There’s no doubt about it: Ncuti Gatwa is having a bit of a moment. 2023 has been a big year for the Rwandan–Scottish actor, with the final season of his breakout hit show “Sex Education” hitting the airwaves right after he appeared alongside A-listers as one of the Kens in “Barbie.” Now, he’s well on his way to leading-man status, including an upcoming stint as one of the UK’s most famous characters. Although his onscreen career is just getting started, he’s already starred in a few very recognizable TV shows and movies. Here’s everywhere you can catch him so far – and where he’ll be appearing next.
Ncuti Gatwa Movies
“Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans” (2019)
This historical parody from the beloved “Horrible Histories” team narrates the story of the Roman Empire in Britain – albeit with some comedic historical liberties. Gatwa plays Timidius, a minor Roman character.
“The Last Letter from Your Lover” (2021)
In this historical drama, a mysterious love letter connects two women across generations as they search for answers about who the couple in the letter really were. Gatwa has a supporting role as Nick, a coworker of Ellie Haworth (Felicity Jones), who is a present-day journalist researching the letters.
“Barbie” (2023)
Gatwa is part of an all-star cast in the worldwide phenomenon movie. He’s “Artist Ken,” one of several Kens, alongside Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, John Cena, and others. Fun fact: Gatwa’s “Sex Education” costars Connor Swindells and Emma Mackey also appear in the movie!
Ncuti Gatwa TV Shows
“Bob Servant” (2014)
Gatwa made his onscreen debut in an episode of this British comedy about a quirky Scottish suburb and a cheeseburger tycoon launching an unexpected political bid. He’s a background character only credited as “Male Customer” in a single episode from 2014.
“Stonemouth” (2015)
Gatwa appears as Dougie in two episodes of this BBC series. Adapted from a book by Iain Banks, the show follows a man’s return to a small town controlled by two rival gangs after being away in London for years.
“Sex Education” (2019)
By far his breakout role, Gatwa’s performance as Eric Effiong on this Netflix comedy launched him into the international spotlight. He costarred as Eric, the gay son of religious Ghanaian–Nigerian immigrants in the UK. The role earned him acclaim on both sides of the pond, as well as several nominations (and a handful of wins) for both British and American awards.
“Doctor Who” (2023)
Gatwa’s next role is an even bigger one: as the Fifteenth Doctor on the long-running sci-fi staple. Gatwa’s incarnation of the Doctor was expected to immediately follow the tenure of “Thirteenth Doctor” Jodie Whittaker, but David Tennant instead returned to the role for a second time as the mysterious Fourteenth Doctor. When he takes over the TARDIS, he’ll be the first Black actor to portray the Doctor.
“Masters of the Air” (2024)
Gatwa is part of an all-star cast in the upcoming Apple TV+ World War II drama, which centers on a US Air Force battalion stationed in Europe during the war. He’s slated to appear as 2nd Lt. Robert Daniels.
