London, England – Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya is set to be commemorated with a statue in his hometown of London, celebrating his breakthrough performance in the 2017 acclaimed film “Get Out.” The statue, chosen through a poll of 5,000 British film enthusiasts, will be a part of the “Scenes in the Square” trail in Leicester Square where it will be unveiled in October. The statue will capture the iconic ‘Sunken Place’ scene from “Get Out,” showcasing Kaluuya’s character in a hypnotic metaphysical state.
Kaluuya’s statue will join a diverse collection of statues on the trail, featuring beloved characters from the last century of cinema such as Harry Potter, Batman, Wonder Woman, Mary Poppins, and Gene Kelly. The inclusion of modern cinematic success and British talent in the form of Kaluuya’s statue reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment and the celebration of homegrown actors.
The Heart of London Business Alliance, in collaboration with Westminster City Council, expressed excitement over the addition of Daniel Kaluuya and “Get Out” to the ‘Scenes in the Square’ lineup. Mark Williams, deputy chief executive, hailed Kaluuya as a symbol of the future of entertainment, underlining the significance of spotlighting a groundbreaking film like “Get Out.” The unveiling of the statue signifies a bright future for the trail, highlighting the pioneering work of Kaluuya and the impact of his cinematic achievements.
“Get Out” not only served as a breakthrough moment for Kaluuya, propelling him to star in hit films like “Black Panther” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” but it also catapulted writer/director Jordan Peele to A-list filmmaker status. Despite its modest budget, the film shattered box office records, grossing over $250 million worldwide and earning critical acclaim. The success of “Get Out” at the Oscars, with multiple nominations and Peele winning for Best Original Screenplay, solidified its place in Hollywood history.
The timing of Kaluuya’s statue unveiling, coinciding with Halloween and the U.K.’s Black History Month, aligns with the horror genre and the film’s exploration of themes related to the Black American experience. As the statue stands as a tribute to Kaluuya’s remarkable career and the impact of “Get Out,” it also serves as a representation of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The unveiling marks a significant moment in recognizing the contributions of Black artists and filmmakers to cinema.