Owen Cooper: The next De Niro? Young star wows at the Emmys!

Owen Cooper: The next De Niro? Young star wows at the Emmys!

In the current discussion about talented young actors, attention is focused on Owen Cooper, the 15-year-old lead actor in the new Netflix series “Adolescence.” In his debut as Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old falsely accused of murdering a schoolgirl, Cooper displays an impressive range of emotions. Stephen Graham, the show's co-founder, praised Cooper's performance and compared it to that of Leonardo DiCaprio in "What About Gilbert Grape" on Graham Norton's BBC talk show. He described the young actor as the "next Robert De Niro" and noted the authenticity Cooper brings to his role. Graham went on to explain that the casting team originally considered older actors, but ultimately chose Cooper because of his unique age and talent. ( Los Angeles Times )

The design of the series is just as innovative as its actors. “Adolescence” consists of four episodes shot in a continuous filming style, showing the tensions within the Miller family in real time. Erin Doherty, who plays the psychologist in the series, expressed initial nervousness about working with Cooper, but quickly found him down-to-earth and present. After two weeks of rehearsals and a week of filming, the final decision was made for the final shot, indicating confidence in Cooper's performance. During filming, a playful interaction developed between Doherty and Cooper, reinforcing the dynamic relationship between their characters. ( The News Scroll )

A look behind the scenes

Cooper, a Liverpool native and Liverpool FC fan, describes the differences between his personality and that of his character, who is less interested in sport. As part of a family with two older siblings, all of whom work in different professions, such as electricians and IT specialists, he brings a humorous perspective to his acting business. His family was a great support to him during filming, with his parents often taking turns on set to support him during the challenges of filming the film. He was 14 years old during the summer of 2024 during filming and has always tried to balance his schooling with his acting career, taking advantage of tutorials during filming in non-summer periods. This balance between school obligations and a budding acting career should not be underestimated.

The series “Adolescence” has already caused a stir in the industry, particularly highlighting the opportunities for young actors. Historically, the Emmys have given awards to just four teenagers, making Cooper's performance, which veers between innocence and desperation, all the more remarkable. Many are looking forward to seeing how his career develops, now that he has also appeared in the BBC comedy Film Club and took on the role of young Heathcliff in an adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The high expectations placed on Cooper suggest that he is well on his way to making a name for himself in the acting world. ( Los Angeles Times )