Callum Turner turned 36. Born and raised in a council estate in Chelsea, London, Turner’s journey from a fashion model for Burberry to a BAFTA-nominated actor is the stuff of cinema dreams. In 2026, his star has never been brighter; fresh off the critical success of Masters of the Air and his recent role in the fantasy rom-com Eternity, Turner has successfully bridged the gap between indie darling and blockbuster mainstay.
The Defining Roles of a Rising Icon
Masters of the Air (Major John “Bucky” Egan)
In what many consider his breakout to global superstardom, Turner starred as the charismatic and hot-headed Major John Egan in the Apple TV+ epic. His portrayal of the real-life WWII pilot earned him rave reviews for his ability to balance bravado with the deep, psychological scars of war, cementing his status as a premier dramatic actor.
Fantastic Beasts (Theseus Scamander)
Entering the Wizarding World as the heroic, straight-laced brother of Newt Scamander, Turner brought a much-needed gravity to the franchise. As Theseus, a war hero and Auror, he showcased his ability to handle big-budget spectacle while maintaining the emotional nuance of a complicated sibling dynamic.
The Capture (Shaun Emery)
This BBC thriller earned Turner a BAFTA Best Actor nomination and is often cited by fans as his most intense work. Playing a soldier accused of a crime caught on CCTV, Turner delivered a masterclass in paranoia and vulnerability, anchoring a high-concept plot with a raw, grounded performance.
The Boys in the Boat (Joe Rantz)
Directed by George Clooney, this 2023 biographical drama saw Turner take the lead as the determined rower Joe Rantz. The role required immense physical transformation and highlighted his “old Hollywood” leading man quality—a stoic, hardworking hero that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Queen and Country (Bill Rohan)
In his feature film debut, Turner starred as a fictionalized version of legendary filmmaker John Boorman. The role was a pivotal start, showing early signs of the soulful, contemplative energy that would become his trademark in later period pieces like Emma and The Last Letter from Your Lover.