Naomi Ackie has firmly established herself as one of the most compelling talents of her generation, delivering standout performances that showcase her range and depth as an actress. Best known for her BAFTA-winning role in The End of the F**ing World* and her critically acclaimed portrayal of Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Ackie has continually proven her ability to transform into complex characters with effortless nuance. Now, she’s gearing up for her next major cinematic venture, starring alongside Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17, the highly anticipated sci-fi thriller from Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho. With each new role, Ackie cements her status as a powerhouse performer, and Mickey 17 is set to be another thrilling chapter in her already impressive career.

Ackie often reflects on the complexities of life and death. When asked about what she’d choose if given the chance to die and be reborn as anything, her answer is as whimsical as it is introspective. 

"I think I would die and become an elephant," she muses, envisioning herself as the matriarch of a herd, roaming the Serengeti with her family. It’s a peaceful, calming thought that contrasts with the weight of more somber questions, like her views on death. 

Ackie acknowledges the constant presence of death in her life, having experienced loss at a young age. "It’s something I think about every day," she admits. 

"It’s a scary concept, but it’s something none of us can avoid." Yet, for Ackie, confronting the inevitability of death is not a form of morbid obsession, but rather a way to embrace life in its fullness. 

"Acknowledging death means you’re acknowledging life at the same time," she says thoughtfully, finding peace in that balance.

Ackie doesn’t shy away from vulnerability when asked about her greatest fears. 

"I have so many," she laughs softly, but the underlying concern is palpable. The fear of illness—of losing her health—and the fear of losing people she loves are heavy on her heart. Perhaps the greatest fear, though, is more existential. 

"Living an unfulfilled life," she says, speaking about a fear that transcends career ambitions. "I don’t want to look back and feel like I missed out on experiences, on saying yes to life." Ackie’s words reflect an urgency to live fully and authentically, a sentiment she carries into her career and personal life.

In a stark contrast to these deep reflections, Ackie dives into a project that brings a touch of levity amidst a world that often feels heavy. The film she’s working on offers an escape, a comedic respite in the face of serious times. 

"What this film does so well is tackle dark, dystopian issues with absurdity," she explains. It's a delicate balance between the gravity of the issues it raises and the humor that makes them bearable. 

For Ackie, bringing comedic timing to life in a world that often feels consumed by heaviness was a joyful one. "There’s something hauntingly funny about it because it feels so present," she says, reflecting on the unique way the film blends absurdity with important social commentary.

Her journey through body image and self-care in the industry has also evolved, especially after her role as Whitney Houston. The physical transformation required for the role made Ackie reflect deeply on her relationship with her body. 

"I felt the same about myself, whether I was slim or not," she shares, acknowledging that true self-acceptance is not about fitting into a specific mold. 

"We’re more complicated and more interesting than what we look like," she says with conviction. This perspective has helped her embrace authenticity in herself and the roles she plays. 

"The more authentic I am to myself, the less pressure I’ve felt to fit into some mold that doesn’t exist," she adds. For Ackie, beauty lies in the variety of human experience, in the many ways bodies and personalities can exist in this world.