As I delve into the captivating lives of these remarkable actors gracing our screens, it’s impossible not to be mesmerized by their diverse journeys. Take Ben Miles, for instance, whose career trajectory is as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride. From his beginnings in British television, starring in shows like “Coupling” and “The Crown,” to his foray into the world of film, collaborating with the Wachowskis and playing a role in “Andor,” his story is one that’s sure to inspire aspiring actors worldwide.
2023 saw Apple TV+ unveil “Hijack,” a seven-episode series that redefined the modern action blockbuster. The narrative revolves around a divorced man, both husband and father, who finds himself in a precarious situation when his flight is hijacked by armed assailants with a distinctive objective. As the story unfolds over time in mid-air, the audience gradually learns about the hijackers’ agenda. Critics lauded the show for its lead character, a rare type of hero whose courage and resourcefulness make him stand out from the crowd. The escalating tension between our protagonist and the increasingly agitated group of hijackers kept viewers on the edge of their seats. On Rotten Tomatoes, it garnered an impressive 88% rating.
In the same vein as other shows streaming on Apple TV+, “Hijack” excels not only due to its main actor but also because of the exceptional ensemble cast that intensifies the tension throughout this gripping series. Written by George Kay, who has previously worked on “Killing Eve” and Netflix’s “Lupin,” “Hijack” is another captivating show that deserves a spot on your watchlist if you haven’t already added it. But who exactly contributes to making this series so compelling? Simply fasten your seat belts and discover the identities of the passengers aboard Flight KA29, beginning with the elite first-class traveler.
Sam Nelson, Idris Elba
Without needing an introduction unless you’ve been preoccupied with airport security checks over the last two decades, it’s Idris Elba who steps into the role of Sam Nelson in “Hijack.” Known for his exceptional talent, Elba first captured attention when he played Stringer Bell, a drug lord in Baltimore, on HBO’s critically acclaimed crime drama, “The Wire.” Since then, roles have poured in for this London-born star. He can be found in various blockbuster franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Heimdall, Stacker Pentecost in “Pacific Rim,” and Brixton Lore, the ‘Black Superman,’ in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw.” Essentially, when Elba’s name appears on a film’s cast list, it’s likely you’ll have an enjoyable experience at some point during the movie.
In terms of television roles, Elba managed to create an enduring and memorable character as John Luther in the BBC series “Luther,” which enjoyed significant popularity and later had a standalone film on Netflix titled “Luther: Fallen Sun.” Additionally, Elba garnered critical acclaim for his performances in films such as “Beasts of No Nation” and made his directorial debut with “Yardie.” His portrayal of the late Nelson Mandela in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” earned him a well-deserved Oscar nomination.
Stuart Atterton, Neil Maskell
In the gripping series “Hijack,” the antagonist must match the prowess of the protagonist, and luckily for the creators, Neil Maskell was cast as the perfect fit for this intense role. Playing Stuart Atterton, Maskell’s character serves as the mastermind behind the operation, providing a nervous yet relentless force against Idris Elba’s unyielding character. Handling such complex characters is nothing new to Maskell, given his past roles that required powerful performances. Fans of horror will recognize him from the emotionally draining “Kill List,” a film directed by Ben Wheatley and considered an underrated horror masterpiece. In this movie, Maskell portrays a hitman who takes on one final job, leading to a nightmarish spiral that results in one of his most harrowing experiences.
Furthermore, Maskell displayed an impressive performance as a lone combatant in the British revenge film “Bull,” a role that underscores his ability to convincingly portray someone you wouldn’t want to cross in high-pressure scenarios. For enthusiasts of “Peaky Blinders,” Maskell’s face may bring back memories, as he played the character giving instructions to Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy), albeit with substantial prosthetic makeup, during seasons five and six of the series when he portrayed Winston Churchill.
Daniel O’Farrell, Max Beesley
As Idris Elba perspires intensely in the air and hastily jots down codes onto makeshift notepads like water bottle labels, there are a few key figures on the ground working tirelessly to orchestrate Flight KA29’s safe landing. Interestingly enough, one of Sam’s unexpected collaborators is his ex-wife’s new partner, Daniel O’Farrell, portrayed by Max Beesley, another British actor whose visage may seem somewhat familiar yet elusive. This vagueness aligns perfectly with the fact that his most notable role was in a Stephen King series where characters frequently go missing.
In American television, Beesley made his significant debut on the show “Suits,” portraying Stephen Huntley for seven episodes in Season 3. This role set the stage for his future appearances, as he later secured a recurring part opposite Claire Danes in Showtime’s globetrotting thriller series, “Homeland.” In 2020, Beesley was seen alongside Paddy Considine, Ben Mendelsohn, and Cynthia Erivo in HBO’s chilling adaptation of “The Outsider.” Here, Beesley delivers a powerful performance as a formidable character following his brother’s involvement with a terrifying entity created by Stephen King that mimics anyone it encounters. Although HBO chose not to produce a second season, it’s still highly recommended viewing after you’ve finished “Hijack.
Captain Rob Allen, Ben Miles
During Idris Elba’s character’s turbulent flight, it’s likely that even those in the cockpit aren’t enjoying themselves. This includes Captain Robin Allen, portrayed by Ben Miles in the series. Miles, who is known for his memorable roles in various films, gained significant popularity outside of the U.S. following his stint in the sitcom “Coupling.” Co-starring with Jack Davenport (known as James Norrington from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series), it could be said that “Coupling” was the British equivalent to “Friends,” although it didn’t run as long. However, it did have its share of memorable moments.
Regarding his film roles, Miles Teller has worked on two projects supported by the Wachowski siblings. The first was “V for Vendetta,” directed by James McTeigue, and later, he starred in the 2008 adaptation of “Speed Racer” that has since gained cult status. Fast forward to 2016, Teller joined the royal family in the popular Netflix series “The Crown,” portraying Peter Townsend. Notably, Star Wars enthusiasts will likely recognize him as the companion of Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) in “Andor.” There is a possibility that his role may become more significant when the second season of this Disney+ show premieres in 2025.
Zahra Gafoor, Archie Panjabi
As a fan, I’d like to share that another ally Sam might not be aware of is Zahra Gafoor, a British counterterrorism operative, who’s tracking down the hijackers and their schemes. She’s portrayed by Archie Panjabi, an actress you might recognize from the 2002 sports comedy “Bend It Like Beckham,” where she shared the screen with Kiera Knightley and Parminder Nagra. Later, Panjabi made a significant impact on American television, starring alongside Julianna Margulies in “The Good Wife.” Her role as private investigator Kalinda Sharma was remarkable, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and three Emmy nominations, with the latter resulting in a win for best supporting actress in 2010.
Since then, she has appeared in films like “San Andreas” alongside Dwayne Johnson, dealing with tectonic shifts and collapsing structures, a leading role in “I Know This Much Is True” with Mark Ruffalo, and seven episodes of the television series “Snowpiercer.” For her eager fans, especially Whovians, there’s exciting news for the future as she is set to act alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor when “Doctor Who” returns in 2025.
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2024-10-21 00:00