If you haven’t been paying attention to Jonathan Ajayi, you’re basically missing out on one of the most tectonic shifts in British acting right now. He’s not just "another face" on Netflix or the BBC. He’s the kind of performer who makes you lean into the screen because you’re slightly worried—or incredibly excited—about what his character might do next. Honestly, the guy has this raw, vibrating energy that feels less like "acting" and more like a live wire.
You might’ve first caught him in the alternate-history heartbreak of Noughts + Crosses, or maybe you saw him briefly in the chaotic neon mess of Wonder Woman 1984. But if you're looking for the real meat of his career, you’ve gotta look at how he’s currently dominating the sci-fi landscape. It’s a wild trajectory. From the West End stage to the terrifying, acid-bleeding world of the Alien franchise, Ajayi is everywhere.
The Breakthrough: Noughts + Crosses and The Drifters
Most people started googling Jonathan Ajayi movies and tv shows after his turn as Lekan Baako in Noughts + Crosses. If you aren't familiar with Malorie Blackman’s books, the show flips the script on racial power dynamics. Ajayi played Lekan, a high-ranking military officer. He wasn't just a "rival" to the main character; he was a provocateur. A stirrer. He brought this intense, almost terrifying political conviction to the role that made him stand out even when he wasn't the lead.
Around that same time, he did a movie called The Drifters. It’s a post-Brexit love story, which sounds kind of heavy, and it is. He plays Koffee, an African immigrant trying to survive in a London that doesn't really want him. There’s a scene early on where he’s offered a fake Irish passport just because the guy on it "looks like him." It’s gritty, it’s indie, and it’s arguably his most vulnerable work. He was nominated for a British Independent Film Award for it, and frankly, he should’ve won.
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Why the Small Roles Matter
Even in the big blockbusters, he leaves a mark. In Wonder Woman 1984, he played a character named Emerson. Was it a massive role? No. But being handpicked by Patty Jenkins for a massive DC sequel usually means you’ve got something the cameras love.
The Major Shift: Alien: Earth and Beyond
If you’re checking your watch, it’s 2026, and the biggest thing in the world of Jonathan Ajayi movies and tv shows is undoubtedly Alien: Earth. This isn't just a TV show; it’s a Noah Hawley project (the guy who did Fargo), and it’s been a massive hit on FX and Hulu.
Ajayi plays Smee, a "hybrid" and a member of the "Lost Boys." Before he was transformed by the Prodigy Corporation, he was Christopher Okafor. Now, he’s this childlike but lethal teammate who helps navigate a world where humanity is being hunted by Xenomorphs. People are obsessed with him in this role. He’s taken what could have been a background soldier and turned him into a fan favorite.
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- Alien: Earth (2025–Present): A massive sci-fi horror series where he plays a prototype hybrid.
- Vigil (Season 2): He played Wes Harper, a tech lead for a drone program. If you like high-stakes military thrillers, this is the one.
- 5lbs of Pressure (2024): A gritty action-thriller where he shares the screen with Luke Evans.
He’s also got The Man in My Basement coming out, which is a psychological drama where he stars alongside legends like Willem Dafoe. Just think about that for a second. You don't get cast opposite Willem Dafoe unless you can hold your own in a room with a powerhouse.
From the Stage to the Screen
It’s worth mentioning that Ajayi didn't just stumble into Hollywood. He’s a LAMDA graduate. He actually left drama school early because the Young Vic came knocking for The Brothers Size. That’s basically the theater equivalent of being drafted to the NBA before you finish college.
He was also Laertes in Hamlet at the Young Vic, which earned him a commendation at the Ian Charleson Awards. When you see him on screen today, that theatrical "weight" is still there. He knows how to use his body and his silence. In Play It Safe (the 2021 short film that swept SXSW), he barely speaks, yet you can feel the social anxiety and the pressure of being the only person of color in a room full of people who don't "get" him.
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What You Should Watch First
If you’re just diving in, don't just watch the big budget stuff. Start with The Drifters to see his range. Then go to Noughts + Crosses to see him play a "villain" you actually kind of understand. Finish with Alien: Earth because, honestly, the production value is insane and he’s clearly having the time of his life.
Jonathan Ajayi is one of those actors who is "the actor's actor." He’s mentored by Joseph Marcell (yes, Geoffrey from The Fresh Prince, who is a legit Shakespearean titan), and he’s clearly playing the long game. He isn't chasing fame; he’s chasing roles that actually mean something.
Your Next Steps for Following Jonathan Ajayi:
- Stream Alien: Earth on Hulu/Disney+: This is currently his most culturally relevant role and shows his ability to handle massive sci-fi concepts.
- Track down The Drifters: It’s available on most VOD platforms like Apple TV and remains his most grounded, soulful performance.
- Watch the Vigil Season 2 arc: If you want to see him in a fast-paced, modern British thriller, his role as Wes Harper is the perfect entry point.
- Keep an eye on The Man in My Basement: This is his big "prestige" play. Expect it to be a heavy hitter during the upcoming awards season.
Ajayi has moved past the "promising newcomer" phase. He’s a pillar of the new wave of British talent, and with Alien: Earth being renewed for a second season, he’s going to be a household name sooner rather than later.