“I’m all about raising awareness on important topics, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen,” he expresses. “Wearing a bold T-shirt on a beach isn’t a big deal for me. We’ve reached a point where it’s crucial to call out those in power. Politicians should no longer escape accountability.”
Diving deep into the intricate dimensions of class, Dickinson embodies a diminishing category of British actors: those working-class leading men reminiscent of Albert Finney and Terence Stamp— or more contemporary figures like James McAvoy and Clive Owen— whose origins influenced their film choices. A 2024 analysis from the UK Labour Party revealed that almost half of British nominees for primary cultural accolades, including the BAFTAs, came from private educational backgrounds. After 14 years under Conservative governance in the UK, funding streams that help artists from diverse backgrounds enter the field have seen severe cuts.
When I pose questions about this to Dickinson, he pauses thoughtfully. “It’s something you notice often,” he remarks. “Privilege creates pathways for certain individuals, and I don’t hold it against anyone. However, it’s incredibly challenging for those who lack a support system or the financial stability to pursue a career in an industry that can be very exclusive at times.” I inquire about how artists sustain their livelihoods while awaiting projects to materialize: “Or perhaps never seeing them come to fruition,” he adds. “How does one navigate that without assistance?”
TALL ORDER
Next on the agenda for Dickinson is portraying John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-part Beatles film series.
Those familiar with Dickinson and his colleagues often share a similar sentiment: “He’s humble and down-to-earth,” remarks Reijn. “Unfailingly kind,” states Pearch. “I trust him completely,” adds Dillane. “He navigates this industry with remarkable grace.” His instinctive approach to protecting his privacy is a significant aspect of his demeanor: While he readily addresses any question, he politely requests that I avoid going into detail about the location of his office. He enthusiastically praises Gray, who released her debut album to positive reviews earlier this year; during our conversation, he quickly shares that she is currently touring the US with Kesha. “I love hyping her up,” he says, a big smile on his face. “I’m her biggest supporter. Watching Rose perform her craft leaves me in pure admiration.”
And, of course, there’s his upcoming role in Sam Mendes’ grand four-part Beatles film series, where he takes on the persona of John Lennon. Despite being deep into rehearsals, he’s still somewhat incredulous that he landed the role. “When Sam approached me and we discussed the film, I never anticipated John Lennon would be the character he had in mind for me,” Dickinson shares. “It took some adjustment to fully comprehend tapping into his character. I encountered a wave of imposter syndrome. But Sam has been incredible— a genuinely intelligent and kind individual, the perfect fit for this project and a true fan of the Beatles as well.” How has his experience been with the other leading actors: Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn? “Oh, absolutely,” he muses, considering his response (and likely the NDA) with a smile: “They’re fantastic, those guys.”
