8 Best David Jonsson Roles, Ranked

Published Jul 31, 2026, 6:30 PM EDT Emedo Ashibeze is a tenured journalist and critic specializing in the entertainment industry. Before joining ScreenRant in 2025. he wrote for several major publications, including GameRant. Since his recent casting as the new Black Panther, the spotlight has once again shone on David Jonsson. But even before his unveiling as the King of Wakanda in the upcoming Black Panther 3, the 32-year-old Brit has proved his worth on the big and small screens, quietly becoming one of the most exciting young actors working today. Initially breaking out on British Television, he’s quickly built an impressive filmography that spans across romantic comedies, psychological thrillers, science fiction, historical dramas and prestige television. It’s very hard to typecast Jonsson’s breed of acting, as he has consistently demonstrated an ability to disappear into different roles. His performances are often defined by subtle emotional depth rather than flashy theatrics, which makes even supporting characters feel more fully realized. This versatility is what has made him stand out in every project he’s been a part of; most notably in a scene-stealing role in Alien Romulus, which introduced him to a wider audience. Donning the signature black vibranium suit, though, is a whole new endeavor, not necessarily because it would be his first foray into the superhero genre but also because the huge shoes he seeks to fill. 8 Taylor – Wasteman (2023) ​David Jonsson’s performance as Taylor in the real prison thrller Wasteman is certainly not his most widely recognized role. However, it perfectly showcases the natural charisma that has become one of his greatest strengths. The coming-of-age drama follows a group of young Londoners who navigate complex friendships, identity and adulthood. Jonsson brings a warmth and sincerity to Taylor, the character he plays. Rather than rely on dramatic speeches or explosive emotional moments, Jonsson’s Taylor employs subtle expressions and understated dialogue to build a believable and relatable character. Even in what would be termed a relatively small project, Jonsson demonstrates the ability to make every interaction feel genuine. Wasteman gives audiences an early glimpse into an actor who is capable of elevating grounded material. 7 Marcus – The Road Trip (2024) ​Romantic comedies live or die by the chemistry between their cast, not just the leads. David Jonsson plays a pivotal role in making The Road Trip an entertaining watch in large part due to his effortless and charming portrayal of Marcus. If anyone needed a reminder of why Jonsson excels in character-driven stories just as much as he does in high-concept genre projects, The Road Trip offers that. Based on Beth O’Leary’s novel, the series balances romance, awkward humor, and emotional baggage, all of which are fertile ground for Jonsson’s versatility. ​While Marcus isn’t the flashiest of characters, thanks to Jonsson, he has enough personality to make every scene enjoyable. His comedic timing is natural, while quieter moments reveal the emotional depth beneath Marcus’s confident exterior. 6 ​Frank Fisher – Bonhoeffer (2024) ​ Historical dramas demand restraint in some sense. This is because, more often than not, the audience already knows the weight of what’s being depicted; thus, melodrama can cheapen real suffering, as opposed to lived-in performances that let the history speak for itself. This is a trait that David Jonsson delivers perfectly in his portrayal of Frank Fisher in Bonhoeffer. Set during one of history’s darkest periods (Nazi Germany and the Holocaust), the film focuses on difficult moral choices as opposed to spectacles, and Jonsson fits seamlessly into that grounded approach. ​His performance complements the film’s serious tone without ever feeling theatrical. Bonhoeffer's character-centric narrative built around its title figure does nothing to undermine Jonsson’s soundness at holding his own alongside experienced dramatic performers. 5 Augustus Sackey – Industry (2020) Before Hollywood really took notice, many viewers discovered the David Jonsson gem through HBO’s Industry. There, he portrays Augustus “Gus” Sackey, one of many graduates competing for a full-time employment opportunity at Pierpoint. ​He quickly becomes one of the show’s standout performers due to his intelligence, wit, and emotional vulnerability. Unlike the majority of the series ruthlessly ambitious bankers, Gus often struggles to reconcile personal values with the brutal and toxic culture surrounding him. ​Jonsson makes that conflict fascinating to watch as the character displays both confidence and insecurity in equal measure. Across the two seasons he features as a cast member, Gus grows into one of Industry’s most layered characters, and Jonsson’s consistently excellent performance was a major strength of the drama in both seasons. 4 Luke Obiako Fitzwilliam – Murder Is Easy (2023) Agatha Christie adaptations have become increasingly common. But one, amongst all, stands out: Murder Is Easy. This is thanks to David Jonsson and his performance as Luke Fitzwilliam. Tasked with solving a series of mysterious murders in what is seemingly a peaceful English village, Luke requires intelligence, charm, and enough vulnerability to keep audiences invested. Jonsson balances these qualities brilliantly, thus creating a detective who feels both capable and refreshingly human. Luke isn’t the quintessential infallible genius in Murder Is Easy; he allows room for uncertainty and curiosity to shape the investigation, which makes every discovery feel earned. Carrying a murder mystery is never easy, but Jonsson proves he has the screen presence necessary to anchor an entire series. 3 Dom – Rye Lane (2023) Like Murder Is Easy, Rye Lane has become one of the most acclaimed romantic comedies in recent years. When it debuted in 2023, it held a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and stood as one of the highest-rated movies of that year on the platform. This is, in part, thanks to David Jonsson’s on-screen alliance with Vivian Oparah. He plays the charming lead, Don, who is fresh out of a breakup and spends an eventful day wandering through South London with Yas, during which he gradually rediscovers his confidence and optimism. Jonsson captures every awkward interaction, self-deprecating joke, and emotional breakthrough with authenticity, which feels refreshing. His chemistry with Vivian Oparah feels effortless, which makes the romance believable. Dom could easily have been another cliché rom-com protagonist. Still, the vulnerability and humor portrayed by Jonsson give him enough to make him one of the genre’s most memorable leading performances in recent years. ​ 2 Peter McVries – The Long Walk (2025) ​ Starring in a Stephen King adaptation demands a heavy emotional toll. David Jonsson perfectly answered the call with his portrayal as Peter McVries in The Long Walk. ​As one of the contestants trapped in the horrifying endurance contest, McVries evolves from being a fellow competitor into one of the narrative emotional anchors for the viewers as well as the competitors. Jonsson balances resilience, compassion, and quiet desperation throughout the brutal journey, which makes audiences deeply invested in his survival. The role communicates both hope and fear simultaneously, often through minor interactions. It is a deeply moving performance that displays Jonsson’s ability to command emotionally intense material. ​ 1 Andy Carradine – Alien: Romulus (2024) ​ David Jonsson delivered his breakthrough film performance as Andy Carradine in Alien: Romulus. Andy is an android whose evolving programming gives the film one of its most emotionally compelling and profound arcs. He seamlessly shifts between innocence, humor, menace, and vulnerability in what is a memorable character arc. In a series that is known for unforgettable androids, Jonsson carves out a unique identity which makes Andy one of the finest performances of his career so far. His performance perfectly captures the subtle differences in Andy’s changing behavioral patterns while never losing sight of the character’s grounded humanity. ​ Black Panther Created By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby First Appearance Fantastic Four Alias T'Challa Alliance Avengers, Fantastic Four, Mighty Avengers, Fantastic Force, New Avengers, Ultimates Franchise Marvel ​