In the landscape of 2026 cinema, few names command as much respect as Will Poulter. The London-born actor, now 33, has navigated the treacherous waters of child stardom with a rare grace, evolving from a comedic breakout to a heavyweight dramatic presence.
Whether he’s embodying a terrifyingly corrupt police officer, a naive traveler in a cult, or a grieving recovering addict in his newest film Union County—which just brought down the house at Sundance 2026—Poulter brings a distinct, grounded sincerity to every frame.
Will Poulter attends the ELLE Style Awards 2025 at Brasserie Zedel on September 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Showcasing His Talent
Billy Cutler in Dopesick (2021)
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Perhaps his most complex role to date, Poulter’s Emmy-nominated turn as an OxyContin sales rep is a masterclass in the “moral gray area.” He plays Billy with a cocksure ambition that slowly curdles into a haunting, guilt-ridden realization of the destruction he’s helped sell. It’s a devastatingly human performance that anchors the show’s tragic corporate narrative.
Chef Luca in The Bear (2023–Present)
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In just a few episodes, Poulter turned a guest spot into a cultural phenomenon. As the calm, tatted-up, and hyper-precise pastry chef Luca, he provided the perfect, sanguine foil to Carmy’s chaotic energy. His return in Season 4 (2025/2026) as a mentor to Marcus has solidified him as the “soul” of the series’ international culinary world.
Erik in Warfare (2025)
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In Alex Garland’s visceral 2025 Iraq War drama, Poulter took on one of his most physically and emotionally demanding roles to date. Playing Erik, a captain leading a platoon of Navy SEALs, he anchored a film that was praised for its grueling, real-time realism. His performance captured the weight of leadership under fire, earning him a BIFA for Best Ensemble Performance and a new level of respect as a dramatic leading man.
Philip Krauss in Detroit (2017)
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In Kathryn Bigelow’s harrowing historical drama, Poulter took on the unenviable task of playing a truly loathsome villain. His portrayal of a racist, sadistic police officer was so chillingly effective that it was difficult to watch, proving his fearlessness in inhabiting characters that offer zero comfort to the audience.
Jim Bridger in The Revenant (2015)
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Standing toe-to-toe with Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, a young Poulter held his own as the morally conflicted Jim Bridger. In a film defined by brutal conditions, his performance as the “conscience” of the fur-trapping group brought a necessary vulnerability to the visceral, frozen landscape.
Kenny Rossmore in We’re the Millers (2013)
2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
The role that won him the BAFTA Rising Star Award. As the awkward, “accidental” drug smuggler Kenny, Poulter’s comedic timing was a revelation. From the “Waterfalls” rap to the infamous spider-bite scene, he proved he could handle blockbuster comedy with the same commitment he brings to Shakespeare.
Mark in Midsommar (2019)
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Every horror movie needs a character the audience loves to hate, and Poulter’s Mark in Midsommar is the definitive “vape-bro” nightmare. His obnoxious, unintentional disrespect of Hårga traditions provides the film’s darkest humor, making his eventual (and gruesome) fate feel like a twisted inevitability.
Gally in The Maze Runner Trilogy (2014–2018)
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In a crowded field of YA adaptations, Poulter’s Gally stood out as a nuanced antagonist. He didn’t play Gally as a generic bully, but as a man driven by a desperate, misplaced sense of order and survival. His return in the later films added a layer of redemption that showcased his ability to evolve a character over years.
Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
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Poulter’s entry into the MCU was a “subversive delight.” Playing a powerful cosmic being with the mind of a toddler, he balanced massive action sequences with a “beautiful moron” energy that perfectly fit James Gunn’s tone. It was a role that required him to be both a physical threat and a comedic sidekick.
Lee Carter in Son of Rambow (2007)
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The one that started it all. As the rebellious, filmmaking-obsessed Lee Carter, a 12-year-old Poulter displayed a raw, natural talent that is rare in child actors. The film remains a cult classic, and re-watching it in 2026 shows that the intensity and charisma he’s known for today were there from the very beginning.
