Sheldon Shepherd lands lead roles in Sky mystical thriller Possession after London audition

Jamaican actor Sheldon Shepherd has secured leading roles in Possession, a five-episode mystical thriller set for a United Kingdom premiere screening on July 27 through the Sky Network, with wider distribution to the United States, Jamaica and other markets to follow.

Shepherd, widely known from No Man's Years Ago, told interviewers that he bought a ticket and flew to London for a single in-person audition after years of stalled talks on the project. Although producers had long indicated interest, casting officials requested additional reels and taped auditions before he decided to present himself directly. Even then, confirmation remained uncertain until he sat before the team in England.

The series blends thriller and supernatural elements rooted in superstition, and places questions of reparations at its centre — what repair for historical harm might look like and whether it is achievable. Shepherd plays Kojo East and Matthew De Pree in what he described as the most emotionally demanding work of his career, spanning multiple layered characters across five instalments.

Reading the full scripts by Carla Chrome settled his nerves after the audition. He said the episodes moved him to tears and laughter, calling them the finest he has read in his career. On set, he worked closely with director Storm, trusting his guidance rather than reviewing his own takes, and praised the harmony among cast and crew from Sky and Snowden, who he said respected Jamaican culture and placed local talent in authentic lead roles unprecedented for them on British television.

Beyond acting, Shepherd continues daily music and poetry work. His first solo album, Gift Thanks, is nearing release, though he has shifted dates so it does not clash with Possession's rollout. The project is entirely self-produced with no featured collaborations, and he recently shared tracks with Ziggy Marley, who encouraged him to market the record widely.