Inside Stormzy's VIP packed premiere as rapper secretly takes acting lessons ahead of big screen debut
The film is about a rapper whose career is fading
ACTING UP A STORMZ Inside Stormzy's VIP packed premiere as rapper secretly takes acting lessons ahead of big screen debut
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WE know Stormzy can write a killer song, with 14 Top Ten hits – including four No1s – under his belt.
And after he invited me to the premiere of his debut short film Big Man at London's British Film Institute, I'm happy to report he can act, too.
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Stormzy with mum Abigail Owuo at the film's premiere
Credit: Getty
What's more astonishing is that his 20-minute film, directed by Oscar-winner Aneil Karia, was improvised from start to finish.
'Stormzy had acting lessons for months before filming started,' a friend told me before the premiere.
'He doesn't do anything by halves.'
Big Man, the first offering from his #Merky Films company, follows the story of Tenzman, a rapper whose career is fading — until a chance meeting with two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell, changes the course of his life.
It has already had almost a million YouTube views in less than 24 hours.
Arrogant
Merky Films has been in the making for a long time, as Stormzy explained: 'We've been working on this for five years. We've done our due diligence.
'I think sometimes it's very arrogant to think that because you've got a profile elsewhere, you can just step into a space with all the bells and whistles.
'We didn't want to do that.'
Stormzy is impressive in the leading role, and the tenderness he has towards young actors Jaydon Eastman and Klevis Brahja feels completely organic.
Stormzy's US superstar ex breaks silence on dating star for first time since they were spotted snogging at airport
'They absolutely killed it,' Stormzy says, 'I was like a duck out of water.
'They made me feel comfortable and gave me confidence. I was the biggest amateur there.'
Stormzy's not doing himself justice.
Aneil, who won an Academy Award for Best Action Live Short Film, The Long Goodbye, in 2022, agrees, adding: 'Stormzy can act. When it came to improvisation, it was amazing.'
The singer adds: 'I forgot that it was going to be improvised. I was like, 'Damn, there's no script.' which is crazy.
'It was challenging because I'm a rapper, trying to play a rapper, but I'm using my voice. It was like an episode of Black Mirror.'
Stormzy, inset, is big on giving back, with his #Merky Foundation pledging millions to help young people in the UK.
And this theme runs throughout Big Man, with Stormzy's fictional rapper initially scoffing at the two kids' dream of visiting Brighton — before realising how much that trip means to the young pair, who are enduring the monotony of life between school and care home.
Don't get me wrong, this film isn't pushing an agenda.
The messaging is an undercurrent that makes you think but it doesn't take away from the fact it is genuinely hilarious and heartwarming.
Screams
Thanks to the brilliant rising stars Jaydon and Klevis, the improvisation feels so natural and authentic — you can't help laughing out loud.
In one scene, Stormzy — who towers over me at 6ft 5in — screams as he's riding a rollercoaster with the lads.
But he's not hollering because he's afraid of heights.
'That rollercoaster is too small for me,' Stormzy admits with a laugh.
'My knees are literally banging against the thing. I'm screaming in pain.'
Stormzy promises there is more to come.
'We've got a lot of things in development,' he explains.
'I just want people to feel something. To enjoy it in the most pure, sentimental way.'
Big Man is available to watch now on YouTube and I promise it's well worth a viewing.
Congratulations, Stormzy. You deserve all the credit coming your way.
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Big Man is the first offering from Stormzy's #Merky Films company
Credit: Supplied
FUR PLAY, JADE
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Jade pulls off these furry boots to promote her latest single
Credit: supplied
WITH temperatures soaring, these furry boots would be the last thing I'd want to be sweating in this weekend.
But Jade pulled them off in an arty fashion shoot to promote her latest single Plastic Box, out today, which is all about taking a chance on love.
It's among a load of new releases to kick off your weekend, including Haim's I Quit, Sombr's We Never Dated and Alesso's remix of the orchestral Ascension theme, created to kick off the Esports World Cup.
Muse have put out their new single Unravelling, which is their first new music since 2022's Will Of The People album, while Benson Boone is a shoo-in for No1 next Friday with his new record American Heart.
Elsewhere, Miles Kane has announced his album Sunlight In The Shadows will be out in October and has dropped the first song Love Is Cruel, while Messy singer Lola Young has put out Not Like That Anymore from her upcoming record I'm Only F***ing Myself.
DAISY'S ROOTS DOWN
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Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones with photographer boyfriend Ben Seed
Credit: Getty
DAISY EDGAR-JONES has got serious with her boyfriend of two years, by splashing out more than £1.5m on a massive house together.
The Normal People actress got together with photographer Ben Seed – who previously dated Peaky Blinders actress Anya Taylor-Joy – in 2023, but things are clearly going from strength to strength.
I'm told they have bought a huge London property, after months of hopping between each other's places.
A source close to the couple, left, said: 'They are practically inseparable, so it seemed like the natural next step to find a place together.
'They are really enjoying planning the decor and some updates for their new place to make it a real home for them both.
'Daisy has said she can see them staying there for a long time and she sees it as a really exciting chapter for their relationship.'
Since shooting to fame in Normal People in 2020, Daisy has starred in major movies including Where The Crawdads Sing, Twisters and On Swift Horses.
She is currently filming a thriller called A Place In Hell opposite Michelle Williams, about two women at a high profile criminal law firm, also starring Andrew Scott.
And then she will lead heist movie Here Comes The Flood, alongside Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson.
Sounds like she's found her own leading man.
MILEY'S BEY GIG
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Miley Cyrus stuns in this sheer dress with only feathers covering her chest in Paris
Credit: Splash
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Miley performed a Spotify Billions Club show for her 100 biggest listeners
Credit: Getty
MILEY CYRUS got fans in a flap when she wore this sheer dress with only feathers covering her chest in Paris.
The Flowers singer was mobbed outside her hotel as she made her way to a concert in the risque gown.
She performed a Spotify Billions Club show for her 100 biggest listeners ahead of a planned appearance with Beyonce.
Yesterday, she was spotted rehearsing with the superstar at the Stade de France, where she was last night expected to join her for the first of three nights for the Cowboy Carter tour in the French capital.
They collaborated on the Cowboy Carter album track II Most Wanted which was one of the best on the album, so I'm hoping they release a live version, too.
EM'S TOP OF THE CROPS
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Linkin Park frontwoman Emily Armstrong at the Rock for People festival
Credit: AP
ONE fan had a very strange request for Linkin Park frontwoman Emily Armstrong at the American rockers' latest gig – and she gratefully obliged.
The band are on a sold- out European tour which includes a show at Wembley Stadium next weekend – and one punter at their gig at the Rock for People festival in the Czech Republic held up a sign saying: 'Emily cut my hair.'
Event staff pulled him out of the crowd and he gave Emily clippers for her to shave off his tresses.
But he was left with a mullet after Emily told him: 'We gotta leave some at the back for the party, baby!'
FANS LOVE MARTIN'S BAD HABIT
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Musician and actor Martin Kemp had a wardrobe malfunction
Credit: Getty
MARTIN KEMP once accidentally flashed his bits to the front row at a gig in the States.
But the musician and actor, who was performing with Spandau Ballet in 1981, revealed that his wardrobe malfunction luckily went down a storm.
Martin said: 'I was basically wearing a dress when we played in New York – a monk's habit.
'What I didn't realise when I put my foot up on the monitor was that everybody in the front row was getting a complete eyeful.
'Because The Underground was essentially a gay club, they were loving it.'
His comments come as the band announce a new box set, Everything Is Now – Vol 1: 1978-1982, which includes rare live footage of the gig in question.
I can only presume his bits will be blurred out.
RUGBY JAMES TO TACKLE MUSIC BIZ
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James Haskell has applied to trademark Rogue Unit Records
Credit: YouTube/James Haskell
JAMES HASKELL is keen to take his DJing hobby to the next level, as he is trademarking a music company.
The former rugby player, who was married to Chloe Madeley, has applied to trademark Rogue Unit Records.
A source said: 'James has been DJing for over a decade and is keen to really get involved with the music industry. Hopefully Rogue Unit Records will allow him to both release his own music and help others get into the scene.'
Over the years, James has played at some of the biggest and most glamorous clubs in the world including Cafe Mambo in Ibiza and Soho Garden in Dubai.
The music biz isn't an easy one to crack though, so best of luck to him.
FRESH from his Soccer Aid triumph, Big Zuu has found his way into the kitchen.
The rapper has teamed up with weekly meal service Gousto to launch The Bare – a limited-edition recipe range inspired by TV drama The Bear.
Orders from the range helps support The Trussell Trust, which is the food bank charity helping families across the UK who would otherwise go without the bare essentials this summer.
Big Zuu said: 'It's about more than just flavours; it's about making some noise for people going without the basics. I've always believed good food should be for everyone.'
WILL SMITH has hinted he has no regrets over slapping Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars in 2022.
He recorded a freestyle rap for Charlie Sloth's Fire In The Booth feature on Apple, and he brings up the clash in a verse.
Will raps: 'If you're talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage.'
Ouch.
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As the two men wait for his arrival, Hoffa says to Sheeran: 'You don't keep a man waiting. The only time you do is when you want to say something. When you want to say f*** you.' 9. 'You slap me in a dream, you better wake up and apologize.' (Angels with Dirty Faces, 1938) Many contemporary film fans may remember a very similar line from Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, but the original came from 1938 classic Angels with Dirty Faces. 'You slap me in a dream, you better wake up and apologize,' said Mr Franzese of the line. 'Think about that [...] What a gangster, gangster quote that is [...] if you haven't seen [the film, it's]. It's in black and white, but Cagney was brilliant back then. Different kind of way they carried themselves. 'It wasn't really mob mafia type. It was just a gangster [...] an old school gangster movie that still holds up well, benefiting from the fact that it stars the likes of James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, of course.' 8. Policeman: 'What's in the car?' Turkish: 'Seats and a steering wheel.' (Snatch, 2000) Describing Guy Ritchie as a 'brilliant' director, Mr Franzese said his style is defined by 'fast paced editing, bursts of shocking violence, numerous characters, all interacting in unpredictable ways, and lots of dark humor, all qualities that are apparent in the movie snatch, great movie'. Describing the exchange between a policeman and the character Turkish (played by Jason Statham), in which the policeman asks what is in the car, and Statham's character replies that there is a steering wheel and seats, Franzese saiid: 'It's [Statham's] unique style and voice and overall bluntness that really sells it. So go see Snatch.' 7. 'One of us had to die. With me, it tends to be the other guy'. (The Departed, 2006) Martin Scorsese's 2006 remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs marks the only time the celebrated director and top actor Jack Nicholson worked together - a partnership which yielded on screen gold. In the movie, Nicholson's character Frank Costello was based on the real life notorious gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger. Speaking about Costello's line: 'One of us had to die. With me, it tends to be the other guy,' Mr Franzese said many gangsters are funny in real life. He said: 'They don't even know they're funny [...]Guys on the street are funny, I got to tell you.' 6. 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.' (The Godfather, 1972) Speaking about this cinematic classic, the former mobster said: 'Everybody and their brother knows this line. And of course, it was brilliant [...] Obviously we know who that was brilliant, brilliant film. 'You can't really talk about iconic gangster movies without at least briefly bringing up the Godfather.' He added: 'Corleone is obviously a character for the ages, no doubt, demonstrating charisma, loyalty, empathy and ruthlessness, sometimes all within one scene. How do you pull that off, all those emotions in one scene? And [actor Marlon Brando] pulled it off brilliantly.' 5. 'Made it, Ma! Top of the world!' (White Heat, 1949) Describing White Heat as a 'final and explosive last hurrah for the Golden Age of Hollywood gangster movie', Mr Franzese described the film as 'arguably James Cagney's best gangster movie', adding that is 'really saying something'. The line, which comes at the climax of the film, marks the final words of Cagney's character, before he is killed. Simply summing up the picture, Mr Franzese said: 'Gangster film, brilliant movie.' 4. 'From now on, I want you to put an equal amount of blueberries in each muffin.' (Casino, 1995) Casino is another picture helmed by American Italian auteur Martin Scorsese - often considered the greatest living director. Robert De Niro plays Sam 'Ace' Rothstein in the picture, which tells the story of the mob's involvement in the development of Las Vegas. While overseeing the daily operations of a major casino, Rothstein gets angry with a chef because one muffin is full of blueberries and another only has a few. He orders the chef to ensure there is an 'equal amount of blueberries in each muffin' - a task the chef says will take hours. The line represents the controlling nature and perfectionism of De Niro's character. Mr Franzese said of the film: 'As a consumer, and a guy that loves blueberry muffins, I'd be a little upset if there wasn't enough blueberries in my muffin. 'So I think that was a good line. It made sense, but it was delivered like a true gangster. Love it.' 3. 'So say good night to the bad guy! Come on. The last time you gonna see a bad guy like this again, let me tell you.' (Scarface, 1983) 'Everybody knows this,' Mr Franzese said of this line from Scarface. The picture stars Al Pacino as a Cuban refugee who comes to America and becomes a major player in the criminal world. Speaking about the quote, which takes place when Montana causes a scene in a restaurant, Mr Franzese describes the performance as his best. He also noted another very famous line from the talkie: 'Say hello to my little friend.' 'Unbelievable movie,' said the former mafioso. 'That was the way it ended, when he's fighting [...] Just a brilliant movie.' 2. 'I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to f****** amuse you?' (Goodfellas, 1990) Another exceptional film directed by Martin Scorsese is Goodfellas, based on the memoire of real-life character Henry Hill. In fact, Michael Franzese is himself name checked in the movie. During an early scene in a bar, where the camera pans past a number of characters, narrator Henry Hill (played by the late Ray Liotta) names them. One of the characters, referred to as 'Michael Francesi' is, in fact, representative of Michael Franzese. While the movie is packed full of quotable lines, one of the most popular scenes features the volatile and unpredictable character Tommy DeVito (played by Joe Pesci). In it, Henry laughs when Tommy says something amusing. This becomes a terse interchange in which Tommy asks Henry if he sees him as a clown, there simply to amuse him, before finally laughing and revealing he was just teasing. Because of Tommy's mercurial and violent nature, the characters around him grow increasingly tense, unsure of whether he is being serious. Mr Franzese said of the line: 'It is legendary, unbelievable. Come on, think about that line. Funny how think about and [...] it was a joke, but look at how everybody got scared because they knew what kind of a maniac he was. Was he going to get up and shoot Henry Hill at that point? What was he going to do? Was he going to knock the table over, throw the glasses over? It was all. Nobody knew what he was going to do. 'And all of a sudden, the way, he broke [...] into that line [...] And then, of course, they break out in laughter.' He added: 'Brilliant line. There were other brilliant lines in that film, but Joe Pesci, he is the typical gangster without a doubt.' 1. 'I don't feel I have to wipe everybody out, Tom. Just my enemies.' (The Godfather: Part II, 1974) The second instalment in the Godfather saga saw the further corruption of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he inherited his father Vito's empire. Speaking about the line, which Corleone said to his consigliere Tom, Mr Franzese noted how it highlighted how Corleone ended up alienated from everyone because of his own lifestyle. He also spoke about how the line resonated with his own life experience, describing how his father's commitment to the lifestyle affected his family. He said: 'You know the reason people, I say the mob life is an evil lifestyle - and I'm not calling the men evil, I'm calling the mob life bad and evil - is because families get destroyed. 'The families have made members get destroyed, and at the end of the day, guys end up in prison with nobody you know, or they end up dead, or they end up broke, or they end up everybody being alienated from them. It happens very often. Any lifestyle [...] that causes that to a family, is a bad lifestyle. 'It's something that I realized. I experienced it with my own family that was destroyed because of my father's involvement in that life. So I get it. I really get what was being said there.'
