Discover how the sensational Ncuti Gatwa, known for his remarkable roles in Sex Education and Barbie, is rewriting history as he graces the cover of ELLE UK’s October 2023 issue. Dive into the world of this rising star who’s capturing hearts and screens alike.
Ncuti Gatwa: Beyond the Wardrobe
We delve into the world of success, celebrity, and private lives as we explore the remarkable journey of Ncuti Gatwa. From breakout actor to starring in era-defining films and TV series, Gatwa’s career has skyrocketed. He’s graced blockbusters like “Barbie,” iconic British institutions like “Doctor Who,” and cultural zeitgeist-capturing shows like “Sex Education.” Notably, the fashion world has embraced him, featuring him in Tiffany & Co’s Tiffany Lock collection campaign. Despite maintaining silence about his sexuality, assumptions abound, influenced by his beloved portrayal of Eric in “Sex Education.” Join us as we unravel the enigma that is Ncuti Gatwa.
At times, Gatwa’s casting in those projects has been dismissed as an exercise in ‘box-ticking’. Gatwa scoffs. ‘First of all, you don’t know anything about me. Secondly, tick f*cking boxes! People need to be f*cking seen. What are you going to do, tell the same stories? Have the same people fronting things for all of eternity? Representation and inclusivity and branching out… it enriches us all. How embarrassing. You people with your tiny mindsets – open a book, look out the window and then f*ck off.’ There’s something stirring about witnessing Gatwa angry – and not just angry. In some ways, it’s unexpected. Like many of the characters he’s played, Gatwa is a joyful presence. Dancing and cackling through the shoot, on set he exudes confidence. Although, ‘that’s on the outside’.
‘There’s something about being in a corset that makes me feel so masculine,’ says Gatwa after his cover shoot. It’s London Pride, and outside the studio the streets are full of revellers who are equally well-dressed in delightfully subversive outfits. ‘Clothes are to play with,’ he says. ‘I love seeing men in “women’s” clothing. There doesn’t need to be a label. I believe that fully: that’s why I don’t like to label myself – and I don’t owe it to anyone.’
Fortunately, over time, Gatwa’s on-set experience became defined less by fear and more by fun. It was the first female-led screen production he had appeared in, and, ‘I noticed that it was also the most kind, empathetic set I’ve ever been on.’ There were the infamous sleepovers and movie nights, and one evening Margot Robbie organised a party bus to take the cast to see Magic Mike.
“I have so many insecurities. I like to make other people feel happy so there’s less focus on me. I become this loud figure that’s cracking jokes all the time. It comes across as confidence, but at the heart of it, it’s not. Real confidence is something I have to work on daily.”
Ncuti Gatwa
Read the full ELLE UK interview here.
Apple TV now offers the option to stream Barbie.
Ncuti Gatwa wears @tiffanyandco and @walesbonner
Words by @shannonmahanty
EIC @kenyahunt
Photographer @petrosstudio
Stylist @jennedykennedy
Hair #chrisokonta
Makeup @bellaarghiros
Creative Director @tom_houseofusher
Fashion Director @avrilmair
Associate Editor @lenadecasparis
Bookings Editor @ln__producer
Talent Editor @olivia__blair
Styling Assistant @powelle__
