Damson Idris on Landing the ‘F1’ Role Alongside Brad Pitt: A Casting Director’s Perspective
The breakout star of “Snowfall” discusses his rigorous audition process and immersive preparation for the blockbuster film F1, which has grossed over $631 million worldwide.
Damson Idris’s ascent in Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable. After captivating audiences as Franklin Saint in the acclaimed FX series “Snowfall,” he’s now making waves in Joseph Kosinski’s high-octane racing drama, F1. The role of Joshua Pearce, a promising rookie driver, required an actor who could not only hold his own opposite Brad Pitt but also bring a unique dynamism to the screen. Casting director Lucy Bevan found that actor in Idris, after sifting through thousands of hopefuls.
Bevan described the search as a “now-or-never situation,” emphasizing the pressure to find someone capable of matching Pitt’s star power. “It was so scary, and it was so good for me to realize what you had just been through,” Bevan recalled. The process, as detailed by both Bevan and Idris, was far from conventional, demanding both acting prowess and a genuine commitment to the world of Formula 1 racing.
Idris’s journey began in 2022 when he first learned about the project. A year later, after signing a non-disclosure agreement, he found himself in London on January 6th, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., reading scenes with Bevan, Kosinski, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “I remember there was construction happening outside the hotel, and there was this loud drilling,” Idris recounted. “I thought, ‘I’m not going to get this part. They can’t even hear me.’” Despite the distraction, the audition went well, aided by the fortuitous timing of a BAFTA nomination announcement for Kosinski’s previous film, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
However, the audition was just the beginning. On February 17th, 2023, Idris faced a far more practical test at Bedford Palmer Sports: a driving test. “That was the real test,” he stated. The conditions were challenging – wet weather and a variety of cars – but Idris impressed the team with his maturity and listening skills, despite admitting to “probably spun about five times.” Bevan’s presence at the track, braving the cold and rain, was particularly meaningful for Idris. “The fact that she was even there…just really made me feel so comfortable and confident,” he said. In a bold move, Idris even encouraged Bevan to take a ride with the stunt driver, a gesture that clearly resonated with the casting director. “If I don’t get the part, at least Lucy could play Joshua,” he joked.
Bevan was struck by Idris’s “chutzpah,” particularly his willingness to push boundaries and make her a part of the experience. “Here’s the really smart thing about Damson…when he made me get in the car, I was like, ‘That guy, he’s got chutzpah. We’re going to need that,’” she explained. She initially worried about pairing a young actor with Pitt, but Idris quickly dispelled her concerns with his preparation and dedication. “He knew the material inside out. He really thought about the character. He was asking Joe questions, listening and adjusting.”
Idris’s commitment extended beyond script analysis. He immersed himself in the world of F1, downloading the racing game and achieving championship status with a fictional driver. He even located a simulator on the West Coast, complete with a track modeled after Bedford Palmer Sports, mirroring the training regimen of professional F1 drivers. “This is what actual F1 drivers do, they mimic the tracks and constantly train in simulators,” Idris explained. By the time filming began, he and Pitt had already undergone extensive training together.
Bevan pinpointed a specific moment during a read-through at Claridge’s Hotel as her “yes” moment. “I always watch everything back again and again…and it was there,” she said, referring to Idris’s performance during a scene with Pitt. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of every role, no matter how small, and praised the collaborative spirit of the entire cast. “All of those actors were real team players and people who could really make something of their moment.”
A serendipitous discovery during casting further strengthened the ensemble dynamic: Idris and fellow actor Samson Kayo were already friends. Bevan recounted how Kayo confidently offered to improvise during his audition, showcasing his own talent and warmth. “Damson and Samson have this wonderful warmth that I think plays beautifully on screen,” Bevan noted. Idris confirmed their long-standing connection, recalling a joyful reunion at the table read. “Me and Samson are from the same area in London. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers.”
Building the authentic world of F1 required meticulous attention to detail, guided by Kosinski’s vision. Bevan explained that the director provided specific references, drawing inspiration from real-life figures like former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s engineer, Peter Bonnington. “Joe gave us lots of references from the world of F1 to make it feel as authentic as possible,” Bevan said. The result is a film that not only delivers thrilling racing action but also immerses viewers in the complex and captivating world of Formula 1.
