The Rise Of British Actor Toby Kebbell

4 April 2018

Despite his face being obscured in several of his biggest roles, it’s getting harder and harder to miss Toby Kebbell. The British actor has been lauded as one of the hottest rising stars of his generation, but he’s actually been appearing on our screens for almost 15 years, during which time he has impressed audiences and critics alike with his diverse range and all-round charm.

With his latest movie Hurricane Heist in UK cinemas on April 6, we thought it was time to get better acquainted with the home-grown star; he’s got quite the CV, we’re sure you’ll agree…

Dead Man’s Shoes

Although he had already appeared in TV Drama, it was Shane Meadows’ gritty psychological thriller that propelled Kebbell into the spotlight. His sensitive portrayal of a young man with learning difficulties earned him a British Independent Film Award nomination for Most Promising Newcomer, and a legion of fans.

Control

To really put yourself on the map as an actor you need a proper scene-stealing role, and that’s exactly what Anton Corbijn’s Joy Division biopic provided. Kebbell even beat Colin Firth to a British Independent Film Award thanks to his intense yet comic portrayal of band manager Rob Gretton.

RocknRolla

You know you’re up there with the heavyweights when Guy Ritchie personally casts you in one of his projects. Starring alongside Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Gerard Butler, and Thandie Newton, Kebbell played Johnny Quid, the titular rocker of the film; a complex addict whose many personas kept the audience on their toes.

Black Mirror

One of the most highly-rated episodes of Charlie Brooker’s anthology series, The Entire History of You is set in the near future, when everyone has access to a memory implant that records everything they do, see, and hear. As Kebbell’s anguished lead demonstrates, that’s not always a good thing.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

After a string of edgy British projects, Kebbell branched out with a role in the $235 million budget to Rise of the Planet of the Apes, playing the scheming human-hating ape Koba. On method acting, Kebbell said, “I go home and pretend to be an ape.” That’s dedication.

Fantastic Four

Playing another bad guy in another big budget sci-fi, Kebbell held his own amongst the Marvel reboot’s talented young cast, which included Miles Teller, Jamie Bell, Kate Mara, and Michael B. Jordan. What’s more, his face is only covered for part of the movie, earning him even more Hollywood power.

Warcraft

Another motion-capture adventure beckoned with director Duncan Jones’ fantasy. But far from playing another baddie, this film sees Kebbell taking on the role of Durotan; a peace-keeping orc with a high sense of morality.

Kong: Skull Island

After Kebbell’s strong performance in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, it’s not surprising that there were rumours he’d taken on the titular character in Kong: Skull Island. They turned out to be only partly true… The actor’s main part was a human Air Force major, but he did provide a few facial references that were used for Kong.

The Hurricane Heist (Releases April 6)

In the latest high-octane action from the director of The Fast and the Furious, Toby Kebbell plays Will Rutledge, a storm-loathing meteorologist who finds himself working alongside a Treasury agent (Maggie Grace) to save both $600 million and his estranged brother (Ryan Kwanten), who’s been kidnapped by the thieves. The gale-force drama will leave you clinging to your seat.