The New Era Of Daniel Ezra: From All American's Spencer James To The Running Man's Star

Daniel Ezra, the British actor who became a household name globally as Spencer James on The CW's hit series *All American*, is currently navigating a massive and exciting career transition. As of December 2025, the star is officially stepping away from his lead role to pursue major new projects, including a high-profile blockbuster film and a gritty Netflix thriller series, marking a definitive new era for the talented performer. This career pivot is the most significant development in Ezra's professional life since *All American* premiered in 2018. The move highlights his ambition to diversify his portfolio, moving from a long-running television drama to major motion pictures and streaming thrillers. Fans are eager to follow his journey as he takes on new, complex roles that showcase his range beyond the football field drama of South Crenshaw High.

Daniel Ezra: Full Biography and Career Timeline

Daniel Ezra is a highly acclaimed British actor whose breakout role as Spencer James catapulted him to international stardom. Despite the American accent being flawless, Ezra was born and raised across the pond, a fact that often surprises many of his fans.

• Full Name: Daniel Ezra
• Date of Birth: December 15, 1991
• Age (as of late 2025): 33
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England, UK
• Nationality: British
• Known For: Spencer James on *All American* (2018–2025)
• Education: Attended the East 15 Acting School in Loughton, Essex.
• Early Career Highlights: Before landing the lead in *All American*, Ezra had notable roles in British television, including the BBC drama *Undercover* (2016), the mini-series *The Missing* (2016), and the ITV drama *Vera* (2017).
• Breakout Role: Spencer James, a high school football star from South Crenshaw who transfers to Beverly Hills High, based on the life of former NFL player Spencer Paysinger.
• Key Entities in Filmography: *All American*, *The Missing*, *Prey*, *A Discovery of Witches*, *The Running Man*, *All The Sinners Bleed*.

Ezra's dedication to his craft is evident in his commitment to the role of Spencer James. He is known to be a dedicated fitness enthusiast, which helped him convincingly portray the physically demanding role of a top-tier football athlete for six seasons.

The End of an Era: Leaving All American and Directorial Debut

The biggest news dominating the Daniel Ezra landscape in late 2025 is his official departure from his role as a series regular on *All American* following the conclusion of Season 6. This development was a significant moment for the show, which has been a cornerstone of The CW’s programming for years. The decision allows Ezra to explore new creative avenues while still maintaining a connection to the show that made him famous. While he will no longer be a full-time cast member, fans of the Spencer James character can still expect to see him in a limited capacity. He is slated to return for guest appearances in the upcoming Season 7 of the series.

A New Role Behind the Camera

In a fantastic demonstration of his expanding creative talents, Daniel Ezra is not just acting less in *All American*; he is also stepping behind the camera. Ezra has taken on a new role as a director for episodes in the new season. This move is a natural progression for many long-running series stars and speaks volumes about the trust and respect he has earned from the show's producers. Transitioning from series lead to director is a challenging pivot, but it allows him to continue influencing the narrative and legacy of the show he helped build. This directorial debut represents a major milestone in his overall career trajectory.

Blockbuster Film Debut: Daniel Ezra in The Running Man (2025)

Daniel Ezra’s jump to the big screen is a major signal of his Hollywood ambitions. He has secured a key role in the highly anticipated remake of the classic sci-fi thriller *The Running Man*, directed by Edgar Wright. The film, based on the novel by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman), is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. This project places Ezra alongside a powerhouse ensemble cast, instantly elevating his profile in the film industry.

The Running Man: Cast and Character Details

Ezra’s participation in *The Running Man* is a huge win for his career, as he is working with some of the biggest names in the business. The star-studded cast features:

• Glen Powell
• William H. Macy
• Lee Pace
• Michael Cera
• Emilia Jones
• Jayme Lawson
• Sean Hayes
• Colman Domingo
• Josh Brolin

Ezra’s character in the film is named Bradley Throckmorton. He has spoken about his preparation for the role, noting that he went down a "YouTube rabbit hole" to research and understand the necessary nuances for his performance. The movie is described as a high-stakes, life-or-death game show, focusing on themes of class, survival, and trust. His involvement in a major studio film like this confirms his status as a rapidly rising star beyond television.

Netflix Thriller Series: All The Sinners Bleed

In addition to his film role, Daniel Ezra is making a significant move into the premium streaming space with a new Netflix thriller series titled *All The Sinners Bleed*. This project further solidifies his transition to darker, more mature content following his six seasons on the young-adult-focused *All American*. Ezra has joined the cast as a series regular, a strong indication that this will be a major focus for him moving forward. He will be starring alongside other notable actors, including *Mayans M.C.* alum Andrea Cortés. The series is based on a homicide investigation and promises a tense, complex narrative. His role in this new series, following a character named Marquis Crown, will offer a stark contrast to the inspirational, aspirational Spencer James. Taking on a thriller in the competitive streaming market is a strategic move that will expose him to a new global audience and showcase his versatility as an actor, proving he is a true force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. The convergence of his directorial work on *All American*, his major film debut in *The Running Man*, and his lead role in the Netflix series *All The Sinners Bleed* makes late 2025 and 2026 the most defining period of Daniel Ezra's career yet. Fans of the actor have a wealth of new and diverse content to look forward to as he solidifies his status as one of the industry's most dynamic and sought-after talents.