You probably know the face. Maybe it was from that brief, high-stakes moment as an X-wing pilot in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, or perhaps you spent years watching him travel through space and time in the TARDIS. But honestly, if you’ve been paying attention to the landscape of British and American acting lately, you’ll realize that tosin cole movies and tv shows aren't just a list of credits—they are a masterclass in the "slow burn" career that is currently exploding into a massive blaze.
Tosin Cole is everywhere right now. He’s not just "that guy from that show" anymore. From the gritty streets of South London in Supacell to the historical weight of Till, he has this uncanny ability to disappear into a role while keeping a very specific, grounded energy that feels incredibly real. It's rare. Most actors either have the "movie star" sheen or the "character actor" grit. Cole somehow straddles both.
The Supacell Phenomenon and the South London Shift
Let’s talk about Supacell. If you haven't binged it on Netflix yet, what are you actually doing? Created by Rapman, this isn't your typical capes-and-tights superhero story. Tosin plays Michael Lasaki, a delivery driver who discovers he has extraordinary powers.
What makes this stand out in the catalog of tosin cole movies and tv shows is the stakes. Michael isn't trying to save the planet from a purple alien; he’s trying to save the woman he loves. It’s a grounded, visceral performance. He plays Michael with a frantic, desperate humanity that makes the supernatural elements feel secondary to the emotional ones.
The show was a massive hit. It stayed in the Netflix Global Top 10 for six weeks straight in 2024. People were obsessed. And for good reason—it felt like a fresh breath of air in a genre that was starting to feel a bit stale and corporate. Cole’s performance was the anchor. He gave us a hero who felt like someone you’d actually see waiting at a bus stop in Lewisham.
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From Hollyoaks to the Stars (Literally)
It’s easy to forget where people start. For Tosin, a lot of that early groundwork was laid in the UK soap opera circuit. We’re talking The Cut, EastEnders: E20, and most notably, Hollyoaks.
Playing Neil Cooper in Hollyoaks from 2011 to 2012 might seem worlds away from prestige dramas, but that’s the training ground. You learn how to work fast. You learn how to handle melodrama. When his character died in that infamous bus explosion, it marked the end of an era and the beginning of a massive leap forward.
Then came the "Big One."
In 2018, he was cast as Ryan Sinclair in Doctor Who. Being a companion to the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) is a life-changing gig. You’re suddenly part of a global institution. For 22 episodes, Cole brought a specific vulnerability to Ryan, a character dealing with dyspraxia while fighting off monsters. It was representation that didn't feel forced. It just was.
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The Move Into Heavy-Hitting Cinema
While TV made him a household name, his film choices have been increasingly bold. He doesn’t seem interested in taking the easy route.
Take Till (2022). He played Medgar Evers. It’s a supporting role, but in a film that heavy, every performance carries weight. He brought a quiet dignity to the civil rights icon that stuck with people long after the credits rolled.
Then you’ve got Bob Marley: One Love (2024). Playing Tyrone Downie, the legendary keyboardist for the Wailers, required a different kind of energy. He had to be part of an ensemble that felt like a real brotherhood. He nailed the vibe. It wasn’t about being the center of attention; it was about contributing to the rhythm of the story.
A Quick Look at the Major Credits
- Supacell (2024–Present): Michael Lasaki (The role that changed everything).
- Bob Marley: One Love (2024): Tyrone Downie.
- 61st Street (2022): Moses Johnson (A devastating look at the US justice system).
- Till (2022): Medgar Evers.
- Doctor Who (2018–2021): Ryan Sinclair.
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015): Lt. Bastian.
- Hollyoaks (2011–2012): Neil Cooper.
What's Next for Tosin Cole?
If you think he’s slowing down, you’re wrong. 2026 is looking like another massive year. There is a lot of buzz around The Sheep Detectives, which sounds like a wild departure from his recent serious work. Also, the fans are practically screaming for Supacell Season 2.
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While production on the second season of the Netflix hit saw some delays—pushed into late 2025 and 2026—the anticipation hasn't dipped. Rapman has promised that the scripts are "crazy," and honestly, after that Season 1 cliffhanger, we need answers.
He’s also attached to Children of Blood and Bone, the long-awaited adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s fantasy novel. This is a big deal. It’s the kind of project that cements an actor as a titan in the industry.
The Actionable Insight: How to Watch
If you want to understand why everyone is talking about him, don't just watch the blockbusters. Start with 61st Street. His performance as Moses Johnson, a high school track star caught in a corrupt police system, is arguably his best work. It’s painful, raw, and incredibly nuanced.
After that, go back to Supacell. It shows his range. He can do the "victim of the system" and the "unintentional hero" with equal skill.
The reality is that tosin cole movies and tv shows are becoming a stamp of quality. If he’s in it, there’s a high chance it’s going to be grounded in something real, no matter how many superheroes or aliens are involved. Keep an eye on his upcoming projects in late 2026—the trajectory is only going up.
To stay ahead of his newest releases, set a Google Alert for his upcoming film The Sheep Detectives or check the Netflix "Coming Soon" section for the official Supacell Season 2 trailer, which is expected to drop once production wraps in the UK.