Ed Speleers Movies and TV Shows Life Ed Speleers is a talented British actor known for his versatility and range across both television and film. He first gained international recognition for his role as Eragon in the 2006 fantasy film Eragon. Since then, Speleers has appeared in a variety of roles across different genres, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry. Below is a complete overview of Ed Speleers’ movies and TV shows.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 7, 1988, in Chichester, England, Edward John Speleers developed a passion for acting from an early age. He pursued drama studies at the Arts Educational Schools London, where he honed his craft before breaking into the film industry. His big break came in 2006 when he was cast in Eragon, a fantasy film based on the book by Christopher Paolini.
Movies
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Eragon | 2006 | Eragon |
| A Lonely Place to Die | 2011 | Alex |
| The River King | 2005 | Zack Walker |
| Love Bite | 2012 | Jamie |
| Northern Soul | 2014 | John ‘Moose’ Rimmer |
| In Fear | 2013 | Tom |
| Alice Through the Looking Glass | 2016 | James (Jack) |
| The Last Witness | 2018 | Robert (Young Soldier) |
TV Shows
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Downton Abbey | 2014-2015 | Jimmy Kent |
| Shantaram | 2022 | Jack (Supporting Role) |
| Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands | 2016 | Beowulf |
| Versailles | 2017 | King Louis XIV (Young) |
| The White Queen | 2013 | King Richard III |
Notable Movies
- Eragon (2006)
- Role: Eragon
- Speleers’ breakthrough role was as the titular character, a young farm boy who discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders in the magical world of Alagaësia. The film, based on the book Eragon by Christopher Paolini, introduced him to a global audience, though the film was met with mixed reviews.
- The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)
- Role: Danny
- This dark thriller saw Speleers in a more complex and mature role. He played a key character in the kidnapping drama, which earned praise for its tension and performances. The Disappearance of Alice Creed showcased Speleers’ ability to dive into darker, more nuanced roles.
- Love Bite (2012)
- Role: Jamie
- In this horror-comedy film, Speleers played Jamie, a young man navigating a small town where a werewolf is on the loose. The film blends teen angst with supernatural elements, and Speleers’ comedic timing was noted.
- Sands of Time (2010)
- Role: Prince Dastan (voice)
- Although he did not appear in the live-action adaptation, Speleers lent his voice to the video game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a role that closely aligns with his fantasy credentials.
- Plastic (2014)
- Role: Sam
- This British crime-comedy film featured Speleers as one of a group of young con artists who get involved in a high-stakes heist. Plastic combined heist elements with humor and a youthful vibe, which helped elevate Speleers’ profile.
- The Inheritance (2020)
- Role: Harry
- In this horror-thriller film, Speleers plays a man whose family is haunted by dark secrets. His role in The Inheritance showcased his ability to dive into psychological drama with a chilling performance.
Television Roles
Ed Speleers has also established himself as a versatile television actor, with several notable roles in both drama and sci-fi series.
- Downton Abbey (2014–2015)
- Role: Jimmy Kent
- One of Speleers’ most memorable television roles was on the critically acclaimed period drama Downton Abbey. He portrayed Jimmy Kent, a footman, in the show’s third and fourth seasons. His character played a significant part in the complex relationships at Downton, making it one of his most high-profile TV roles to date.
- Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands (2016)
- Role: Beowulf
- In this ITV drama series, Speleers took on the iconic role of Beowulf, the legendary hero from Old English literature. The show was a re-imagining of the epic tale, blending fantasy and adventure in a TV format. Speleers’ portrayal of Beowulf helped elevate the character’s mythic qualities for a modern audience.
- You (2020–2024)
- Role: Ryder
- One of Speleers’ most recent and high-profile roles is in the popular psychological thriller You on Netflix. In this series, Speleers played Ryder, a new character introduced in the later seasons, adding to the ever-expanding web of characters in the series. His performance was well-received, as You has become one of the most binge-worthy shows of recent years.
- Free Rein (2017–2019)
- Role: Garth
- This teen drama series on Netflix featured Speleers as Garth, the main antagonist in a story about horses, relationships, and personal growth. The series, aimed primarily at younger audiences, gave Speleers a chance to connect with a different demographic and showcased his flexibility as an actor.
- Outlander (2020)
- Role: Stephen Bonnet
- In this beloved period drama, Speleers appeared as the notorious villain Stephen Bonnet. His character caused significant tension in the lives of the main protagonists, Claire and Jamie Fraser, creating a tense and dramatic atmosphere in the series.
Upcoming Projects
As of 2025, Ed Speleers has been involved in several exciting projects, including future television series and films, continuing his career as a versatile actor. While many details are under wraps, his ability to take on diverse roles ensures that fans can look forward to more exciting work from him in the years to come.
Conclusion
Ed Speleers’ career has evolved from a promising young actor in Eragon to a versatile and skilled performer in both television and film. With his talent for taking on a wide range of characters—from the heroic to the villainous—Speleers continues to prove his ability to captivate audiences across multiple genres. Whether in fantasy, drama, or thriller, his work remains engaging, and he is poised for continued success in the entertainment industry.