Today, the “horns are up” across the globe as fans celebrate the 32nd birthday of Joseph Quinn. Born on January 26, 1994, Quinn spent years honing his craft in British prestige dramas before a certain “Master of Puppets” guitar solo launched him into the stratosphere of A-list stardom.
As we hit early 2026, Quinn isn’t just a fan-favorite character actor—he is a cornerstone of the blockbuster era. With his debut as Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps having recently lit up the box office and his role in the 2025 war epic Warfare still garnering critical acclaim, Quinn has successfully transitioned from a breakout sensation to a leading man with staying power.
Joseph Quinn attends The Fantastic Four: First Steps World Premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California on July 21, 2025. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney)
His 9 Best Roles and a prediction
Eddie Munson in Stranger Things (2022)
The role that defined a decade of pop culture. As the rebellious, D&D-playing outcast Eddie Munson, Quinn delivered a performance of such raw charisma and tragic heroism that it moved an entire generation. His “Master of Puppets” solo in the Upside Down remains one of the most iconic moments in television history, proving that Quinn could anchor a massive franchise with nothing but a denim vest and a lot of heart.
Eric in A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
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Stepping into the high-stakes world of the Quiet Place franchise, Quinn played Eric, a terrified yet resilient law student who finds an unlikely bond with Lupita Nyong’o’s Sam. The role showcased Quinn’s incredible ability to act with his eyes, conveying deep anxiety and tenderness in a film that required absolute silence. It was the role that proved his Stranger Things success was no fluke.
Emperor Geta in Gladiator II (2024)
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Trading the guitar for a golden laurel, Quinn leaned into his darker side as the erratic and psychotic Emperor Geta in Ridley Scott’s historical epic. Playing one-half of Rome’s dysfunctional ruling duo, he brought a “gonzo” energy to the screen that was both terrifying and darkly hilarious, holding his own against heavyweights like Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.
Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
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In his biggest commercial turn to date, Quinn brought the Human Torch to life for the MCU. His portrayal of Johnny Storm captured the character’s signature cockiness and youthful energy while adding a layer of family loyalty that grounded the film’s “retro-futuristic” 1960s setting. It officially solidified his status as a tentpole movie star.
Ray in Warfare (2025)
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In Alex Garland’s visceral 2025 war drama, Quinn shed his “blockbuster” skin to play Ray, a soldier caught in a harrowing internal conflict. The film was praised for its gritty realism, and Quinn’s grounded, haunting performance was cited by critics as the emotional anchor of the project, earning him several regional “Best Supporting Actor” nods during the current 2026 awards season.
Enjolras in Les Misérables (2018)
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Years before he was a household name, Quinn showcased his revolutionary fire as Enjolras in the BBC’s non-musical adaptation of the Victor Hugo classic. His portrayal of the charismatic student leader was fierce and principled, providing an early glimpse of the “leader of men” energy he would later bring to the Hellfire Club.
Leonard Bast in Howards End (2017)
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Playing opposite Hayley Atwell and Matthew Macfadyen, Quinn delivered a heartbreaking performance as Leonard Bast, a lower-class clerk struggling to navigate the rigid social structures of Edwardian England. It remains one of his most subtle and sensitive works, highlighting his range as a “serious” dramatic actor.
Arthur Havisham in Dickensian (2015–2016)
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In this clever BBC mashup of Charles Dickens’ characters, a young Quinn took on the role of Arthur Havisham. He portrayed the character’s descent into manipulation and desperation with a maturity that belied his age, marking him as a “Star of Tomorrow” long before the rest of the world caught on.
Tom in Make Up (2019)
IMDb
This psychological thriller allowed Quinn to play a more intense, brooding character. As the boyfriend of the film’s protagonist, he navigated a complex web of jealousy and insecurity, proving he could excel in the “uncomfortable” atmosphere of indie cinema just as well as in period pieces.
Safe Bet:
George Harrison in The Beatles Biopics (2027)
Beatles guitarist and singer George Harrison performs December 3, 1963 during a concert. (Photo by Getty Images)
While technically an “upcoming” role, Quinn’s casting as George Harrison in Sam Mendes’ four-part Beatles epic is already one of the most talked-about projects of 2026. Having been spotted on set in late 2025 with the signature Harrison hair and “Quiet Beatle” aura, this role is expected to be Quinn’s definitive 2027 masterpiece.
