Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert featuring Damson Idris
Episode Release Date: July 7, 2025
Guest: Damson Idris
Podcast: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Host: Stephen Colbert

1. Introduction of Guest

Stephen Colbert welcomes Damson Idris, highlighting his rising prominence as an actor known for his role in the hit FX series Snowfall and his leading role opposite Brad Pitt in the highly anticipated film F1.

• Stephen Colbert (04:01): "Ladies and gentlemen, my next guest tonight is an actor who caught the attention of audiences in the hit FX series Snowfall. He now stars opposite Brad Pitt in F1 the Movie."

2. Damson Idris's Background and Transition to Acting

Colbert delves into Idris’s initial aspirations to become a professional footballer (soccer player), inspired by watching Lionel Messi. However, Idris pivoted to acting due to a combination of personal reflection and encouragement from his sister and mentors.

• Stephen Colbert (04:48): "You had another big dream. You wanted to be a... What we would call a soccer player, and you would call a footballer."
• Damson Idris (04:58): "I went to Brunel University. I studied drama and tv, film studies there. And my sister said, you know, you're a class clown. You're always making the whole family laugh. Try and do drama."

3. Role in Snowfall and John Singleton's Influence

Idris discusses his breakthrough role in Snowfall, emphasizing the significant impact of working with the late John Singleton, a revered figure in the film industry.

• Damson Idris (05:50): "John Singleton cast you in Snowfall, which was great. He created, and it was on FX. What do you remember about that? That was like... That was a big break for you."
• Damson Idris (06:02): "He was the greatest. He would call me 'damsel' all the time. Which is it now?"

4. F1 the Movie and Collaboration with Brad Pitt

The conversation shifts to Idris’s role in F1 the Movie, where he stars alongside Brad Pitt. Idris elaborates on his character's journey and the dynamics between his character and Pitt’s.

• Stephen Colbert (06:30): "Well, now, as I said, you're in the F1 movie. F1. The movie. And I heard you're working with this really promising up and coming new guy named Brad Pitt."
• Damson Idris (07:00): "Yeah. And Brad is really fast. He is just such an amazing adrenaline junkie."

5. Anecdotes from Filming

Idris shares a humorous and memorable incident from the set involving an accidental spit towards Brad Pitt during a particularly intense scene, highlighting both the challenges and camaraderie on set.

• Damson Idris (06:47): "It's so funny working with Brad. I mean, he is such a beautiful human being, such a giving actor."
• Damson Idris (07:10): "I spat in Brad Pitt's face. It was an accident. It was a rageful scene."
• Stephen Colbert (07:13): "You spat on Brad?"
• Damson Idris (07:15): "It was just the spray was coming out."

6. Insights into the Racing Experience

Idris provides an insider's view into the making of F1 the Movie, discussing the rigorous training and authentic racing experiences undertaken to portray his character realistically.

• Stephen Colbert (10:32): "Did you actually get in the cars? Did you actually drive?"
• Damson Idris (10:40): "Yes, yes. We drove up to 180 miles per hour."
• Damson Idris (11:08): "When you think about the training. They trained us for four months before filming and then it took us around two years to make this movie."
• Damson Idris (11:25): "So technically, I'm probably faster than Lewis Hamilton."

7. Conclusion and Movie Release Information

Colbert wraps up the interview by promoting the release of F1 the Movie, sharing key details about its premiere and encouraging listeners to watch the film.

• Stephen Colbert (11:37): "F1. The movie opens in theaters on Friday, June 27th."
• Damson Idris (11:35): "Thank you so much for having me."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Colbert (04:01): "He now stars opposite Brad Pitt in F1 the Movie, which is a movie about F1."
• Damson Idris (04:58): "I'm never gonna be as good as this guy [Lionel Messi]. So Lionel Messi is the reason for my retirement in football."
• Damson Idris (06:02): "He was the greatest. He would call me damsel all the time."
• Damson Idris (07:15): "It was just the spray was coming out."
• Damson Idris (10:42): "We trained us for four months before filming and then it took us around two years to make this movie."
• Damson Idris (11:08): "When you think about the training. They trained us for four months before filming and then it took us around two years to make this movie."

Key Takeaways

• Career Transition: Damson Idris transitioned from aspiring footballer to actor, influenced by personal insights and mentorship.
• Breakthrough Role: His role in Snowfall under John Singleton’s direction was pivotal in his acting career.
• F1 the Movie: Idris stars alongside Brad Pitt, portraying a rookie F1 driver mentored by Pitt’s character.
• Authentic Experience: Extensive training and real racing experience contributed to the authenticity of his performance.
• Anecdotal Insights: Idris shared light-hearted moments from the set, illustrating the professional and personal rapport among the cast.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Damson Idris's appearance on The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, providing listeners with an insightful overview of his career progression, his latest film project, and personal anecdotes that highlight his experiences in the acting sphere.