The Flanaverse King: 7 Essential Henry Thomas Movies And TV Shows You Must Watch (2024-2025 Updates)

Henry Thomas’s career is a masterclass in Hollywood longevity, seamlessly transitioning from an iconic child star to one of the most reliable and chilling adult actors in modern genre television. As of December 2025, Thomas is not only celebrating the buzz around his recent horror work but is also gearing up for new projects, including the 2025 digital release of the Western thriller High Ground. His journey from the sweet, bicycle-riding Elliott in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to a central figure in director Mike Flanagan’s horror universe—often dubbed the "Flanaverse"—is arguably one of the most fascinating career evolutions in the industry today, proving his versatility across decades and genres.

This deep dive explores the essential roles that define Henry Thomas’s filmography, highlighting his recent high-profile collaborations and providing the latest updates on his 2024 and 2025 projects. Fans of his work in the horror genre, or those curious about the man who brought Elliott Taylor to life, will find his recent filmography a compelling blend of drama, suspense, and the supernatural.

Henry Thomas: Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Henry Jackson Thomas Jr.
• Born: September 9, 1971
• Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
• Age (as of 2025): 54
• Spouse: Marie Zielcke (m. 2004)
• Net Worth (Estimated): $1.5 Million
• Breakout Role: Elliott Taylor in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
• Notable Early Films: Raggedy Man (1981), Cloak & Dagger (1984), Legends of the Fall (1994)
• Recent Signature Collaborator: Mike Flanagan (Director/Creator)

From Elliott to Hugh Crain: The Flanaverse Era

While Henry Thomas’s career began with a bang—his emotional audition for Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is legendary—his second act has been defined by a fruitful partnership with horror auteur Mike Flanagan. This collaboration, which began with 2016's Ouija: Origin of Evil, has made Thomas one of the most recognizable faces in modern psychological horror, giving him a platform to showcase his dramatic range far beyond his child star roots.

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The "Flanaverse" refers to the interconnected universe of horror series and films created by Flanagan, and Thomas has been a recurring, essential player in nearly all of them, often playing complex, morally grey, or deeply tragic figures. This sustained work has cemented his topical authority in the horror genre.

The Essential Mike Flanagan Collaborations

Thomas’s roles in the Flanaverse are central to understanding his current career trajectory. These television roles, in particular, showcase his maturity as an actor and his ability to carry intense, multi-episode narratives:

• The Haunting of Hill House (2018): Thomas delivered a career-defining performance as the younger version of Hugh Crain, the family patriarch burdened by the horrors of the past. His portrayal of a loving husband and father struggling against a malevolent force earned critical acclaim.
• Doctor Sleep (2019): He took on the chilling role of a young Jack Torrance, the iconic character from The Shining, in a brief but powerful cameo that connected the film to the Stanley Kubrick original.
• The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020): Thomas played Henry Wingrave, the emotionally distant and alcoholic uncle of the children at Bly Manor. This role, far removed from his previous patriarch role, highlighted his versatility in playing flawed characters.
• Midnight Mass (2021): As Ed Flynn, the father of the main character Riley Flynn, Thomas played a man grappling with grief, faith, and the dark secrets of his small island community.
• The Midnight Club (2022): He appeared as Freedom Jack, a small but memorable role within the hospice setting.
• The Fall of the House of Usher (2023): Thomas reunited with Flanagan for this Edgar Allan Poe-inspired series, playing Frederick Usher, one of the corrupt and doomed Usher siblings. This was one of his most recent, high-profile TV roles.

New and Upcoming Henry Thomas Projects (2024-2025)

Beyond the Flanaverse, Henry Thomas continues to diversify his filmography with roles in various genres. His commitment to independent projects and thrillers keeps his work fresh and engaging for a modern audience.

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High Ground (2025)

One of Thomas’s most anticipated upcoming projects is the intense modern Western thriller, High Ground. The film, directed by James Bamford and also starring Jon Voight, is scheduled for a digital release on March 18, 2025. Thomas’s role in this action-packed film is a departure from the supernatural horror he has become known for, positioning him back in the realm of gritty, character-driven drama.

The Curse of The Necklace (2024)

In 2024, Thomas starred in the horror film The Curse of The Necklace, a project that further solidifies his status in the genre. His appearance in this film, and subsequent attendance at events like the Saturn Awards, demonstrates his continued relevance in the world of genre cinema.

Other Notable Recent and TBA Projects

Thomas’s recent slate includes a mix of completed and in-development films, showcasing his busy schedule:

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• Crawlspace (TBA): A thriller that has been in development and is listed among his recent credits.
• Riptide (TBA): Another project listed as upcoming, indicating his continued focus on film roles.
• The Hard Easy (TBA): A third in-development film that suggests a packed schedule for the actor.
• The Boys (2021): Thomas made a notable appearance in the popular satirical superhero series, demonstrating his willingness to participate in major streaming hits outside of the horror sphere.

The Truth About E.T. 2

Curiosity about a sequel to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial often resurfaces, especially with fan-made trailers and speculative news. While there is no official, full-length movie sequel titled E.T. 2 or E.T.: The Return to Earth currently in development, Henry Thomas did officially reprise his role as Elliott Taylor in 2019. This was for a four-minute short film and Xfinity commercial titled A Holiday Reunion. The short showed Elliott, now an adult with a family of his own, reuniting with E.T., providing a heartwarming, albeit brief, continuation of the beloved story. This special reunion is the closest fans have come to a true sequel, and it allowed Thomas to revisit the role that launched his career nearly four decades prior.

Henry Thomas’s filmography is a testament to resilience and reinvention. From the innocence of E.T. to the gothic terror of The Fall of the House of Usher, he has cultivated a career that appeals to both nostalgic fans and new audiences drawn to the darker corners of prestige television. With new films scheduled for 2025, Henry Thomas is proof that a foundational talent, when paired with the right collaborators, can sustain a powerful and relevant career for a lifetime.