From Adrenaline Junkie To Father: The Definitive Craig Cody (Ben Robson) Story And His Life After Animal Kingdom

The character of Craig Cody, portrayed with raw physicality and surprising heart by actor Ben Robson, remains one of the most compelling and tragic figures in the entire run of the TNT series Animal Kingdom. As of , fans continue to revisit his tumultuous journey from a reckless, drug-addicted adrenaline junkie to a dedicated father desperately seeking redemption before the show's explosive conclusion. His story is a powerful exploration of the Cody family's destructive cycle and the desperate measures one brother took to break free.

The series, which ran for six seasons, saw Craig evolve from the least-respected member of the Cody crew—often dismissed as the "dumb one" or the "ox"—into a man who found a purpose greater than the next big score. His ultimate fate in the series finale is a moment that devastated viewers, solidifying his legacy as the brother who almost made it out, and raising curiosity about the current projects of the British actor who brought him to life, Ben Robson.

Ben Robson: A Complete Biography and Filmography

Ben Robson, the British actor who masterfully played Craig Cody, has an extensive background in film and television, though he is most recognized for his work on the Cody family saga. His career trajectory demonstrates a preference for intense, physically demanding roles.

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• Full Name: Ben Robson
• Date of Birth: February 4, 1984
• Birthplace: Newcastle upon Tyne, England, UK
• Nationality: British
• Role in Animal Kingdom: Craig Cody (2016–2022)
• Key Television Roles:
  • *Animal Kingdom* (Craig Cody, 2016–2022)
  • *Vikings* (Kalf, 2015–2016)
  • *The Continental: From the World of John Wick* (Frankie Scott, 2023)
• Key Film Roles:
  • *The Boy* (2016)
  • *A Violent Separation* (2019)
  • *Emperor* (2020)
• Career Highlight Post-Animal Kingdom: Starring as Frankie Scott, a key character in the *John Wick* prequel series, *The Continental*, which premiered in 2023.

The Tragic Redemption Arc of Craig Cody: From Addict to Father

Craig Cody’s six-season journey is arguably the most profound character transformation in the entire *Animal Kingdom* series. Initially introduced as the reckless middle brother, Craig was defined by his love for surfing, partying, impulsive crimes, and a crippling drug addiction. He was the muscle, the high-risk planner, and the one who constantly sought Smurf's approval through increasingly dangerous stunts.

The turning point in Craig’s life came with the birth of his son, Nick, whom he shares with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Renn. Fatherhood acted as a powerful catalyst for change, forcing the adrenaline junkie to confront his destructive lifestyle. His struggle with sobriety became a central theme in the later seasons, showcasing a vulnerability and depth that fans had rarely seen. This desire to provide a stable life for his son, a life away from the criminal grasp of the Cody family, fueled his final, desperate attempts at redemption.

His relationship with his younger brother, Deran Cody, was another pillar of his arc. Often referred to by fans as the strongest bond in the family, the "Deran and Craig" dynamic shifted from co-conspirators in crime to a deep, protective brotherhood. Craig was Deran's loyal protector, and in the final season, their connection became the emotional core of the show. Craig even encouraged Deran to find a way to get back with his former love, Adrian, recognizing that being with him made Deran the happiest, a selfless act of brotherly love.

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The Shocking Finale: How Craig Cody Met His End in Season 6

The *Animal Kingdom* series finale, the double-length episode "Fubar" (Season 6, Episode 13), delivered a brutal and heartbreaking end to Craig Cody’s redemption story. In a desperate attempt to secure money for his son Nick and for Deran to escape, the brothers commit a final, ill-fated robbery.

During the heist, Craig is shot by the convenience store owner’s child. The injury is severe, and in a tragic, emotional scene, Deran tries frantically to save his brother. Craig, realizing his time is up, shares a final, poignant moment with Deran, accepting his fate. He eventually succumbs to his wounds, dying near the ocean—a fitting end for the surfer who loved the water. Deran is forced to leave his brother's body behind to escape, a devastating sacrifice that marks the true end of the Cody brothers' unity.

Craig's death served as a final, brutal reminder of the inescapable violence and consequences that followed the Cody family's criminal life. Many fans felt the ending was a complete tragedy, arguing that both Craig and Pope Cody had shown too much growth and deserved redemption rather than being killed off. However, his death cemented his legacy as a character who fought until the very end for a chance at a better life for his child, making his sacrifice the ultimate act of fatherhood.

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Ben Robson’s Life After the Cody Family: The Continental and Beyond

While the character of Craig Cody’s story concluded in 2022, actor Ben Robson’s career is very much alive and well. His most significant post-*Animal Kingdom* role has been in the high-profile 2023 limited series, *The Continental: From the World of John Wick*.

In *The Continental*, Robson played Frankie Scott, a key figure in the three-part prequel event. This role allowed him to leverage the physicality and intense dramatic skills he honed as Craig Cody, but within a new, highly stylized universe. Frankie Scott is a former military man who steals a valuable item from the Continental Hotel, setting the entire plot in motion. This was a major project that kept Robson in the spotlight immediately following the conclusion of *Animal Kingdom*.

Robson's transition to a new, major franchise demonstrates his ability to move past the long-running role of Craig Cody and take on fresh, exciting characters. Fans of the actor are eagerly awaiting announcements on his next projects, confirming that while the Cody family saga is over, Ben Robson's career continues to thrive on the strength of his powerful performance as the unforgettable Craig Cody.