Colson Baker, widely known as Machine Gun Kelly, transitioned from a rapid-fire Cleveland rapper into a fixture of Hollywood casting lists. His filmography spans gritty independent dramas, major streaming blockbusters, music biopics, and self-directed comedies. While early credits relied on his real-life punk-rock persona, later projects showcase a deliberate shift toward character acting and independent filmmaking.
Tracing this cinematic evolution reveals how an underground hip-hop artist carved out a distinct lane on screen. From playing hot-headed criminals to stepping behind the camera as a director, his trajectory mirrors the unpredictable turns of his music career.
Early Breakthroughs and Music-Adjacent Roles (2014–2016)
Baker's initial film appearances leaned heavily into his established public identity. Directors cast him to inject authentic street energy into youth-focused thrillers and dramas.
- Beyond the Lights (2014): Baker made his feature film debut as Kid Culprit, a brash rapper whose brief appearance set the tone for his early typecasting.
- Punk's Dead: SLC Punk 2 (2016): Playing a character named Crash, he leaned directly into counterculture aesthetics, bridging his real-life punk affinities with fiction.
- Nerve (2016): Starring alongside Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, Baker played Ty, a competitive and aggressive player in a high-stakes online truth-or-dare game.
- The Land (2016): Produced by Nas, this Cleveland-set skate drama featured Baker as Slick, grounding his performance in the gritty realities of his home state.
These early roles established his cinematic footprint, proving he could hold screen presence alongside established actors without diluting his edge.
Expanding Into Streaming Hits and Ensemble Casts (2018–2020)
As his mainstream music footprint grew, Baker secured parts in larger studio productions and streaming tentpoles, transitioning from brief cameos to substantial supporting arcs.
- Bird Box (2018): In Netflix's post-apocalyptic thriller starring Sandra Bullock, Baker played Felix, a cynical survivor caught up in the collapse of society.
- The Dirt (2019): Perhaps his most celebrated casting, Baker portrayed Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee in Netflix's adaptation of the band's chaotic memoir. His performance captured the manic energy and physical presence of the iconic rock star.
- Captive State (2019): Directed by Rupert Wyatt, this sci-fi thriller cast Baker as Jurgis, an underground insurgent fighting an occupying alien force.
- Project Power (2020): Playing a pill-pushing superpowered dealer named Newt opposite Jamie Foxx, Baker delivered a memorable, high-intensity sequence that anchored the film's opening act.
Transition to Lead Roles and Directorial Debuts (2021–Present)
By 2021, Baker began transitioning away from his stage moniker in film credits, opting to use his birth name, Colson Baker, for dramatic roles. This era marked a move toward complex, troubled protagonists and creative control behind the camera.
- Midnight in the Switchgrass (2021): Baker starred as a suspected serial killer alongside Bruce Willis and Megan Fox, stepping into darker psychological territory.
- Taurus (2022): In this indie drama, Baker played Cole, a self-destructive, fading musician grappling with addiction and creativity. The role served as a transparent mirror to his own public struggles with mental health and fame.
- Good Mourning (2022): Co-directed by Baker and Mod Sun, this stoner comedy featured Baker in the lead role of London Clash, marking his feature film directorial debut.
- One Way (2022): Baker carried this intense thriller as Freddy, a wounded criminal on the run with a bag of stolen cash and a ticking clock.
According to data compiled by Rotten Tomatoes, Baker's filmography covers more than twenty feature films, shifting from quick musical cameos to full narrative ownership.
Television and Special Appearances
Beyond feature films, Baker has maintained a steady presence on television and special broadcasts, bridging his music and acting personas.
- Roadies (2016): He played Wesley "Wes" Mason across a ten-episode arc in Cameron Crowe's Showtime comedy-drama series, giving him his most substantial television role to date.
- Downfalls High (2021): Serving as co-director and narrator, Baker turned his pop-punk album Tickets to My Downfall into a narrative musical film distributed via YouTube.
- WWE Appearances: Baker has made multiple high-profile appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment, ranging from musical performances to being powerbombed off the stage by Kevin Owens on Monday Night Raw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Machine Gun Kelly change his name in movie credits?
Yes. While early projects credited him as Machine Gun Kelly or MGK, he began using his legal birth name, Colson Baker, for dramatic feature films starting around 2021 to separate his acting career from his music persona.
What was his first major movie role?
His first major feature film role was playing rapper Kid Culprit in the 2014 romantic drama Beyond the Lights.
Has Machine Gun Kelly directed any films?
Yes. He made his feature film directorial debut alongside Mod Sun with the 2022 stoner comedy Good Mourning, which they also wrote and starred in.
What television shows has he starred in?
His most notable television work includes playing Wesley Mason in Cameron Crowe's 2016 ensemble series Roadies, alongside various guest appearances and documentary features.
