Vusumuzi Dube
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bulawayo-born acting royalty Daniel Lasker has taken a major step in his international career by officially signing with the independent agency, Innovative Artists Entertainment.
With offices in Los Angeles and New York, Innovative Artists is a renowned talent and literary agency representing actors, writers, directors, comedians, and voice artists across film, television, and other media platforms. This new partnership marks a pivotal milestone for Lasker, positioning him for expanded opportunities and high-profile projects on the global stage.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Lasker shared, “I’m thrilled to join the Innovative Artists family. They’re an incredible agency that represent many actors that I admire and am inspired by. This opens me up to projects and opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have had access to, so I’m very grateful.”
Lasker is gaining recognition for his role as Mr 9, one of the villains in the Baroque Works criminal organisation in the second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series “One Piece”. His performance in this high-profile project is sure to elevate his visibility in the industry.
In addition to his work on One Piece, Lasker stars in the upcoming indie feature “London Calling” as Barnabus. This action comedy, directed by Allan Ungar, features notable actors Josh Duhamel and Aidan Gillen.
Lasker remarked on his experience, stating, “London Calling was a really fun shoot. I can’t disclose much about the character yet, but I can say that the story, the filmmakers, and actors involved were all brilliant and a joy to work with. I also greatly admire Josh Duhamel, so it was incredible getting to share scenes with him.”
Lasker’s impressive credits extend beyond these roles. He has appeared in the Ridley Scott–produced HBO Max series “Raised by Wolves”, as well as “Noughts + Crosses” for BBC One, Vagrant Queen for Syfy, and “Abraham Lincoln” on the History Channel.
In 2022, his popular IsiNdebele sci-fi, “The Signal” was aired at the Brooklyn Sci-fi Film Festival and went on to win the “Best Live Action Short Film” award in the process.
Beyond acting, Lasker has ventured into directing and content creation. He directed, co-wrote, and starred in the 2023 horror thriller Hidden Within, which marks his feature directorial debut. The film, which also stars Tuks Tad Lungu and Roxanne Prentice, centres on a young woman returning to Zimbabwe to visit her ill father, only to uncover a series of local disappearances that expose a terrifying secret.
In addition to his new contract with Innovative Artists, Lasker is also managed by Robert Stein Management, further solidifying his position in the entertainment industry. The agency has recently signed other prominent talents, including Shanola Hampton, Melissa Joan Hart, Mel Rodriguez, Ayanna Floyd, and Josh Macqueen.
The future looks bright for the talented actor, whose work continues to inspire both audiences and aspiring filmmakers in Zimbabwe and beyond.
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Online Reporter