Movies

Star of Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ Inspired by MCU Icon Tom Holland

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It’s been a few months since Netflix’s gripping crime drama “Adolescence” hit screens, and viewers are still reeling from the harrowing tale of the young boy who committed an unimaginable act. This series, with its distinctive visual style and top-notch acting by its cast, has left a lasting impression. At the heart of it all is Owen Cooper, whose versatility was crucial in portraying the complex character of Jamie Miller, the boy standing trial for a heinous crime. The rising star has been garnering critical praise for his role, and although he’s relatively new to the entertainment world, he’s long harbored dreams of being in the limelight – ever since he watched one standout performance by Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Tom Holland.

In an interview with IndieWire, Cooper opened up about the swift success of his crime miniseries co-starring Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, and Christine Tremarco. “The initial lesson that struck me fast in drama school was stepping out of my comfort zone,” he recounted. His debut role in ‘Adolescence’ marked a significant milestone for him, although he acknowledged the sensitive nature of the topic. However, at his age, he believes it’s part of an actor’s journey to tackle roles they might not want: “I wouldn’t have been capable of taking on [the role] without my drama lessons and guidance… Every actor must confront scenes they don’t wish for, regardless of whether it makes them feel embarrassed or foolish. I’ll just go ahead and do it, and whatever the outcome, so be it.

In discussing his inspirations, Cooper points out that it was Tom Holland who sparked his desire to act, but what truly moved him was Holland’s groundbreaking role before he donned the Spider-Man suit. Specifically, Cooper was captivated by Holland’s acting in the disaster drama, “The Impossible.

When I saw Tom Holland in ‘The Impossible,’ I was deeply impressed by his performance. He inspired me to aspire to be like him and to pursue similar roles. The first time I saw him act, I thought, ‘He’s really good.’ As a child, I used to watch actors as characters rather than individuals.

The up-and-coming actor shared insights on the unique audition process for the Netflix series, which involved a face-to-face reading, an experience he hadn’t encountered before. However, during a collaboration session with co-star Stephen Graham, Cooper felt he had found the perfect fit: “From the moment we met, Stephen and I just seemed to connect effortlessly. It was as if we were participating in an improv workshop. The instant I saw him, he looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘You’re my son now, and I’m your father.’ It all felt so surreal because I had never even set foot in a police station before, making it a challenging situation. Yet, it all just seemed to click.

‘Adolescence’s Owen Cooper Is a Star on the Rise

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I find myself increasingly recognized in the bustling world of entertainment. My career-defining moment undoubtedly came with my breakthrough role in the blockbuster hit “Adolescence.” This paved the way for me to land roles in the upcoming series penned by the talented Aimee Lou Wood, titled “Film Club.”

Next up, I’ll be stepping into the shoes of a younger Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s innovative take on “Wuthering Heights.” When queried about my dream role, I don’t have one specific character in mind, but there are a few directors whose work I admire and would jump at the chance to collaborate with.

I haven’t decided on a specific role yet, but there are some directors whose work I admire greatly, such as David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino. Working with these talented individuals would be an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow as an actor. It’s not just their fame that appeals to me, but the chance to absorb their skills and collaborate with them on a project.

IndieWire

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2025-06-01 23:03

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