London’s Leicester Square is set to welcome a new addition to its famed “Scenes in the Square” trail this October — a statue of British actor Daniel Kaluuya’s iconic character from the 2017 horror film Get Out. The statue, which will depict Kaluuya’s character Chris Washington in the film’s infamous ‘Sunken Place’ scene, was chosen by public vote and will celebrate the actor’s breakthrough role.
A poll of 5,000 British film fans, conducted by movie promoters Show Film First, voted overwhelmingly in favor of Kaluuya as the next actor to be immortalized in the West End’s tribute to cinematic history. Kaluuya’s statue will join an eclectic line-up of film icons like Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, and Batman, cementing his status as one of the U.K.’s finest talents.
READ: 26 Horror/Thriller Movies and Shows Released in 2024 to Watch This October
The statue, set to be unveiled in October, will coincide with Halloween and the U.K.’s Black History Month. This timing is significant, as the film Get Out explores the lived experiences of Black Americans and the horrors of racism. The movie, directed by Jordan Peele, became a cultural landmark upon release, blending horror with social commentary on race relations in the U.S.
Kaluuya’s portrayal of Chris Washington, a man trapped in a nightmarish reality after meeting his white girlfriend’s seemingly liberal family, catapulted him into Hollywood’s A-list. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and helped Get Out achieve critical and commercial success, grossing over $250 million globally despite a modest budget. Peele also earned an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, solidifying the film’s impact on modern cinema.
Mark Williams, deputy chief executive for the Heart of London Business Alliance, expressed excitement over Kaluuya’s addition to Leicester Square. “We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Kaluuya and Get Out to our Scenes in the Square line-up. His work is a testament to the future of British talent and the global success of modern cinema,” Williams said.
Kaluuya joins a list of modern and classic figures, from Mary Poppins to Indiana Jones, who are featured in Leicester Square’s cinematic homage. The “Scenes in the Square” trail, launched in 2020, highlights characters and actors that have shaped a century of film. With Kaluuya’s statue marking a more contemporary moment in film history, the trail continues to evolve, celebrating both legendary and emerging talents.
The statue is set to represent the powerful, haunting imagery of the ‘Sunken Place’ scene, a metaphor for the oppression of Black people in America. As visitors flock to snap selfies, the powerful symbolism of the moment will surely resonate deeply.
Kaluuya’s post-Get Out career has seen him in roles ranging from Black Panther to Judas and the Black Messiah, where he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. As his career continues to flourish, the statue in Leicester Square serves as a permanent reminder of his early breakthrough and the cultural significance of Get Out.