Stephen Graham is the guy who sticks up for you

The Independent’s entertainment newsletter [The Independent]( November 19, 2022 [View in browser](   Happy cosy cinema weekend! Don't go out. It's cold. Just put a jumper on and choose from one of the many big new films out this week. You could watch Florence Pugh in [The Wonder](. Or Paul Mescal in [Aftersun](. Or Ralph Fiennes in [The Menu](. Or Jeremy Strong in [Armageddon Time](. Or Amy Adams in [Disenchanted](. (Although I [reviewed that one](, and if you love Enchanted, I'd gently suggest you don't.) Whatever your choice, at least it will provide respite from watching Matt Hancock on I'm a Celeb, the Black Mirror-esque surrealism of which has worn a bit thin for me. Apparently he's [now a favourite to win](. [Did I do this](? If so, can I un-do it? Something I am excited to see on screen is [Shuggie Bain](; it was announced this week that Douglas Stuart is turning his Booker Prize-winning debut novel into a BBC drama. For this week's State of the Arts column, I've written about [why we need working class stories like Shuggie more than ever at the moment](. You might notice some changes to the newsletter over the next few weeks – we're working hard to make it the best artsy update you get in your inbox, bar none. If there's anything you'd like to see or find helpful (and book lovers, watch this space), then I'd be delighted to hear from you on Twitter at [@jessiecath](. For now, please enjoy your shiny new must-watch weekend list below. I'll be filling it every week with my top three tips for what you need to see on stage or screen on your Saturday or Sunday. Keep your eyes peeled for lots of big theatre recommendations in December (Emma Corrin AND Paul Mescal on stage? Stop, you're spoiling us). Until next time, Jessie Douglas Stuart's critically acclaimed novel 'Shuggie Bain' is being adapted into a series by BBC and A24 This week I loved: Adam White hearing [how terrible John Slattery looked](. Louis Chilton [pow wow-ing with Zachary Quinto](about political discourse. Annabel Nugent [going back to the Noughties](with Sum 41's Deryck Whibley. Kevin EG Perry [getting deep with Kevin Smith]( about the director's "widow-maker" heart attack. And Amanda Whiting's[love letter to Yellowstone](. [The Saturday Interview – Stephen Graham]( [Oscars image]( Stephen Graham will star in the (Joseph Sinclair) Is anyone on a hotter streak than Stephen Graham? The This is England star is stepping into the shoes of Danny DeVito with his role as Mr Wormwood in the film adaptation of Matilda The Musical. The actor talks to Chris Harvey about working with the greats, and mentoring actors from Jodie Comer to Jack O’Connell. He also opens up about his intolerance for racists, misogynists, and homophobes, too. [Oscars image]( Stephen Graham as real-life British nationalist Matthew Collins in 'The Walk-In' (ITV) Read an extract from our Saturday Interview below… Dahl seems almost a test case for “cancel culture”: is the work of a writer who has given such a gift of imagination and joy to the world more important than his personal opinions – is the art more important than the artist? “Just from my own personal view,” Graham says, “would I be on set with an actor who was misogynistic, who was racist, who was homophobic. No, I’d slap ’em across the f***ing face. I wouldn’t stand in a room with someone who held those beliefs, because I’m a mixed-race man myself.” Graham’s biological father is of Jamaican and Swedish descent, and the stepfather he calls “Pops” is also of mixed-race heritage. He has spoken about experiencing racism as a boy, but he prefers to let his work do the talking, he tells me. We’ve just seen him in Jeff Pope’s ITV drama about real-life former British nationalist Matthew Collins and his attempts to infiltrate a racist, far-right group to prevent the murder of MP Rosie Cooper. Graham petitioned for Collins to speak the Bob Marley quote on which the series ends. “If you’ve seen The Walk-In, you will see where I stand on these kinds of issues… I like to take on projects that have a social conscience. [The TV] is the empathy box in the corner of anybody’s home. I like to be a part of things that can create debates, create discussion, that can put a mirror up to society… I have been very selective in the roles I have chosen, to be a part of things that move me emotionally, and intellectually.” [Read the full interview here](   Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our [welcome offer when you join today](.   What to watch this weekend [The Wonder]( Florence Pugh, heart eyes emoji x 100. Go to your Netflix account and watch her new film, based on an Emma Donoghue novel, immediately. [Read Clarisse Loughrey's review here](. [The Horne Section TV Show]( I'm not even going to try and explain the meta concept of Alex Horne's new show. I'll let[Isobel Lewis and her fabulous review do that instead](. (She says it's very funny.) [The Menu]( Huge week for things with the word "the" in the title. Apparently this foodie comedy, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes, is... pretty tasty. [Read Nick Hilton's review here](.   INDYBEST / [BEST BUYS]( Stranger Things and Quiksilver launch an Eighties-inspired collection that’s worn by the cast in season 4 As the second half of series four unfolds, inject some retro style into your wardrobe [Read more](     OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Competitions and Offers] Competitions and Offers Every Friday, 1.30pm (UK time) Our free weekly pick of great prizes, deals and discounts direct to your inbox [Join now]( [Health Check] Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas [Join now]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's entertainment newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. 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