Rafe Spall, the talented British actor, is reflecting on the early years of his career and the filmmakers who helped shape it.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Spall credited director Edgar Wright for much of his success, particularly for his involvement in Wright’s iconic Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, which made a lasting impact on comedy film history.
The Beginning of a Career in Comedy Film History
Spall, 42, shared how his career got its big break with Edgar Wright, starting with the 2002 zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead. Spall was just 19 years old when he joined the cast of the cult classic, which paid tribute to George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead films.
He went on to star in 2007’s Hot Fuzz and 2013’s The World’s End, both directed by Wright and co-written with Simon Pegg.
The actor admitted, “Every time I see Edgar [Wright’s] directing a film, I’m so bummed that I’m not in it. He’s amazing.” His career with Wright and Simon Pegg, who starred in all three films, helped define the British comedy genre, and Spall remains proud to have been part of these iconic movies.
“Those guys are very responsible for my career,” Spall shared. “We made Shaun of the Dead when I was 19 years old and I’m 42 now. And then I was 21 when I made Hot Fuzz, and I have very, very fond memories.”
Staying Connected to the Trilogy
Spall reflected on how the Cornetto Trilogy films have stayed with him throughout the years, continuing to shape his career even as he ventured into new projects. “I still get recognized for those things now, and I’m so grateful to be a part of real comedy film history,” he said.
It’s clear that Spall’s connection to these films and Wright’s unique style is something he deeply values, even after all these years.
With a laugh, Spall jokingly called out Wright, saying, “Put me in a film, Edgar, cause I was good in your other ones!” It’s a playful plea from the actor who credits Wright for his significant contributions to his career.
A Fun Cameo in The World’s End
Spall also touched on his cameo in The World’s End, explaining that his role was included because of his close relationship with Wright and Pegg. In an earlier interview with Total Film in 2013, Spall shared, “I pop up just because there’s a few of us that have been in all of them, and those guys wanted to get my big stupid head in it somewhere.”
In addition to Spall, The Cornetto Trilogy features a talented ensemble cast, including Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, and Bill Nighy.
Rafe Spall’s New Role in Smoke
While Spall has enjoyed his time working with Wright, he’s now diving into new projects. He currently stars in Apple TV+‘s crime drama Smoke, created by Dennis Lehane.
In the show, Spall plays Steven Burk, a cop with a complicated relationship with Detective Michelle Calderon, played by Jurnee Smollett, and arson investigator Dave Gudsen, portrayed by Taron Egerton. The series follows the investigation of two serial arsonists.
Spall described his character as “multifaceted” and “flawed,” explaining, “I get to play a badass American cop, and so, for an English guy to do that, it’s pretty fun.” He teases that his character has some questionable behavior but ultimately redeems himself over the course of the series.
Looking Ahead
With Smoke airing new episodes on Apple TV+ every Friday through August 15, Spall is continuing to evolve as an actor, taking on complex and dynamic roles. His work in both comedy and drama shows his versatility and depth, as he moves away from his earlier comedic roots to tackle grittier characters.
