From Prince Kit To MCU God: 5 Shocking New Roles Of Cinderella’s Richard Madden In 2025

He swept Lily James's Cinderella off her feet as the dashing Prince Kit in the 2015 Disney live-action film, but Richard Madden's career trajectory since then has been anything but a fairy tale. The Scottish actor has traded glass slippers and royal balls for political thrillers, global espionage, and the cosmic power of a Marvel superhero. As of today, December 12, 2025, Madden is one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood, with a slate of major projects that are redefining his image from a charming royal to a versatile leading man.

Fans who only remember him from the Kenneth Branagh-directed adaptation will be stunned by his recent high-stakes roles. From his Emmy-nominated turn as a tortured war veteran to headlining a massive new Netflix political drama, Richard Madden is proving that his time as Prince Charming was just the beginning of a truly epic career. Here is a deep dive into the man behind Prince Kit and the shocking new projects he’s tackling.

Richard Madden: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Richard Madden, born Richard Brian Madden, has established himself as a powerhouse of British and international acting. His career is marked by a series of high-profile roles across television and film, showcasing his range from medieval warrior to modern-day secret agent.

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• Full Name: Richard Brian Madden
• Date of Birth: June 18, 1986
• Place of Birth: Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland
• Nationality: Scottish
• Education: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama)
• Breakthrough Role: Robb Stark in the HBO series Game of Thrones (2011–2013)
• Iconic Film Role: Prince Kit in Disney's Cinderella (2015)
• Major TV Success: David Budd in the BBC/Netflix series Bodyguard (2018), for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama.
• MCU Role: Ikaris in Marvel's Eternals (2021)
• Recent Work: Co-lead in the Amazon Prime Video spy series Citadel (2023) alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

The Royal Ascent: From Winterfell to the Ballroom

Richard Madden’s path to playing Prince Charming was paved by a completely different kind of royal. His global recognition first exploded as Robb Stark, the 'King in the North' in HBO’s monumental fantasy series, Game of Thrones.

The intensity and tragic arc of Robb Stark contrasted sharply with the pure, romantic nature of Prince Kit, a character Madden embraced wholeheartedly. In Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh, Madden brought a genuine warmth and earnestness to the role, ensuring the prince was not just a handsome figurehead but a character with depth and kindness.

His chemistry with Lily James (Cinderella) was a critical success factor for the film, which was praised for its faithful yet fresh take on the classic Disney animated film. The film’s success cemented Madden’s status as a leading man capable of carrying a major studio production.

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5 Shocking New Roles That Redefine Richard Madden's Career

Since his time as Prince Kit, Richard Madden has deliberately sought out roles that challenge the "charming" label, moving into the intense, high-stakes world of espionage and political thrillers. His upcoming projects for 2025 and beyond are the most compelling proof of this career pivot.

1. Secretary of Defense Webb Preston in Netflix's Trinity

The most anticipated project on Madden’s horizon is the upcoming Netflix thriller series, Trinity. This show marks a major reunion with Jed Mercurio, the acclaimed creator of Bodyguard, the series that earned Madden a Golden Globe.

In Trinity, Madden is set to play Secretary of Defense Webb Preston, a role that plunges him into a high-stakes political drama. The series promises the same level of tension and intrigue that made Bodyguard a global phenomenon. Starring alongside Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who plays Commander Katherine Decker, the series is expected to be a massive hit for the streaming giant, further solidifying Madden’s reputation as a master of the thriller genre.

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2. The Return of Ikaris in Eternals 2 (Rumored)

Madden officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Ikaris, one of the powerful cosmic beings, in the 2021 film Eternals. The character's complex arc, which saw him as both a hero and an antagonist, left his fate ambiguous, fueling years of fan speculation.

While official announcements are scarce, reports in late 2024 and early 2025 suggest that a sequel, *Eternals 2*, is in early development at Marvel Studios. This indicates a high probability of Madden reprising his role as the flying, laser-eyed Eternal. The return of Ikaris would be a significant development, keeping Madden firmly planted in one of the world's biggest film franchises for the foreseeable future.

3. The Spy Master Mason Kane in Citadel Season 2

Richard Madden starred as the elite spy Mason Kane in the Russo Brothers' ambitious global spy series, Citadel, on Amazon Prime Video. The show, which premiered in 2023, was a massive undertaking with multiple international spin-offs.

The first season ended on a dramatic cliffhanger, and the development of Citadel Season 2 is well underway. Madden is confirmed to return to the role, continuing the complex, memory-loss-driven saga of the global spy agency. This project ensures his continuous presence on major streaming platforms and in the action-thriller space.

4. The Golden Globe-Winning David Budd (Bodyguard Legacy)

Although the series aired a few years ago, the impact of his performance as David Budd, a troubled war veteran and Specialist Protection Officer, continues to shape his career. His Golden Globe win for this role immediately put him on the A-list and directly led to his casting in major projects like Eternals and Citadel.

The legacy of Bodyguard is so strong that the renewed partnership with creator Jed Mercurio for Trinity is considered a massive industry event. It’s a testament to the powerful, gritty performance that shattered his Prince Kit image once and for all.

5. The Oscar-Winning War Film 1917

While a supporting role, his appearance as Lieutenant Joseph Blake in Sam Mendes's Oscar-winning war epic 1917 (2019) further demonstrated his commitment to serious, dramatic roles. The film's critical acclaim and technical brilliance allowed Madden to work with top-tier talent and further distance himself from pure fantasy.

This film, along with his stage work and other dramatic roles, showcases a deliberate strategy to build a career based on challenging, complex characters, not just the handsome royal archetype he perfected in Cinderella.