James Nelson-Joyce reflects on rising stardom in new crime drama
James Nelson-Joyce, the star of the BBC crime drama This City Is Ours, has recently experienced a notable career milestone, highlighted by an invitation to dinner from Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, reports BritPanorama.
Jordan, who has been residing in London, recognized Nelson-Joyce from his appearances in various shows and expressed interest in casting him in a remake of the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair. However, scheduling conflicts with This City Is Ours prevented the collaboration, leaving Nelson-Joyce pleased with how his career is progressing.
As he discusses this unexpected connection, he also highlights his recent success with This City Is Ours. The show, often compared to a “Scouse Sopranos“, captures the complexities of Liverpool’s criminal underworld. Nelson-Joyce portrays Michael Kavanagh, a character expected to inherit leadership within the city’s prominent crime family. The series delves into the tensions surrounding succession amid the backdrop of violent rivalries and strategic maneuvering.
In addition to the intense plot, the series features strong female characters, further complicating the narrative of power and ambition. Nelson-Joyce emphasizes the cleverness and business acumen of those involved, suggesting that given different circumstances, they might have pursued alternate paths away from crime.
Initially, Nelson-Joyce faced challenges in securing the role, undergoing an extensive audition process that took eight months. His perseverance paid off, leading to his breakthrough performance in a series that has garnered critical acclaim for its authenticity and gripping storytelling.
Born in Walton, Liverpool, Nelson-Joyce’s journey into acting began after a recommendation from his English teacher, despite his struggles with dyslexia. Reflecting on his early experiences, he notes that while he left school without qualifications, he was driven by a desire to pursue acting, inspired by figures like Stephen Graham.
Nelson-Joyce acknowledges the impact of role models on his career path, recounting a pivotal moment when he met Graham. Their collaboration in previous projects underscored his ambition to carve out a place for himself in the industry.
As he continues to navigate his developing career, Nelson-Joyce expresses a desire to explore a broader range of roles, including potentially stepping into comedy. His ambitions remain firmly within the realms of authenticity and relatability, aspiring to showcase the multifaceted nature of his character and, by extension, himself.
With the second season of This City Is Ours now available, Nelson-Joyce is well-positioned to capture audience attention and solidify his standing in contemporary television.
All episodes of This City Is Ours are available on BBC iPlayer now.
