YAHA ABDUL-MATEEN II

Abdul-Mateen’s breakout role as the disco-loving gangster Cadillac in Baz Luhrmann’s brilliant but cancelled hip-hop drama The Get Down was followed by parts in The Greatest Showman and The Handmaid’s Tale. Next, he’ll play the villain Black Manta in DC’s Aquaman, and has signed on for an undisclosed role in Damon Lindelof’s hugely anticipated Watchmen remake for HBO, as well as Jordan Peele’s follow-up to Get Out.

Why do you think superhero stories are more relevant than ever?
"I think some would say they’re escapism. But also, now is the time to dream. You can be anything you want to be. I think everyone grew up with the question: If you had a superpower, what would it be? And I think we’re living in times where people want to change the world and do extraordinary things."

What kinds of stories would you like to see more of going forward?
"Anything that comes out of a crazy mind. Now is not the time to be safe. Art should be dangerous. We should take chances, risk losing our agency and getting fired, and risk making people angry and uncomfortable for the sake of art and change."