Why Tommy Jepperd From Sweet Tooth Looks So Familiar

As the summer movie season heats up, one of the most anxiously-anticipated affairs is out to claim blockbuster status in the streaming realm. While Netflix's "Sweet Tooth" may not be a movie, there's little question the 8-episode post-apocalyptic drama is lining up to be one of 2021's biggest hits, touting as much action, adventure, and spectacle as any tentpole release on the docket. In fact, "Sweet Tooth" is already a hit with critics, boasting as Fresh a score on Rotten Tomatoes as you'll find.

If you've yet to hear about "Sweet Tooth," it's adapted from Jeff Lemire's beloved graphic novel series of the same name, which follows the adventures of Gus (Christian Convery), a very special youngster whose status as a "hybrid" — he's essentially a human racked with the features of a deer — left his father (Will Forte) to raise him as far off the grid as possible. When Gus first ventures into the places beyond the woods in which he was raised, he discovers dangers largely unknown, as "hybrids" aren't exactly welcome in the crumbling world abroad.

On his journey, Gus meets a handful of sympathetic allies who endeavor to protect him and a few other "hybrid" kiddos from harm. Some of those allies will look very familiar to viewers, including the actor who portray's Gus' primary guardian Tommy Jepperd. His name is Nonso Anozie. Here's where you've seen him before.    

Over the last decade or so, Liam Neeson has become one of the more unexpected action stars around, cranking out ass-kicking hits with astonishing regularity. So much so that during the 2010s it was a little hard to keep up with them all. As it was, Joe Carnahan's taut survival thriller "The Grey" was feels like it was more less lost in the mix when it was released in 2011, even despite of scoring decent box office numbers and solid critical notes. Luckily, the film has continued to find favor among action movie aficionados in the streaming realm, and has become a relatively legit cult classic of late.

There's good reason for that as "The Grey" is a first-rate thriller that finds Neeson in full tough guy mode as a survivalist leading a band of beleaguered oilmen who miraculously survive a devastating plane crash, only to find themselves hunted by a pack of hungry wolves and tested beyond limits by the unforgiving wilds of Alaska. Boasting moody atmospherics, surprisingly prescient themes, and a handful of masterfully executed set pieces, "The Grey" is elevated to action movie art by sharp writing and the deft work of a stacked supporting cast including Frank Grillo, Dallas Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, James Badge Dale, and of course, Nonso Anozie, whose character unfortunately meets a most grim fate very early in the action.

While you may well recall Nonso Anozie from supporting turns in various popular films, it's certainly most likely that you recognize him for his time on HBO's blockbuster swords and sandals epic "Game of Thrones." Anozie turned up on the legendary fantasy series during its barn-burning second season as Xaro Xhoan Daxos, one of the wealthiest, most influential men in the prosperous city of Qarth. 

If you're rusty on your "Game of Thrones" lore, Qarth is the gated city Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and her minions stumbled upon when they finally emerge from the vast desert landscapes of the Red Waste. But entering Qarth proves no easy trick, with Kahleesi and the gang only gaining entry after Anozie's Xaro convinces the city council to allow them passage. Initially, Xaro seems an ally in a most unwelcoming place. It is soon revealed, though, that Xaro's kindness is not what it seems, with the duplicitous merchant plotting to crown himself king of Qarth by essentially trading Daenerys and her dragons to some very bad people. That plan almost works, but ultimately, Dany and her fire-breathing babies put an end to the betrayal in truly memorable fashion. Ditto for Anozie's fantastically sleazy run on "GoT," as his vile character meets a decidedly suitable end.

In 2013, Nonso Anozie properly went Hollywood, by landing a prime supporting gig in the would-be blockbuster "Ender's Game."

We say "would-be" because "Ender's Game" largely underwhelmed when it hit theaters. Part of the film's perceived failure was undoubtedly due to the mountain of expectations that heralded it's arrival, as "Ender's Game" is based on one of the most beloved science fiction novels in literary history. 

However, even as the "Ender's Game" adaptation didn't satisfy in quite the same way as its source material, it's not entirely without its charms. Chief among them is the film's spectacular cast, which fronted the talents of Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Harrison Ford, Abigail Breslin, Ben Kingsley, and Viola Davis. Nonso Anozie was among the film's standout supporting players, too, appearing as Ender's fiery drill instructor Sergeant Dap. 

Though Anozie didn't claim a ton of screen time in "Ender's Game," he certainly made the most of the moment, welcoming Ender and his fellow new recruits to battle school via grandstanding tirades reminiscent of "Full Metal Jacket" ... though obviously nowhere near as vulgar, as "Ender's Game" was a very PG-13 affair.