Stephan James essays the role of 7 in the Netflix film, War Machine. The movie is headlined by Reacher star Alan Ritchson. Stephan James is an actor who has been part of some critically acclaimed films in and out of Canada, his home country.

While War Machine might have failed to wow fans and critics (on that note, check out our review), James’s filmography tells the story of an actor on the precipice of super stardom. The actor has been part of smaller productions, while also having starred in critically acclaimed films, and even being part of a Best Picture nominee at the Academy Awards.

Here are five projects that showcase the actor’s strengths in standout roles.

1. Home Again (2012)

Not to be confused with the 2017 film of the same name, starring Reese Witherspoon, the film was first conceived as a documentary. However, when the director of the film, Sudz Sutherland, approached the National Film Board of Canada with the project, it was promptly rejected.

The film was then converted to a fiction film, which followed Canadians who had lived there for most of their lives, but were then deported to Jamaica, where they were strangers in a strange land. Stephan James essayed the role of Everton St.Clair. This was his first feature film appearance.

The film is available to rent on Apple TV.

ProjectHome Again (2012)RoleEverton St.ClairCastLyriq Bent Paul CampbellFefe Dobson Richard Chevolleau Rotten Tomatoes Score (Tomatometer | Popcornmeter)NA| 57% IMDb Score6.5/10

2. Selma

Perhaps the biggest project that Stephan James has been a part of, Selma, was a historical drama film that was directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Paul Webb. The central drama of the film focuses on the real-world 1965 Voting Marches between Selma and Montgomery.

David Oyelowo essayed the role of Martin Luther King Jr. in the film. James would essay the role of John Lewis, the civil rights activist and a statesman who served in the United States House of Representatives. He passed away in 2020. Selma was nominated for the Best Picture and Best Original Song categories for the 87th Academy Awards, the latter of which the film won.

The film is available for rent and purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.

ProjectSelma (2014)RoleJohn LewisCastDavid Oyelowo Carmen Ejogo André Holland Giovanni Ribisi Rotten Tomatoes Score (Tomatometer | Popcornmeter)99% | 86%IMDb Score7.5/10

3. The Book of Negroes

A Canadian historical miniseries, Stephan James had a relatively small role in the project. However, it was an important story, given that it focused on a part of history that is not often talked about. The focus of the narrative was the Black Loyalists, slaves during the American War of Independence who had been liberated from their rebel American masters and settled by the British Government in Nova Scotia. James essayed the role of Cummings Shakspear.

It can be streamed on Prime Video or rented on Apple TV.

ProjectThe Book of Negroes (2015)RoleCummings ShakspearCastAunjanue Ellis Lyriq Bent Cuba Gooding Jr. Louis Gossett Jr. Ben Chaplin Rotten Tomatoes Score (Tomatometer | Popcornmeter)100% | NAIMDb Score7.8/10

4. Race

A biographical sports drama about the legendary athlete Jesse Owens, the film was directed by Stephen Hopkins. James essayed the role of Owens, who won a record-breaking four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.

The film also starred Jeremy Irons and William Hurt. It was a co-production between Canada, France, and Germany. It received a lot of positive reviews, even winning four Canadian Screen Awards. One of them was Stephan James’s award for Best Actor.

It can be streamed on Prime Video.

ProjectRace (2016)RoleJesse OwensCastJason SudeikisJeremy IronsCarice van HoutenWilliam HurtShanice BantonAmanda CrewRotten Tomatoes Score (Tomatometer | Popcornmeter)64% | 77%IMDb Score7.1/10

5. Homecoming

Homecoming is a psychological thriller series produced by Amazon Prime Video. Stephan James is part of the main cast, essaying the role of Walter Cruz. The series revolves around a facility that helps veterans transition to civilian life, but when a Department of Defence audit raises some basic questions that no one seems to be able to answer, more sinister machinations are unearthed as the plot unfolds.

Walter Cruz is a young veteran in the series who is part of the facility and is eager to join civilian life. The first season of the show received critical acclaim, but fans and critics alike noticed a sharp drop in quality come Season 2.

It can be streamed on Prime Video.

ProjectHomecoming (2018)RoleWalter CruzCastJulia Roberts Bobby Cannavale Shea Whigham Alex Karpovsky Sissy Spacek Janelle Monáe Rotten Tomatoes Score (Tomatometer | Popcornmeter)79% | 65%IMDb Score7.4/10

Stephan James has played everything from Olympic legend Jesse Owens to civil rights icon John Lewis. What is your favorite? Let us know in the comments down below!

War Machine is available to stream on Netflix.
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