For a 16-year-old David Jonsson growing up in East London, an acting career was not always the plan. Jonsson (a self-proclaimed introvert) surprised both himself and his mum when he told her he wanted to become an actor. “Well stop shouting about it then,” she replied. “Go and do it.” 10 years later, Jonsson’s acting resume is the reflection of a man dedicated to his craft. Through a love for Shakespeare, John Keats, James Baldwin and all things modern, Jonsson has equipped himself with the tools to connect with both his characters and audiences. “Something that’s important to me is finding ways to reflect the world back at ourselves,” Jonsson remarks during our conversation as he contemplates his roles so far. From the nail-biting series, Industry, to the heart-warming rom-com that is Rye Lane, Jonsson’s carefully curated selection of roles ensure that the reflection he creates is multifaceted. On a sunny Monday morning, Jonsson sits down with Chloe Harvey for a candid chat about his most recent role, dealing with heartbreak and what’s next for him in 2023.

What’s been a career highlight for you so far?
I’m still finding myself ! Part of the fun, or the blessing, is being able to choose your work.

You recently starred in Rye Lane. I have to know, was it as fun to star in as it was to watch?
I still can’t believe people are taking to it and watching it. It’s this tiny film we made in Peckham – just towards the end of lockdown – so it was a strange time. But it was amazingly fun, we had the best time shooting. I suppose every actor says it felt like a family, but I can’t lie to you at all, this felt like a full-on family.

The fun radiates out of the screen. I think my favourite scene has to be where there’s just loads of versions of you sat in a cinema.
Yeah, that was clearly my favourite bit to do! That was hilarious. We spent hours moving from seat to seat, doing different things. The director [Rain Allen Miller] was like, “Oh, can you try something new now?” I’m like, “I really don’t know what else to do.” It is weird in the best way.

CH: How does Rye Lane differ to your other projects like Industry?
People tell me they watch Industry and feel anxious. With Rye Lane, they come out feeling loved up, like they’ve been in a warm bath or something, so that’s cool. I’m thankful I can switch it up. Part of that is proving myself and finding roles that feel different to the last one.

Tell us about Dom, your character. Where’s his head at when we first meet him?
When we meet him, he’s just gone through a terrible breakup so he’s very vulnerable. You don’t see as many vulnerable men in rom-coms, so this film is kind of a shift.

Was the fact he isn’t a stereotypical male rom-com character important for you?
It’s definitely important to me. I love football, Formula One, and other maybe “laddy” things. On the other side, I can be a strange person. 9 times out of 10 I’m drawn to things that subvert a stereotype. Dom isn’t your average man at all. Rain told me, “Dom is so genuine it hurts.” I love that.

Vivan Oprah’s character, Yas, is a big part of that for Dom. Your chemistry with her is a breath of fresh air. How did it come about?
That’s my girl, like for real. I got cast quite quickly and we did a bunch of chemistry reads. The second Vivian walked in we were all like, “C’mon, this girl is insane.” I never had to do much acting with her, she would kind of knock you off your podium.

You should consider hitting a couple of karaoke bars together in real life.
You know we won’t! We’d suck!

What’s in store for the rest of 2023?
I’m about to do a biopic about a very famous British boxer. That’s been physically challenging, because I want to know how to move like him, how he talks, how he thinks. I recently finished shooting another biopic about this amazing figure, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and his friendship with another amazing figure, Frank Fisher, who’s a very famous African American Baptist, jazz musician, and preacher. It’s full of heart and history. Other than that, I can’t say!