Adam Copeland, known to millions as WWE Hall of Famer “Edge“, carries a career defined by opportunity and reinvention, a signature trait of his “Rated-R Superstar” persona. Now celebrating his 52nd birthday, the man who once specialized in high-stakes ladder matches has successfully pivoted to a new stage: scripted television and feature films.
Rather than relying on simple action cameos, he has embraced characters with depth and history, from the recurring mystery-solver Dwight Hendrickson in the Syfy drama Haven to the fearsome Viking warrior Kjetill Flatnose in the acclaimed historical series Vikings.
Kjetill Flatnose, Vikings (2017–2020)
Copeland’s most ambitious and successful venture into long-form television, the role of Kjetill Flatnose provided a multi-season showcase for his dramatic skills. Kjetill was a fearsome, often unhinged warrior who journeyed to Iceland, eventually becoming a leader caught between ambition and madness. This complex character in the acclaimed historical drama required Copeland to fully inhabit a period setting, demonstrating a physicality and dramatic weight far beyond the demands of the wrestling ring and solidifying his credentials as a serious actor.
Quinn, Interrogation (2016)
A straight-to-video action thriller where Copeland portrayed Quinn, an interrogator caught up in a complicated terrorist plot. This role required less over-the-top physicality and more focused intensity and dialogue delivery. It was a solid, middle-tier action role that further diversified his experience in the genre and showed he could carry a film with focused dramatic presence.
Dwight Hendrickson, Haven (2011–2015)
Transitioning into acting full-time after his initial retirement from wrestling, Copeland found a recurring home in the Syfy supernatural series Haven. As Dwight Hendrickson, he portrayed a “Troubled” man with superhuman resilience who served as the town’s chief of security. This role was pivotal, allowing him to gradually build confidence and character depth across multiple seasons, successfully establishing a foothold in mainstream scripted television.
Ares (God of War), Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023–Present)
His highest-profile role to date, Copeland stepped into the shoes of the arrogant and battle-hungry Greek God of War in the Disney+ fantasy adaptation. As Ares, he embodies a primal, wicked charm, leveraging his intense, imposing screen presence. This performance is a testament to his rising stock, placing him centrally in a major youth-oriented franchise and introducing his acting to a new generation of viewers.
Lachlan, Highlander: Endgame (2000)
One of Copeland’s earliest acting credits, this was a small but notable appearance in the long-running Highlander film series. He played Lachlan, a minor Immortal antagonist. Though the role was limited, it marked his first foray onto the big screen in a fantasy action setting, giving fans a glimpse of his potential to translate his dynamic ring work to cinema.
Atom Smasher / Al Rothstein, The Flash (2015)
In a compelling guest villain role for the CW superhero series, Copeland portrayed the super-powered Atom Smasher. His character, a muscle-bound antagonist with the ability to grow to immense size, came with a tragic backstory that added dimension to the typical comic-book foe. This appearance was a significant moment in the genre, proving his capacity to portray costumed, physically demanding characters in the popular superhero space.
Jack Reese, Money Plane (2020)
Copeland took the lead role in this action-thriller, playing Jack Reese, a professional thief forced to rob a high-stakes, mid-air casino to save his family. The film placed the former wrestler squarely in the role of the action hero, demanding a blend of intense fight choreography and quick-witted dialogue. It was a direct-to-video vehicle designed to utilize his physical talents while confirming his viability as a B-movie leading man.
Nick Blades, Bending the Rules (2012)
A starring vehicle produced by WWE Studios, this film offered Copeland his first major cinematic lead as Detective Nick Blades, a cynical and unorthodox police officer accused of a crime. Although a lower-budget production, the role was important for its shift in character, forcing Copeland to explore a world of moral ambiguity and police drama outside of his known persona.
Kettner, Trailer Park Boys: Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys (2008)
In a brief but memorable appearance, Copeland showed off his comedic timing within the cult Canadian franchise. Playing Kettner, a rival police officer, he seamlessly integrated his physicality and deadpan humor into the distinct style of the show. This turn highlighted his willingness to poke fun at the tough-guy image he cultivated in wrestling.
Himself, MADtv (2006)
Appearing as a guest host on the sketch comedy show allowed Copeland to actively deconstruct his “Rated-R Superstar” persona. These segments showed him tackling comedy skits, playing exaggerated versions of himself, and utilizing the improv and timing skills that are secretly essential to professional wrestling, proving his ability to be self-deprecating and funny.