Archie Madekwe’s Meteoric Rise: 5 Roles That Define The Star Of Lurker And Saltburn

Archie Madekwe has rapidly cemented his status as one of the most compelling and versatile actors of his generation, transitioning from British theatrical roots to major Hollywood productions with remarkable speed. As of December 2025, the spotlight is intensely focused on the six-foot-five British star following his breakout year of 2023 and the anticipation for his high-profile 2025 releases.

His work on the big screen, particularly in the blockbusters Gran Turismo and the critically acclaimed psychological thriller Saltburn, showcased an incredible range—from a determined, real-life racing prodigy to a charming, yet morally ambiguous, social climber. This momentum is set to explode with his lead roles in upcoming films like the dark psychological thriller Lurker and the highly-anticipated, David Lynch-produced project, HYENA, proving that Madekwe is not just a rising star, but a defining talent of the new decade.

Archie Madekwe: Full Biography and Profile

Archie Madekwe is a British actor known for his commanding screen presence and ability to inhabit complex, often morally grey, characters. His career is characterized by a deliberate choice of challenging roles across film, television, and theatre, establishing him as a true versatile performer.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Archie Madekwe
• Date of Birth: February 10, 1995
• Place of Birth: Lambeth, London, England, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Education: He began studying theatre at the prestigious BRIT School at the age of fourteen, a renowned institution whose alumni include Adele and Amy Winehouse. He later trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
• Height: Approximately 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm)
• Notable Film Roles: Midsommar (2019), Gran Turismo (2023), Saltburn (2023), Heart of Stone (2023), Lurker (2025), HYENA (Upcoming).
• Notable Television Roles: Kofun in See (Apple TV+, 2019–2022), Les Misérables (2018), Hang Ups (2018).
• Theatre Work: He has also earned acclaim for his work on stage, notably in Edward Albee’s play The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? alongside Damian Lewis and Sophie Okonedo.

The Breakout Year: Gran Turismo, Saltburn, and Defining Versatility

The year 2023 marked a pivotal shift in Archie Madekwe's career, catapulting him into mainstream recognition and showcasing his incredible versatility as a leading man. Prior to this, he was best known to global audiences for his four-season run as Kofun, the son of Jason Momoa’s character, in the ambitious Apple TV+ dystopian series See.

Gran Turismo: From Gamer to Race Car Driver

Madekwe took on the challenging lead role of Jann Mardenborough in the biographical sports drama Gran Turismo. The film tells the true, unbelievable story of a teenage Gran Turismo video game player who wins a series of Nissan competitions to become a professional race car driver. Playing a real-life figure, Madekwe had to capture the intense focus and underdog spirit of Jann Mardenborough, acting opposite major stars like David Harbour and Orlando Bloom. His performance was praised for bringing a grounded, emotional core to a high-octane racing film, successfully merging the worlds of esports and professional athletics.

Saltburn: The Art of the Social Leech

In stark contrast to the heroic role in Gran Turismo, Madekwe delivered a memorable performance as Farleigh Start in Emerald Fennell’s dark comedy and psychological thriller, Saltburn. Farleigh, the charming but deeply insecure American cousin of the aristocratic Catton family, represents a subtle form of social opportunism. Critics noted that Madekwe appears drawn to characters who are "onscreen social leeches" or who navigate complex power dynamics, a theme that would carry over into his future projects. His nuanced portrayal of Farleigh Start—a character who is at once privileged and precarious—demonstrated his skill in handling complex, morally ambiguous material, solidifying his reputation as a British screen talent to watch.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Future is Dark: Lurker and HYENA Set for 2025

Archie Madekwe’s 2025 slate is heavily focused on the psychological thriller genre, signaling a clear direction for his career towards projects that explore the darker facets of human nature, fame, and obsession. These roles are poised to mark his true breakout moment in the independent film world.

Lurker: The Dark Side of Fandom

The film Lurker, a 2025 American psychological thriller, is one of Madekwe’s most anticipated upcoming releases. Directed by Alex Russell (known for his work on The Bear and Beef), the film stars Madekwe as Oliver, an up-and-coming pop star. The plot centers on the intense and unsettling relationship between Oliver and his obsessive admirer, Matthew, played by Théodore Pellerin. Madekwe has discussed how the film accurately explores fragile masculinity and the dark side of male power dynamics within the world of fame, a subject that has become increasingly relevant in the digital age. The movie also features music performed by Madekwe himself, adding another layer to his artistic output. His choice to play a character like Oliver, a celebrity navigating the perils of modern fame, showcases his commitment to challenging, contemporary storytelling.

HYENA: A David Lynch-Produced Nightmare

Adding to the excitement is the psychological thriller HYENA, which is executive produced by the legendary filmmaker David Lynch. Madekwe stars as Alexei, opposite Havana Rose Liu (who also appears in Lurker). While plot details are kept tightly under wraps, the involvement of David Lynch—a master of surreal and unsettling cinema—suggests that HYENA will be a mind-bending, intense experience. Madekwe himself has mentioned receiving "crazy emails" from Lynch regarding his casting, underscoring the high-caliber and unique nature of the project. This collaboration with such a cinematic icon is a massive endorsement of Madekwe's talent and his growing reputation for taking on unconventional, prestige roles.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The Future of British Screen Talent

Archie Madekwe’s career trajectory is a testament to the new wave of versatile British screen talent. He has successfully navigated the transition from dramatic theatre training at institutions like the LAMDA and the BRIT School to the global stage of major studio films and streaming hits. His ability to switch seamlessly between a grounded, inspiring protagonist in Gran Turismo and a subtle, unsettling presence in Saltburn and Lurker highlights his rare range. Madekwe’s roles consistently explore themes of identity, social class, and ambition, making his filmography a rich text for contemporary analysis.

With Lurker and HYENA set to define his 2025, the actor is clearly moving away from conventional roles, preferring complex characters in the intense psychological thriller and dark drama genres. This strategic career path—focusing on quality, challenging material rather than mere blockbuster appeal—suggests that Archie Madekwe is not just a temporary fixture, but a long-term artistic force in Hollywood and independent cinema. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting to see how he continues to evolve and challenge audience perceptions with his compelling and often subtle performances.