From MCU Sidekick To Horror Star: The 7 Must-Watch Ty Simpkins Movies And His Shocking New Role In 2025

Ty Simpkins, the actor who has literally grown up on screen in some of the biggest blockbuster franchises of the last decade, is currently undergoing a fascinating career evolution. As of December 2025, Simpkins has successfully transitioned from a beloved child star—known globally as Tony Stark's young sidekick, Harley Keener, and the haunted boy from the Insidious series—to a compelling young adult performer taking on complex, dramatic roles.

This article dives deep into the complete filmography of Ty Simpkins, highlighting his most impactful performances, his recent dramatic turn in the Oscar-nominated film The Whale, and the fresh, intriguing details about his mysterious upcoming project, Conversations With Andy, which is set to cement his status as a versatile leading man in Hollywood.

Ty Simpkins: Biography and Career Profile

Ty Keegan Simpkins was born on August 6, 2001, in New York City, New York. His acting career began at an astonishingly early age, making his debut on the soap opera One Life to Live when he was just three weeks old. This early start laid the foundation for a career defined by working with some of the industry's most respected directors, from Steven Spielberg to James Wan and Darren Aronofsky.

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His sister, Ryan Simpkins, is also a successful actress, and the two have occasionally appeared on screen together, notably in the films Pride and Glory and Revolutionary Road. Simpkins' filmography showcases a rare versatility, allowing him to navigate the high-stakes world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) while simultaneously mastering the intense atmosphere of independent supernatural horror and critically acclaimed dramas.

Complete Filmography Highlights (Selected List)

• 2005: War of the Worlds (Young Boy) - Directed by Steven Spielberg.
• 2008: Pride and Glory (Matthew Egan) - Co-starring Edward Norton and Colin Farrell.
• 2008: Revolutionary Road (Michael Wheeler) - Directed by Sam Mendes, co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
• 2010: Insidious (Dalton Lambert) - The start of the wildly successful supernatural horror franchise.
• 2013: Iron Man 3 (Harley Keener) - His breakthrough role in the MCU alongside Robert Downey Jr.
• 2013: Insidious: Chapter 2 (Dalton Lambert) - Reprising his role in the horror sequel.
• 2015: Jurassic World (Gray Mitchell) - A lead role in the massive blockbuster revival of the dinosaur franchise.
• 2016: The Nice Guys (Bobby) - Co-starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe.
• 2019: Avengers: Endgame (Harley Keener) - A memorable cameo at Tony Stark’s funeral, signaling the character's enduring importance.
• 2022: The Whale (Thomas) - A significant dramatic turn in the film directed by Darren Aronofsky.
• 2023: Insidious: The Red Door (Dalton Lambert) - Returning as the lead, now a college-aged character.
• 2023: The Re-Education of Molly Singer (Elliot) - A coming-of-age comedy.
• TBA: Conversations With Andy (Role TBA) - Upcoming independent drama.

The Evolution of Ty Simpkins: From MCU Prodigy to Dramatic Lead

Ty Simpkins’ career is a textbook example of a child actor successfully navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood by strategically choosing diverse roles. His early work established him in two major genres: the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the modern horror canon.

The Enduring Legacy of Harley Keener and the MCU

Simpkins' portrayal of Harley Keener in 2013's Iron Man 3 remains one of his most recognized roles. Harley, the resourceful young boy from rural Tennessee who helps a stranded Tony Stark, was the first child character to have a significant, impactful role in the main Iron Man film series. The relationship between Tony Stark and Harley was a crucial emotional component of the film, providing Stark with a much-needed human connection amidst his struggles with anxiety and the Extremis threat.

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The character's brief but powerful return at the end of Avengers: Endgame, attending Tony Stark’s funeral, was a deliberate choice by the directors to suggest that the bond between the two characters was lasting and that Harley could potentially have a future in the MCU. Fans continue to speculate about a possible return for Harley Keener, perhaps as a young inventor or even a new superhero, keeping the conversation around Simpkins' MCU debut fresh years later.

Mastering Supernatural Horror as Dalton Lambert

Simpkins also anchored the terrifying Insidious franchise for over a decade. As Dalton Lambert, the boy whose astral projection abilities make him a target for demons from "The Further," he delivered a chilling performance that defined the original film's success.

His return in 2023's Insidious: The Red Door was a major event for horror fans. The film, which also served as the directorial debut for co-star Patrick Wilson, saw Simpkins' character Dalton as a college student attempting to confront the trauma and suppressed memories of his childhood haunting. This allowed Simpkins to explore a more mature, dramatic side of the character, proving his ability to carry a major franchise as an adult lead.

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The Dramatic Shift: Critically Acclaimed Roles in The Whale and Beyond

The most significant indicator of Simpkins' commitment to dramatic acting came with his role in Darren Aronofsky's 2022 psychological drama, The Whale. Starring alongside Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser and Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, Simpkins played Thomas, a mysterious missionary who interacts with Fraser's morbidly obese, reclusive English teacher.

The film, which received widespread critical acclaim, provided Simpkins with a complex, emotionally charged role far removed from the action-adventure and horror genres he was known for. His performance was noted for bringing an "altruistic" depth to the character, showcasing his range and his ability to hold his own in a cast of powerhouse performers. Working with a visionary director like Darren Aronofsky on a heavy, character-driven story like The Whale was a clear signal that Simpkins is actively seeking out challenging and rewarding dramatic work.

Upcoming Project: Conversations With Andy (TBA)

Looking ahead, one of Ty Simpkins' most anticipated projects is the independent drama Conversations With Andy. While currently listed as 'TBA,' the known details are highly compelling. The film is set in 1984 New York and is based on a true story about a sixth-grader who forms an unlikely friendship with the legendary artist Andy Warhol.

The film, directed by Andy Palmer, is a coming-of-age story that will also star David Mazouz and Willow Shields. This project aligns perfectly with Simpkins' current career trajectory—a deep dive into a character-focused narrative with a historical and artistic backdrop. It represents a fresh, unique opportunity for him to lead a non-franchise film and further establish his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling nuanced, character-driven material.

Ty Simpkins' journey from the adorable kid in Iron Man 3 to a dramatic actor exploring the depths of trauma and human connection in films like Insidious: The Red Door and The Whale is a remarkable success story. His upcoming work promises to solidify his place as one of the most exciting young talents to watch in the coming years.