'The Agency' Star Saura Lightfoot-Leon Is Ready to Show Danny 'In a Very Different Light'
Justin French
Jacket, skirt, Mugler. Earrings, Shay Jewelry.
Saura Lightfoot-Leon is not a professional dancer—she has, in fact, made a conscious effort not to
become
a professional dancer—but she knows she moves like one. She is the daughter of Paul Lightfoot and Sol León, both dancers and choreographers in the Netherlands, where she spent the bulk of her childhood in the theater. 'They're very outward, bravely performative people, and they express deeply,' Lightfoot-Leon says of the artists who raised her. 'That's something I've been told by fellow castmates: There's an openness to me.'
By the time a teenage Lightfoot-Leon started considering her own aspirations, dance didn't factor into the equation. 'I saw so much of it, you have to understand,' she explains. 'It felt like I'd already lived that life, in a way.' Like most teenagers, she wanted 'to grow up and make myself independent,' and to operate in a circle 'that didn't feel part of my parents' world.' When she was 14, an English teacher recognized Lightfoot-Leon's emotional intelligence within her creative writing, and recommended she try acting. That suggestion spurred her to start researching where she might train, and when multiple people pointed her toward London, her father took her to West End performances on her birthday each year, until she was old enough to leave home.
Justin French
Turtleneck, culottes, belt, boots, Saint Laurent. Earrings, Van Cleef & Arpels.
Soon enough, London became her stomping ground. After graduating with an acting degree from the capital's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2020, Lightfoot-Leon made her television debut in the BBC One series
Life After Life
, then scored a lead actress role in the 2023 film
Hoard
, for which she won a Special Jury Mention at the Venice International Film Festival and was later nominated for two British Independent Film Awards. Her breakthrough secured, she spent 2024 appearing in the Apple TV+ drama
Masters of the Air
, the Netflix western
American Primeval
, and the Paramount+ spy saga
The Agency
, which is now filming its second season.
Lightfoot-Leon, now 27, doesn't spend as much time in hallowed dance studios as she once did. But neither is she as inclined to ignore dance's impact in her life. She admits her instinct has been to 'hide away something precious that actually influences everything I do,' in an attempt to forge her own distinct path. But 'the moment I really started finding myself in the characters I was playing, the more I struggled to push away that side of me,' she says. 'My past is me, and I don't try to separate that from my work anymore. It lives within me. It gives me a richer body language.'
'My past is me, and I don't try to separate that from my work anymore. It lives within me.'
On the set of
Hoard
, Lightfoot-Leon realized that though she might not want to spend her career in pointe shoes, she did want to spend it in the presence of a company. Acting alongside Joseph Quinn of
Stranger Things
and Hayley Squires of
I, Daniel Blake
, and being led by director Luna Carmoon, Lightfoot-Leon recognized a similar feeling: 'an element of the 'company' feel that I continue to look for in my work.'
Acting in film and television doesn't always allow her the time to develop the same type of intimate relationships often found in the theater, but Lightfoot-Leon says that
The Agency
has not only drawn her into a community, with talents like Michael Fassbender and Jeffrey Wright—it's also blessed her with insight into her own mind. As the CIA field officer Danny Morata in the spy thriller series, Lightfoot-Leon plays 'a professional chameleon, who's learning how to access different parts of herself and choosing what she shows and when to show it.' The actress has no trouble drawing parallels to her own experience. 'Where that line is drawn is not only part of a covert agent's life, but also an actor's life. It's like, 'Where does the me who's acting in these scenes stop and the character begin?' So that's fascinating.' (She teases that season 2 will depict Danny 'in a very different light. Season 1 was sowing the seeds. This season is a whole other beast, and it gets scary. She gets real. That's all I'm going to say.')
Justin French
Turtleneck, culottes, belt, boots, Saint Laurent. Earrings, Van Cleef & Arpels.
Like any good artist with a background in movement, Lightfoot-Leon says she judges her potential projects based on the reactions a script evokes in her body. Does it make her laugh? Tense up? Daydream? If she's 'sucked in,' she's sold. 'Art is a language in itself,' she says. 'It's this feeling that's not in my head; it's somewhere in my heart, somewhere in my gut. It involves different parts of your brain and your body and your intuition, and it's been carried across centuries and through different generations of people.
'What I feel it brings us is hope,' she concludes. 'It reminds people of something that, maybe, they've forgotten.'
Hair by Sami Knight for Rehab; makeup by Alexandra French at Forward Artists; manicure by Jolene Brodeur at The Wall Group; produced by Anthony Federici at Petty Cash Production; photographed at Malibu Creek Ranch.
A version of this story appears in the Summer 2025 issue of ELLE.
Related Stories
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray: A Deep Dive into the Home Release of Toho's Masterpiece
Introduction 'Godzilla Minus One,' Toho's 2023 cinematic masterpiece, has become a cornerstone in the kaiju genre and a global sensation. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, this film not only revitalized the Godzilla franchise but also reintroduced the King of the Monsters in a darker, more emotionally resonant narrative. With the release of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray , fans now have the chance to experience this landmark film in stunning high definition from the comfort of their homes. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray release, exploring its features, historical context, technical details, collector's value, and why it's a must-have for kaiju enthusiasts and cinephiles alike. 1. Overview of 'Godzilla Minus One' 'Godzilla Minus One' is set in post-war Japan, taking place shortly after World War II. The country is devastated, both emotionally and economically, and then comes another catastrophe—Godzilla. Unlike the heroic or morally ambiguous portrayals in some modern iterations, this version of Godzilla is a terrifying force of nature, echoing the creature's original 1954 incarnation. The film's critical success stems from its humanistic storytelling, character development, political themes, and special effects. It blends emotional depth with sheer cinematic spectacle—qualities that translate remarkably well to the Blu-ray format. 2. Blu-ray Release Date and Availability The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray was officially released in Japan on May 1, 2024, with English subtitles included, delighting international fans. In the U.S., the physical Blu-ray arrived in stores and online platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart in early June 2024. Both standard and limited collector's editions are available, with some special retailer-exclusive bonuses. Editions Available: ● Standard Blu-ray: 1080p video with DTS-HD audio, Japanese and English subtitles. ● Collector's Edition: Includes 4K Ultra HD disc, bonus features disc, art cards, steelbook packaging. ● Digital Edition: Offered via platforms like Apple TV and Vudu. 3. Technical Specifications The technical quality of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is nothing short of superb. The transfer captures every detail from the cinematic release, and in some cases, the home experience even enhances appreciation for the VFX and sound design. Video Quality: ● Resolution: 1920×1080 (Blu-ray), 3840×2160 (4K UHD) ● Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 ● HDR10 and Dolby Vision support (4K UHD) Audio: ● Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 ● English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (subtitled) ● Immersive surround sound perfectly captures monster roars and destruction sequences The colors are crisp, contrast is excellent, and dark scenes are handled with finesse—a critical element for a film that often relies on shadows and atmosphere. 4. Bonus Features Breakdown One of the major draws of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is the treasure trove of special features included, especially in the deluxe editions. These features offer insight into the making of the film and the vision behind the monster. Key Bonus Features: ● Director's Commentary: Takashi Yamazaki shares his thoughts on creative choices, VFX challenges, and thematic inspirations. ● Behind-the-Scenes Documentary: A 45-minute deep dive into the film's production, including special effects, miniatures, and on-set interviews. ● Monster Design Evolution: A segment exploring the evolution of Godzilla's design and how it pays tribute to the original 1954 creature. ● Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes ● Storyboard Comparisons ● Cast Interviews Fans and aspiring filmmakers alike will find immense value in these extras. 5. Packaging and Physical Design Aesthetics matter to collectors, and Toho has gone all out with the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray . The steelbook editions are embossed with Godzilla's monstrous silhouette, rendered in black-and-white to echo the original film's tone. Inside, fans will find: ● An exclusive fold-out poster ● Character cards featuring the main cast ● A booklet of behind-the-scenes concept art For kaiju collectors, this packaging makes the Blu-ray more than just a movie—it's a display-worthy centerpiece. 6. Why It Stands Out Among Godzilla Films The Godzilla franchise spans over 35 films, but Godzilla Minus One stands out due to its: ● Human-centric narrative: The film centers around Koichi Shikishima, a kamikaze pilot struggling with guilt, providing emotional weight rarely seen in monster movies. ● Realistic setting: Post-WWII Japan is shown with haunting authenticity. ● Return to horror roots: Godzilla is terrifying, ruthless, and symbolic. ● Modern yet practical VFX: A mix of CGI and practical effects creates visceral realism. All of this is perfectly preserved in the Blu-ray release, which has become a new benchmark for kaiju home video formats. 7. Critical Reception and Awards Upon its initial release, 'Godzilla Minus One' received widespread acclaim and was even nominated for—and won—an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The Blu-ray release capitalizes on that acclaim by delivering a pristine home viewing experience. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% IMDB Rating: 8.5/10 Metacritic: 84/100 Reviewers universally praised the Blu-ray's audio-visual fidelity and its thoughtful bonus content. 8. Audience Reactions Fans have lauded the Blu-ray on forums and social media, especially for: ● Its emotional storytelling ● Authentic Japanese audio with clear English subtitles ● The incredible visual clarity of Godzilla's destruction scenes ● The deeply immersive surround sound experience Quoting a Reddit user from r/GODZILLA: 'The Blu-ray made me cry all over again. That hospital scene in HD? Devastating. I'm so glad I bought the steelbook.' 9. Comparison to Other Godzilla Blu-rays The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray stands above other entries in the franchise's home releases. Compared to the 2016's 'Shin Godzilla' or the Legendary Pictures' MonsterVerse films like 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters,' this version offers: ● A more grounded, personal story ● Better preservation of Japanese cinematic aesthetics ● Less reliance on over-the-top CGI ● A more extensive collection of bonus content 10. A Must-Have for Collectors For collectors, the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is essential. Whether you're a casual fan, a die-hard kaiju aficionado, or a film historian, this release brings value: ● Display-worthy design ● Rare insights into Toho Studios' production ● Award-winning film preservation ● Limited edition variants that will likely increase in value Many fans are already seeing price hikes on secondary markets for exclusive editions, especially those bundled with theatrical merchandise. 11. Future of Godzilla on Blu-ray With the success of 'Godzilla Minus One,' fans can expect more premium home releases from Toho. There's already buzz around: ● A potential director's cut ● A Godzilla retrospective collection featuring all eras (Showa, Heisei, Millennium, Reiwa) ● Expanded Godzilla Minus One universe material like documentaries or spin-offs Streaming may dominate modern media consumption, but Blu-ray remains the gold standard for collectors and purists. Conclusion The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is more than just a home release—it's a cinematic event reborn in high definition. With its technical excellence, rich bonus content, and emotional storytelling, it captures everything that made the original theatrical release so memorable. For fans of monster movies, Japanese cinema, or just high-quality physical media, this Blu-ray is a must-own. Whether you're revisiting the destruction of Ginza or experiencing Koichi's journey for the first time, this release ensures that the legacy of 'Godzilla Minus One' will echo for generations. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Prada wants to change the conversation away from aggression, toward gentleness
MILAN (AP) — With global tensions escalating, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons want to change the conversation to something gentle, calm and nice with their menswear collection for next summer, previewed during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday. 'We tried to make a change of tone, from powerful to gentle, calm,'' Prada said after the show. 'Basically, the opposite of aggression, power, nastiness.'' 'Sometimes it is good to reflect, and be a bit more calm,'' added Simons, her co-creative director. Innocence reimagined In that vein, the pair's latest menswear collection recalled childish innocence, opening with short shorts that were more precisely elasticized briefs, with pleated pockets, worn with a sturdy, sure-footed shoe and black sock and a crisp white buttoned-down shirt with a naive print of a sun and waves. These panty-shorts were paired also with leather coats, long cotton shirts or fringed knitwear that give men access to the pant-less look already embraced by some female celebrities. Freedom in form and color A more serious double-breasted suit was worn with the sleeves pushed up in a get-to-work gesture layered over track jackets. Track pants with a side stripe or straight, cropped cotton trousers otherwise anchored the looks with leather jackets, car coats or knitwear. Urban looks ensembles paired with backpacks and flip-flops, on the verge of the getaway. Light, summer looks were finished with loafers. Nothing was completely office, and nothing was completely beach. The silhouette was deliberately unstructured, and the color palette broad and undefined. Gray, black, khaki and navy were offset by red, sky blue, lime green and turquoise and purple, monochromes mixing casually, as if to say, any way you want. 'We wanted everything to be human in its dimension, to be light and fresh and colorful,'' Simons said. Playful, with a shadow There was humor, even whimsy, in bright cone-shaped woven raffia hats that recalled a shuttlecock, some with strands of raffia feathering over the eyes as if a shade. In the spirit of change, the showroom was left deliberately raw, with concrete and orange beams exposed and sunlight streaming through the high windows. Childlike daisy-shaped rugs were the only decoration. 'We are always very aware of that,'' Prada said. 'Good luck to everyone.'' Celeb frenzy Outside the Prada Foundation showroom, hundreds of fans screamed for the arrival of Asian pop group TransfOrmProject, South Korean actor Lee Do-hyun and Japanese singer Sana. Also on hand were English-Ghanaian rapper Stormzy, NBA star Anthony Edwards and actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Harris Dickinson.
Hamilton Spectator
5 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Prada wants to change the conversation away from aggression, toward gentleness
MILAN (AP) — With global tensions escalating, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons want to change the conversation to something gentle, calm and nice with their menswear collection for next summer, previewed during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday. 'We tried to make a change of tone, from powerful to gentle, calm,'' Prada said after the show. 'Basically, the opposite of aggression, power, nastiness.'' 'Sometimes it is good to reflect, and be a bit more calm,'' added Simons, her co-creative director. Innocence reimagined In that vein, the pair's latest menswear collection recalled childish innocence, opening with short shorts that were more precisely elasticized briefs, with pleated pockets, worn with a sturdy, sure-footed shoe and black sock and a crisp white buttoned-down shirt with a naive print of a sun and waves. These panty-shorts were paired also with leather coats, long cotton shirts or fringed knitwear that give men access to the pant-less look already embraced by some female celebrities. Freedom in form and color A more serious double-breasted suit was worn with the sleeves pushed up in a get-to-work gesture layered over track jackets. Track pants with a side stripe or straight, cropped cotton trousers otherwise anchored the looks with leather jackets, car coats or knitwear. Urban looks ensembles paired with backpacks and flip-flops, on the verge of the getaway. Light, summer looks were finished with loafers. Nothing was completely office, and nothing was completely beach. The silhouette was deliberately unstructured, and the color palette broad and undefined. Gray, black, khaki and navy were offset by red, sky blue, lime green and turquoise and purple, monochromes mixing casually, as if to say, any way you want. 'We wanted everything to be human in its dimension, to be light and fresh and colorful,'' Simons said. Playful, with a shadow There was humor, even whimsy, in bright cone-shaped woven raffia hats that recalled a shuttlecock, some with strands of raffia feathering over the eyes as if a shade. In the spirit of change, the showroom was left deliberately raw, with concrete and orange beams exposed and sunlight streaming through the high windows. Childlike daisy-shaped rugs were the only decoration. While the colorful headgear and floral accents put a smile on people's faces, news that the U.S. had entered Israel's war with Iran on Sunday cast a somber mood. 'We are always very aware of that,'' Prada said. 'Good luck to everyone.'' Celeb frenzy Outside the Prada Foundation showroom, hundreds of fans screamed for the arrival of Asian pop group TransfOrmProject, South Korean actor Lee Do-hyun and Japanese singer Sana. Also on hand were English-Ghanaian rapper Stormzy, NBA star Anthony Edwards and actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Harris Dickinson. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
