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early 20s, graduating in 2011. Like many British film actors, he began his career on
stage, performing in nine plays back to back over three and half years.

Ben-Adir points to his upbringing to explain why he can be selective about the roles
he takes. “I'm from a poor background, and my agents would hate me to say this, but

I know how to live on a couple of hundred dollars a week, I’m on this hustle, '' he
said. “I don't feel rushed into doing anything. I mean, if I’m not feeling the character

or story I'll go work in a bar and just wait.”

That mindset is why, when he received the One Night In Miami script (written by

Kemp Powers, who also wrote the stage play it’s based on) in 2019, he initially
declined. “My agent sent it to me to read for [Cassius Clay],” he explains. “I

remember feeling really strongly that wasn't for me, not because I was above it or
anything, but I didn't feel connected to the part. And I think I was really curious

about the debate that was going on between Sam [Cooke] and Malcolm.”

The film had “a lot of heat on it” in the acting community, but Ben-Adir told his agent

that if the role of Malcolm became available, he’d be down. After an unexpected call
back, many long conversations with King and a screen test with Leslie Odom Jr, who

plays Cooke, the part was his.

“From the first conversations Regina and I were having on the phone here all the way
to the end, it was just a really beautiful and stimulating process for acting and story,”

he says of King’s first time helming a feature. “I think what sticks with me is her

understanding of the acting process is so profound and so deeply rooted within her,
that she just created this atmosphere on set for all of us to really play and discover

together.”

When King saw Ben-Adir’s audition tape, she noticed something “undeniable'' in his

presence. After meeting with him, she says she was confident that he could capture
Malcolm’s strength and emotion. “Kingsley's work ethic matches his talent,” King

said. “Both are exceptional. He is a leader that leads by example. His dedication to
Malcolm inspired us all to work harder.”

Ben-Adir says his main focus while portraying Malcolm X was showcasing his

vulnerable side. Some of the most gripping scenes in the film are the tense debates