Daniel Kaluuya has a career so distinct that he doesn’t need further introductions. And it is exactly this reason why he once refuses to be part of ad campaigns that twist this image. Kaluyaa told British GQ that he refused to be paired with lesser known white actors for one such campaign. He said, “I wanna be on my own. Because that’s not gonna look good.”
But no, Kaluuya isn’t a high horse with his nose in the air. He wants to be a proper representative of everything that he has built and achieved. Kaluuya is firm in matters of representation, and refuses to work with brands that are contrary to his stance. He can hold the fort alone, and does not want to be tarnished for money-making reasons. “Not all money is good money. I want to make some great things that make people feel something and then go back to living my life,” says Kaluuya.
Kaluuya has been a part of some of the critically-acclaimed titles, including Get Out, Judas and The Black Messiah, Black Panther and Nope. He already has an Oscar in the bag for Judas and the Black Messiah. His films speak of his taste and the kind of work he wants for the world to see. So no, Kaluuya isn’t a snobby brat who wants to have all the attention to him. He simply knows what he is worth and wants to be given his due.
Kaluuya isn’t the kind of actor you will find everywhere, yet has a commanding presence every time he’s on screen. Critics and fans alike have nothing but praises for his work, and should rightfully do so. But he also isn’t fond of the fan culture that exists today, likening it to Pokémon. The world has developed a frenzy to “collect moments as proof.” As a result, Kaluuya avoids being in the public eye unless absolutely necessary. He has also recently turned director, writer and producer for his debut feature, The Kitchen.
Kaluuya said to his Get Out co-star Allison Williams that he wants the audience to trust him. And it is this prized bond he has built with his fans, that he doesn’t want to compromise. He is like a faraway star, but brilliant to look at. In essence, Kaluuya isn’t selling out on his ideals simply to look good for others.