Roman Griffin Davis From JoJo Rabbit to Blockbuster Hollywood Films and Leading Man Status – A New Chapter Begins

By Nicole Wilson

There’s a quiet confidence that settles in when someone knows exactly who they are becoming. Roman Griffin Davis stands firmly in that space. No longer simply the child actor who stole hearts in Academy-Award winning film, Jojo Rabbit, he’s now entering a new era of his career with clarity, curiosity, and a fearless appetite for challenge.

For this editorial feature, Roman teamed up with Award-Winning celebrity and fashion photographer Nicole Wilson, whose work is regularly commissioned and published across top entertainment and fashion outlets including VOGUE, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, PEOPLE Magazine, FORBES, Vanity Fair, OK Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and more. Known for capturing artists and celebrities at moments of transition across stage and screen, Wilson’s lens meets Roman at a pivotal point, one where early success gives way to something deeper, more intentional, and unmistakably grown.

JoJo Rabbit

Roman first burst onto the global stage with his screen debut in Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, a performance that balanced innocence, humor, and emotional gravity with astonishing ease. Looking back, Roman describes the experience not just as a career milestone, but as a personal awakening.

“Jojo rabbit was such a gift, a very rare opportunity and from making the film I learnt that there is nothing more I want to do in my life than to act.”

On set, surrounded by surreal imagery and weighty historical themes, Roman learned lessons that still guide him today. He speaks thoughtfully about the craft of listening, a skill that sounds simple in theory but proves far more demanding in practice.

“I learnt making Jojo rabbit that in order for a scene to work and to be perfect, you have to really listen to the other characters. Although it sounds super simple it’s actually difficult, because You have to forgot who you are, and who they are, in order actually take in what they’re saying, like it’s the first time you’ve heard it.”

The Absurd and the Real

The production itself left a lasting imprint. Roman recalls the strange dissonance of the experience with a mix of humor and disbelief.

“Jojo Rabbit was wild, I was walking around set every day dressed as a Nazi surrounded by 10s of other actors and extras who were also dressed up as Nazis. It was so weird, I mean the director was playing Hitler!”

Despite the surreal nature of the film, its impact was very real. Jojo Rabbit resonated with audiences across continents, something Roman holds close to his heart.

“Jojo rabbit connected with a lot of people around the world and I’m so pleased, the film means a lot to me and I hope I continue to make films that connect with people everywhere and not just the west or America.”

Growing Up On Camera

Stepping into the spotlight at such a young age brought opportunity, but also expectation. Roman is candid about the double-edged nature of early success.

“Starting young has been a blessing and a kind of a curse. Whilst starting young made it easier for me to get an agent as there was less competition. Its also been slightly a curse because I’m always trying to show audiences that not only have I changed physically but also as an actor and a person.”

Raised in a family immersed in storytelling and filmmaking, creativity was always present, but Roman is quick to note the importance of forging his own path.

“My family all works in film or storytelling in one way or another, and I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such creativity and love for film it’s really shaped who I’ve become as a person. But I’ve found there’s only so much you can learn from your family, and as an actor I need to experience life and all its emotions by myself in my own way, so that I can perform with a greater intensity on screen.”

Evolution as an Actor

That desire for intensity and evolution is reflected in the roles he now seeks. As he matures, Roman gravitates toward characters that challenge him and resist comfort.

“As I’ve gotten older I’m continuing to look for roles that are difficult and different, as I want to be able to show audiences and the film industry that I’m able and not scared to delve into any role, whether they are problematic or twisted.”

Recent Work Developments

His recent projects signal that shift clearly. With films like The Long Walk and the highly anticipated Greenland 2, Roman is stepping into bigger worlds and higher stakes.

“I’ve stepped into new roles recently that have, and are coming out into theaters like The Long Walk, and Greenland 2, and like the roles I’m stepping into this year I want to show range and work as much as possible. Like most young people of my age it’s scary to not know where you’ll be in your career in 5 years time, but I’m sure if I continue to keep attempting to do something new acting-wise I’ll be fine, fingers crossed.”

Inside his latest blockbuster film Greenland 2 co-starring with Gerard Butler

Greenland 2, in particular, demanded a new level of endurance and emotional intensity.

“Making Greenland 2 was an amazing opportunity but it was challenging at times. Trying to keep the same ‘I’m going to die!!’ energy all day long was difficult, and I’ve come to learn is whole skill to master.”

Working closely with Gerard Butler proved formative, offering Roman a firsthand look at the discipline required for large-scale action filmmaking.

“I also loved my fellow cast mates on Greenland 2! Gerry butler is a legend, he’s big guy with a lot of energy, and is a pro at action, and I learnt a lot from him. especially on how to be ready befor the cameras roll, for instance before most takes we were screaming our lungs so that we didn’t have to find the intensity needed whilst in scene.”

On and Off Screen Identity

Off-screen, Roman is still very much in a process of self-discovery. He speaks openly about the tension between who he is and who he hopes to become.

“I’m still discovering myself. But recently I feel like each year I’m becoming more and more separated from the person I want to be, so I’m hoping through working and being open to change I can find the right track.”

While he has creative outlets beyond acting, including music and painting, his focus remains clear.

“I have a lot of passions but right now I feel like I need to put them aside in order to focus on improving my ability as an actor. But I really do like playing guitar and painting.”

Looking Forward

Looking ahead, Roman’s ambitions aren’t tied to genre or prestige, but to storytelling and collaboration.

“I’m not so bothered on genre or themes when it comes to work, as good writing is good writing, but moving forwards, I really want to work with a new generation of actors and film makers. As much as I would want to work with the all time greats, I think the more interesting films being made right now are by those who are upcoming and more willing to be obscure and creative.”

A Leading Man in Motion

It’s this openness, paired with a grounded sense of self, that makes Roman Griffin Davis such a compelling figure at this moment. He’s not rushing toward an image of stardom. He’s building something slower, richer, and far more lasting.

Roman Griffin Davis is no longer just a talent to remember. He’s a young Hollywood leading man in the making , and one we should all be keeping our eye on.

Creative Team :

Photographer / Creative Director: Nicole Wilson @nicolewilsonnyc +

@nicolewilsonphoto

Talent: Roman Griffin Davis | @RomanGriffinDavisOfficial

Stylist: Karilyn Prisco | @Karilyn_Prisco

Stylist: Malcolm Cannon | @Royalmajestycompany

Hair Stylist: Mariah Molina | @Hairbymariah11

Men’s Grooming / Makeup: Taylor Levitan | @Tayonmyface

Photographer’s Assistant: Isa Grace Harris | @Isagraceharris

Retoucher: Olya Kay | N/A

Nicole Wilson is an award-winning New York City–based Celebrity, Fashion, Editorial, Broadway, and Performance Photographer known for her cinematic, fashion-forward approach to storytelling.

Her work has appeared in Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, People, Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Teen, and other international publications. Deeply embedded in the Broadway and entertainment community, she regularly collaborates with leading publicists, producers, and performers, photographing Tony and Olivier Award–winning artists, actors, and musicians across stage, concert, and editorial settings.

She is a house photographer for several of New York’s most prominent performance venues, creating images that feel intimate, elevated, and timeless at the intersection of fashion, celebrity, and live performance.