From Blind Guitarist To Leading Man: The 5 Must-See Ben Smith-Petersen Movies And TV Shows Of 2024-2025

Ben Smith-Petersen, the versatile Australian talent known for his electrifying stunt work and memorable acting roles—most famously as the iconic Blind Guitarist in Mad Max: Fury Road—is currently experiencing a significant career surge in the world of acting. As of December 2025, Smith-Petersen has transitioned from a renowned stunt performer to a compelling leading and supporting actor, securing major roles in high-profile 2024 films and highly anticipated 2025 television series. This deep dive explores his complete filmography, focusing on the fresh, must-see projects that cement his status as a Hollywood force.

The husband of actress Riley Keough, Smith-Petersen’s recent work showcases his range, moving effortlessly between the dystopian action of the Mad Max universe and the nuanced character work required for modern horror and romantic comedy. His involvement in projects like the 2025 Netflix series Too Much and the 2024 horror-drama The Dead Thing proves he is an actor to watch, bringing a unique blend of physical intensity and emotional depth to every role.

Ben Smith-Petersen: Biography and Career Highlights

Ben Smith-Petersen's career is a fascinating study in Hollywood versatility, bridging the gap between high-octane action and dramatic performance. His professional journey began in the demanding field of stunt work before transitioning into acting.

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• Full Name: Ben Smith-Petersen
• Nationality: Australian
• Primary Professions: Stuntman, Actor, Stunt Coordinator
• Birthplace: New South Wales, Australia
• Spouse: Riley Keough (Married 2015)
• Family: He and Riley Keough have a daughter, whose birth was confirmed in 2023, and welcomed a second child in September 2025.
• Breakout Acting Role: The Blind Guitarist (also known as the Coma-Doof Warrior) in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).
• Notable Stunt Work: His extensive stunt career includes performing in blockbusters such as The Great Gatsby (2012), The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), Suicide Squad (2016), and the 2023 cultural phenomenon, Barbie.
• Recent Projects (2024-2025): *Shell* (2024), *The Dead Thing* (2024), *Too Much* (2025), and *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga* (2024).

The New Era: Ben Smith-Petersen's Major Acting Roles (2024-2025)

While his work as a stuntman—a career that involves intricate fight choreography and high-risk performance—is foundational, the latest chapter of Smith-Petersen’s career is defined by his commitment to acting. The following projects represent his most significant and current work, showcasing his impressive range.

1. Too Much (2025) - The Netflix Romantic Series

Set for a July 10, 2025, release on Netflix, Too Much is a highly anticipated romantic series created by writer/director Lena Dunham. The show follows a New York-based workaholic who moves to London after a painful breakup, where she meets a charming, yet emotionally unavailable, British man.

In this series, Ben Smith-Petersen takes on the role of Norbert. This project is a major shift for the actor, placing him in a modern, character-driven romantic comedy environment. Working under a celebrated auteur like Lena Dunham and starring in a major Netflix production marks a significant step up in his acting career, moving him into the mainstream television landscape. The role of Norbert is one that will introduce his acting abilities to a massive global audience, expanding his topical authority beyond the action genre.

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2. Shell (2024) - The Black Comedy Body Horror Film

Released in 2024, Shell is a black comedy body horror film directed by Max Minghella and starring A-list talent including Elisabeth Moss and Kate Hudson. The film is set in a near-future where a company offers a revolutionary solution to aging and beauty, but at a horrifying cost.

Smith-Petersen appears in a supporting role as the character Chad. This film is notable for its dark, satirical tone and high production value. His casting alongside established dramatic actors like Moss demonstrates the industry's growing recognition of his dramatic capabilities. The genre of black comedy body horror is a challenging one, requiring a delicate balance, which further highlights his versatility as an actor.

3. The Dead Thing (2024) - The Charming Horror-Drama

Premiering in 2024, The Dead Thing is an American horror-drama film directed by Elric Kane and co-written by Kane and Webb Wilcoxen. The film stars Blu Hunt and features Smith-Petersen in a central role.

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In this movie, Ben Smith-Petersen plays the character Kyle. Kyle is initially presented as a seemingly nice, respectful guy who meets the protagonist, Alex, on a dating app. Critics have specifically praised Smith-Petersen's performance, noting that he brings a "charming and tragic humanity" to the role, which is crucial for the film's narrative twist. This role is a perfect example of his ability to anchor a film with a performance that requires both charm and emotional complexity, proving he is ready for leading man status in the independent film scene.

The Legacy Roles: The Mad Max Universe

No discussion of Ben Smith-Petersen’s career is complete without mentioning the franchise that gave him his most recognizable acting role and a career-defining stunt credit: the Mad Max universe. This is where the synthesis of his two careers—stuntman and actor—is most evident.

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - The Coma-Doof Warrior

Smith-Petersen’s most iconic and memorable acting role to date is the Blind Guitarist, also known as the Coma-Doof Warrior, in George Miller’s masterpiece, Mad Max: Fury Road. The character is a blind, flame-throwing guitarist strapped to the front of a massive Doof Wagon, providing the soundtrack to the film's relentless action sequences.

The role is a perfect blend of performance art and stunt coordination, demanding intense physical commitment while also creating a mythological, unforgettable character. This performance earned him a cult following and is a testament to his unique screen presence. The character remains one of the most beloved and recognized figures in modern action cinema, showcasing his ability to make a huge impact with a non-traditional, visually striking role.

5. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) - Continuing the Stunt Legacy

In 2024, Smith-Petersen returned to the post-apocalyptic world for the prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. While the details of his specific involvement are often kept under wraps in the stunt world, his credit on the film confirms his continued importance to the franchise's action integrity.

This project is a clear nod to his roots as a world-class stunt coordinator and performer. His continued work with director George Miller on such a high-stakes action film ensures the legacy of the Mad Max action sequences—known for their practical, visceral nature—remains intact. His involvement here, alongside his wife Riley Keough's grandfather, Elvis Presley's, legacy in Hollywood, solidifies the couple's place in cinematic history.

The Future of Ben Smith-Petersen: Beyond Stunts

Ben Smith-Petersen has successfully navigated the challenging transition from a respected Australian stuntman to an in-demand actor. His upcoming role as Norbert in the 2025 Netflix romantic comedy Too Much is poised to be a major career milestone, offering him the widest exposure yet in a completely new genre.

With a foundation built on the physical discipline required for films like *The Hobbit* and *Suicide Squad*, and a growing filmography that includes complex roles like Kyle in *The Dead Thing*, Smith-Petersen’s career trajectory is on a steep incline. Fans and critics alike are now eagerly watching to see which blockbuster action film or dramatic independent project he will conquer next.