The discipline that shaped his childhood continues to define his approach to every role. Whether he's playing a military sergeant, an action villain or the lead in a supernatural thriller, preparation is non-negotiable. One of his favourite aspects of the job is acquiring new skills, particularly when they force him outside of his comfort zone. Weapons training, for example, became essential in preparing for The Outpost, even though he had never handled a firearm before. "I'm from North London," he laughs. "I'd never held a gun in my life."

When asked during the casting process whether he had weapons training, his answer was perhaps more optimistic than strictly factual. Rather than seeing it as dishonesty, however, Scipio frames it as confidence in his own ability to learn."I knew in my heart, spirit and bones that if they gave me a week with a military expert and taught me the fundamentals, I'd be able to not make a fool of myself on screen."

That willingness to throw himself into the unknown also informed his latest project, Passenger, a psychological thriller with supernatural undertones. During filming, a series of unusual incidents began to create an eerie atmosphere around the production. While Scipio stops short of claiming that anything paranormal occurred, he admits that he pays attention to energy and intuition."I'm definitely a believer in energy. Definitely a believer in spirit."

What followed sounds almost like a scene lifted from the film itself. After several cast and crew members unexpectedly left the production, a conversation revealed that some team members had been using what were described as "demon cards" on set. Scipio immediately wanted them removed."I was like, 'Get rid of them.'" The cards were eventually sent away to be cleansed by an exorcist, but even then, he remained unconvinced that enough had been done."I don't care if you get a priest, an imam, a rabbi or a shaman," he says. "Get somebody here." While he recounts the story with humour, it reveals a deeper theme that runs throughout our conversation. Scipio is fascinated by the unseen influences that shape people's lives, whether that's energy, mindset or the stories we tell ourselves. It's a perspective that also informs how he protects his own well-being within an industry that can often feel relentless.

Rather than subscribing to elaborate wellness trends, his approach is remarkably simple. He speaks about the importance of nature, movement and meaningful connection with the people around him. These are the things, he says, that recharge him when life becomes overwhelming."There are things you can do in life that just level you up. For me, they're things that are free. Nature. Moving my body. Spending time with people I love. Those things fill my cup."

That emphasis on balance is perhaps best summed up by a line from Rudyard Kipling's poem If—, which Scipio has tattooed on his body. The passage reminds readers to treat triumph and disaster equally, and it has become something of a personal philosophy for him. In an industry defined by extremes, he sees success and failure as inevitable parts of the same journey rather than destinations in themselves."In my career, there are going to be high highs and low lows," he says. "That's the rollercoaster. If you're up like this and down like that, it looks like a heartbeat monitor. It means you're living."

It's a sentiment that feels increasingly relevant in a world dominated by constant connectivity and social media. Scipio acknowledges the pressures that come with public visibility but believes boundaries are essential. Not every moment needs to be shared, and not every audience demand requires a response. Instead, he places his faith in the work itself and in art's ability to connect people through shared experiences. "Art is such a phenomenal way to bring people together," he says. "This feeling that you're feeling right now, it's real, and it matters. But you're not the first person to feel it, and you won't be the last." Perhaps that explains why, when asked about dream roles or future ambitions, he doesn't point to a particular franchise, genre or character. After everything he has achieved so far, it is still the uncertainty of what comes next that excites him most; "The thing that excites me the most is the next one."

Creative Alice S Gee @alicesgee
Photographer Ruben Davies @rubendavies
Styling Dianah Gwendu @dianahgwendu
Grooming Xabier Celaya @xabiercelaya
Hair styling Porco Yosuke @porcoyosuke
Styling Assistant Jeniya Gwendu @mamagwendu
Styling Assistant Anna-Maria @annamvria_
Location The Mandrake Hotel @themandrakehotel
HATC Alice S Gee @alicesgee
In-house production  - Andressa Claas

Shirt, Phix Clothing. Vest, Peter John. Trousers, Peter John. Belt, Elliot Rhodes. Necklace, MJ Jones Jewellery.

Jacket, Tretorn. Shirt, Topshop. Vest, Peter John. Trousers, Eric AF. Ring, Thomas Sabo. Tie Pin, A sinner in pearls. Shoes, Clarks.

Trousers & Jacket, Peter John. Shoes, Grenson. Ring & Necklace, MJ Jones Jewellery.

Top, Topshop. Trousers, Gucci via Designer Exchange UK. Belt, Elliot Rhodes. Bracelet, MJ Jones Jewellery. Bracelet, MJ Jones Jewellery.

Trousers & Shirt, Phix Clothing. Watch, Hublot. Bracelet, A sinner in pearls. MJ Jones Jewellery. Ring, Thomas Sabo.