncover even deeper and darker secrets about the Hawthornes, the family at the center of the events. It’s a creepy look into a deranged world of domineering wealth and status which hold the power to not only corrupt, but corrupt absolutely; and absolutely, they do.
(TS) What were your initial reactions to American Gothic when you first read the script after being introduced to the series?
(EK) I was excited to be a part of such a dark and daring show. It’s different to anything I’ve worked on before and I’ve always wanted the chance to engage with this sort of tone of show. It tackles incredibly disturbing themes through a dark and sometimes humorous lens. Also, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to be part of a murder mystery? Especially if you’re the one that gets to solve the case. I hope…
(TS) You truly shined in the role of Merlin on ABC’s Once Upon A Time, and now you’re the leading man for CBS’ “American Gothic”. Why do you feel television has proven to be such a perfect home for you so early in your career?
(EK) I can’t say that I know, but I’m very grateful. There are no guarantees in life, or especially in working in this industry, and I am very happy that I have already got to be a part of some truly wonderful projects. We have definitely been enjoying a golden age of television and it’s very exciting to be working at this time. Audiences are more engaged and passionate than ever, more compelling stories are being told; we’re lucky as storytellers to be creating now in such a vibrant space. I only hope to work as much as I deserve, which is to say that I’ll endeavor to earn whatever I get.
(TS) Not long ago the conversation surrounding television shows and major films weren’t had at the same time. Not true anymore, so many TV series are written and shot with movie technique. How, in your opinion, has television managed to improve the quality of its shows, placing them in direct competition with films.
(EK) I think it’s simply a realization that there is really no need for limitation. Quality of content shouldn’t be affected by format or region, though that’s often been deemed normal. We live in an age where accessibility is key - the more there is and the quicker we can have it, the better. The newest format of series being made available instantly and in-whole fits in perfectly with what we have become familiar with elsewhere in our culture. Now, you’re no longer limited to waiting a year or two for a movie sequel to come out for your entertainment fix, or even a week for the next episode of your favorite show to air on TV: we can have all of it now, we can binge, and people want that because it’s entertainment; it makes us happy. I think this and more has awakened Hollywood and execs to the facts: that there is a huge audience there to be limitlessly catered for, and people want quality shows. Why shouldn’t they? The more there is to watch, the more shows are in competition with each other and each has to raise the bar to stand out as being worth your watching time; otherwise they’ll get left without a second thought because viewers today really are spoiled for choice. It’s a wonderful thing, that it raises the game, it’s inspired a lot of really great shows and talent.
(TS) Liked your role of Marsac in Billionaire Ransom. Seems like the darker convictions you displayed in Billionaire Ransom are perfect for the Dystopian, post-apocalyptic, youth-driven blockbusters of today like “The Giver”, “Hunger Gamers, “Maze Runner”, and “Divergent”. How soon will we see you in another solid Hollywood film role?
(EK) Wouldn’t it be fun if I could just decide (Laughs!). Obviously, at this stage, it’s not up to me. It would be down to someone seeing me in a role and making that decision. But I am definitely a fan of the genre and would love to see if there was a project that I could offer something for.
(TS) You grew up in Birmingham, England, later studying theatre at the Manchester Metropolitan School. When you landed the lead in Sinbad straight out of college were you surprised to an extent; this good, this early?
(EK) I was definitely surprised, especially since I was told a few weeks before that I would pretty much never work as an actor. I’d auditioned with huge optimism and enthusiasm but with no expectations. In the realm of the industry at that time I was absolutely no one. Why would they hire a ‘no one’ to lead this show? But really that didn’t matter, all that mattered was that I wanted it and I felt I could do it, so why shouldn’t I be a contender? I just enjoyed the opportunity to be considered. Until my agent called and told me “you got it!” and then all I could think was “what!? how!? why!?” I enjoyed every day of filming after that. It was probably the best time of my life, and I’m very proud and appreciative to have had it.
(TS) Talk a little about your background. How was early life for a young Knight coming up in England’s West Midlands?
(EK) I was a happy kid, always playing, always creating, always smiling. I was an only child until I was nine and quite shy around other kids, so I was happiest when I was at home playing games with the family or on my own. My best friend was probably my imagination growing up for how it made me feel and enjoy life. It allowed me to do whatever I wanted without having to conform to anyone else’s likes or boundaries. It was where I was the most confident and empowered and self-celebratory. I loved playing sport, music and acting and fortunately was able to do all of those throughout high school.
(TS) What initially drew you to the screen, compelled you to pursue this superstar thing as a profession and career?
(EK) It was the only thing that made sense to me. Not just acting, but creative expression. Whether it was watching a show on screen or being in a play at school, choreographing a dance or writing music, I understood it. It was my understanding of the world. It was the only thing that I could feel connected me to the world and to myself. I just knew it was who I was. And as much as I made efforts to pursue it, it has often found its own way to happen to me. Now, it feels almost like surfing: I’m powering myself in the direction I want while at the same time trusting that the wave is taking me the right way.
(TS) Is there a specific film or television series, or perhaps a certain character or director, whose work you watched and instantly knew you had to be an actor forever?
(EK) There is no specific moment that I can pin point that set in stone what I would go on to do. Growing up I loved the stories of Roald Dahl; they called for a great imagination to bring them to life and that’s what I had and subsequently ‘Matilda’ was probably my favorite childhood movie. I think I watched it 5 times at the cinema! Any world of fantasy and adventure would probably have been my favorite; I liked a lot of Disney growing up, watched a lot of cartoons. Still, I love dramas just as much; I’m a big House of Cards fan, Breaking Bad, The Good Wife. Steven Spielberg was, and still very much is, the cinematic hero of my age. But what’s always appealed to me about this line of work hasn’t been specific to one show or director or any one performance, it’s been what runs common between them all. Whatever touched me inspired me, and that was a whole range of things.
(TS) What would you say is the absolute perfect big screen role for you? And in that role, what leading lady would prove the perfect co-star? And who’s directing?
(EK) I’d say something like Bourne. Brilliantly crafted story and a hero with a solid emotional root. I’m a big Brie Larson fan, I think she would shine in anything she does. And let’s give it to Steve (Spielberg)!
(TS) Your DOPE MAG cover is particularly stylish, the shades and jacket do it all. How would you describe your personal sense of style?
(EK) I love the jacket. And I actually have the glasses now! My style is actually a lot more monochrome so it was good to be in some colors for a change, I’m making an effort to be more colorful. My style is very fluid. Typically, I’m a fan of tall, long styles. Overhanging shirts or jeans that have some flow. But also I’m into slim fits, pushed up sleeves, boots. Think All Saints shabby but longer and looser - that’s me. Love a good thick-knit jumper too. Maybe that’s the Brit in me.
(TS) Let’s talk a bit about the world, about love and life, fame and fortune. Firstly, as world views go, there’s an LGBT battle for equality and fairness going on around the world. Why is this population’s overall struggle for universal acceptance such a challenge to accomplish? Basic civil rights, no.
(EK) There is certainly a great need for more love and acceptance in the world. We should be united in our common existence and enriched by our differences, not divided and victimized because of them. The LGBT struggle for equality and acceptance is all too familiar to the struggle for rights of other communities in the past, the existence of which is now widely condemned for ever being necessary. If one living being deserves rights, then so do the others. And yet here we are, seeing the same ignorance and intolerance existing in place of the lessons that should have been learned a long time ago, many times over. It’s nothing new that people fear what they aren’t familiar with. It’s very easy for some people to feel threatened by something that is different or new to them. But we are a planet of people constructed in a billion different ways. No one person is ‘normal’ or ‘right’ or ‘the same’ as another. There is nothing to be gained from trying to exercise superiority over others for their differences to you, or to put it another way, your differences to them. What we can be though is loving and accepting of each other. What we can do is recognize difference as an opportunity for learning and understanding, to gain and share knowledge and enlightenment. An opportunity to enhance ourselves and burn even brighter and more vibrantly, together. The world where we all celebrate and support each other seems a lot stronger and bolder than the world in which we practice hate and try to separate. I know which one I’d rather be in. I choose love any day.
(TS) In most major cities around the world we step over and around the homeless citizens residing on the streets en route to our choice destinations. What do you feel we could do to have a positive impact on the societal error of homelessness?
(EK) Again, this is an issue about people, who are no different to you or I and deserve nothing more or less than what we expect for ourselves. I don’t have as great an understanding of the underlying issues behind homelessness, but it’s clear that it is nothing that any human should have to endure in today’s society. I think it’s important to look at our value system and to recognize the waste that is such a large part of our lives and culture, particularly in the West. There is more than enough of everything to go around, so why isn’t it? There are numerous charities and organizations properly equipped and mobilized to help tackle the problem of homelessness and I would guide people wanting to do something to them. Last year I was part of a Thanksgiving food drive that fed people who were homeless in downtown LA. It was so wonderful to be a part of but obviously not a solution to the entire problem. If we appreciated the value in the little things we can do more, as I did that day, I think we’d be along closer to righting a lot more of the injustices in the world. There is unspeakable power to what you can do, whatever it is, but only when you do it.
(TS) For centuries it has been widely said and largely accepted that the love of money is the root of all evil, yet the lack of money appears to be the source of all suffering. What’s your take on money?
(EK) Currency has always existed, long before money was ever introduced as a concept. People would trade what they needed within a community where everybody contributed something, ideally. There should be no problem with a system that maintains fair and proportionate trading. The problems arise when it is handled disproportionately. In my opinion it is the greed for money/currency and what it may represent that becomes problematic. People often tend to blame human shortcomings on concepts or ideas as a way to justify operating problematically themselves. I don’t think money is evil. But it’s how we relate to money that has the biggest impact on how much good it can bring about or prevent.
(TS) What most inspires you? Where is your well, the place from which you draw your ambition, confidence, will power, and inspiration necessary to remain driven towards success in a competitive craft where creativity and focus are the foundations?
(EK) Family and friends. I’ve always been well supported by both. I’m very fortunate in that sense. Through events in my life and having great people around me, I’ve been able to amass a great sense of self and security enough to know how I feel about the world and where I stand in it. Nature inspires me. The scale of the world we live in and the beauty we are surrounded by is staggering. The greatest things we can achieve seem a lot more doable when we put them in the grand scale of the universe. Also, I’m friends with a lot of passionate, hard-working, talented and inspiring good people and they always give me a kick.
(TS) What is a common misconception about you? A conclusion about your character or personality that is often jumped to yet almost entirely incorrect?
(EK) If you think I’m cool, you’re quite wrong - of course you didn’t think that (Laughs!). I do know how to drive on this side of the road, and that side. I’m vegan and love food! I will out eat any of you, any day! And, er, no, I don’t like that (Laughs!).
(TS) Muhammad Ali, a global icon and champion for self-expression, religious conviction, and peace, died recently at age 74. His legacy is cemented. 50 years from now, what would you sort of script-predict the Elliot Knight legacy to be? We’re all watching as you establish it brick by brick, one accomplishment after another.
(EK) I hope I can be a person that encourages others to be themselves, whole-heartedly and unafraid, to not allow limits but to break boundaries, and to always believe in the power they possess to achieve whatever they want, whoever they are.
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Watch Elliot Knight’s mystery series “American Gothic” Wednesday Nights on CBS