5 Joseph Quinn Roles That Prove He Is One to Watch

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Among today’s young generation, one of the rising stars in the entertainment industry has emerged almost unnoticed yet climbed rapidly to fame – that’s Joseph Quinn for you. He’s a unique talent in Hollywood, breaking barriers through raw skill and commitment across numerous roles. From drama to comedy, historical epics, Quinn adapts seamlessly. It’s not just his striking good looks; he has repeatedly demonstrated his knack for transformation with each role. Be it the iconic Eddie Munson in Stranger Things, the loyal Eric in A Quiet Place: Day One, the intense Sam in Warfare, or his upcoming portrayal of Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, he leaves no doubt that he’s here to make a lasting impact.

Lately, the actor has been confirmed for both one of Sam Mendes’s Beatles films and “Avengers: Doomsday”. However, before attaining such prominence, he had already made his mark in various notable projects. These five roles unequivocally demonstrate that Joseph Quinn is an artist to watch closely.

Eddie Munson (Stranger Things)

By the time its third season, Stranger Things was already a well-known series, but with its fourth, everything shifted significantly – largely due to Joseph Quinn. An actor relatively unknown in the industry, he made a powerful entrance as Eddie Munson, the metalhead and leader of the Hellfire Club. In what seemed like no time at all, he became the audience’s favorite character, and even after his tragic death, Eddie remains one of the show’s most adored figures. Many continue to hope for his return in the final season. Quinn breathed life into Eddie with a captivating blend of rebellious charisma and emotional vulnerability, making him instantly compelling. Furthermore, his improvisational skills added depth to his performance throughout the role.

Many people, both critics and fans, highly praised Quinn’s acting, propelling him into a higher status of fame in Hollywood. His unique talent for effortlessly switching between comedy, intensity, and raw emotion made his portrayal of Eddie not just notable, but legendary. A specific scene – the electrifying rendition of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” in the Upside Down – quickly became a timeless classic, transforming Eddie into a cultural sensation. This scene not only sparked renewed interest in ’80s music, causing it to rise back up the charts, but also signaled the actor’s move into mainstream blockbuster films. Nowadays, it’s challenging to find someone who isn’t familiar with Eddie Munson.

Arthur Havisham (Dickensian)

The character of Arthur Havisham, played by Joseph Quinn, may not be familiar to many, but it’s one of his most cherished roles due to the depth and emotional intensity required. This role can be considered Quinn’s breakout performance, as it was his first appearance on television and showcased his acting talents profoundly. Arthur is a character from Charles Dickens’ novel, Great Expectations, who has been adapted into this role. He’s a troubled young man, filled with jealousy towards his sister and resentment over being excluded from his father’s will. The character is riddled with emotional turmoil, and Quinn portrayed him with remarkable maturity, depicting Arthur’s fragile mind and his descent into paranoia, particularly as he becomes involved in schemes to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his.

In Quinn’s portrayal, it was his ability to add complexity to a character typically depicted as a villainous stereotype that truly stood out. Instead of resorting to overly dramatic portrayals, he delved into Arthur’s internal struggles and flawed choices, revealing their roots in profound human emotions. This nuanced approach not only enhanced the role but also breathed life into the character, making him surprisingly relatable and enriching the narrative. It was a performance that may have appeared understated initially, but it demanded precision and authenticity. This role served as an introduction to Quinn’s talent for many in the industry, positioning him as a promising actor worth keeping an eye on.

Michael (Hoard)

In the independent film “Hoard,” Joseph Quinn took on a risky role that showcased his exceptional talent. His character, Michael, is a former foster child who reconnects with Maria (Saura Lightfoot Leon). The relationship between these two characters becomes a complex and intense journey, as they both grapple with their past traumas. The interaction between them is filled with a raw, almost primal energy, exploring themes of desire, pain, and recollection. Quinn’s performance was widely acclaimed by critics, even earning him a nomination for Best Joint Performance at the 2024 British Independent Film Awards, alongside Saura Lightfoot Leon.

This role is remarkable for its raw authenticity and powerful emotional depth, with Quinn skillfully embodying intricate characters. His acting significantly enhances the storyline at crucial points, adding immense impact to the narrative. The intensity of his portrayal of Michael remains vivid even after the movie ends, reflecting his deep emotional investment in the character. At times unsettling, yet intensely real, this performance showcases Quinn’s fearlessness in abandoning any personal vanity for the sake of a demanding role, highlighting his bravery and commitment to such a challenging part.

Geta (Gladiator II)

In contrast to its predecessor, Gladiator II wasn’t universally loved, but one aspect that cannot be disputed is Joseph Quinn’s remarkable portrayal of Geta, one of the emperors of Rome. Together with his brother Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), they are presented as decadent and morally questionable figures, inviting comparisons to Joaquin Phoenix’s indelible role in the original Gladiator. What sets Quinn apart, however, is his creative approach – he drew from a multitude of sources to fashion a Geta who stands out distinctively, fully conscious of the difficulties involved in excelling in a world already defined by Phoenix’s legendary portrayal. The outcome? He struck the perfect equilibrium, imbuing the character with the right level of intensity to emphasize Geta’s unstable and ambitious personality.

For Quinn, this part signified a significant shift in his career, providing him with the opportunity to collaborate with an experienced ensemble of actors. Despite the heavy pressure, he impressed critics with his portrayal of the character’s madness and thirst for blood in the film. Taking on such a complex and demanding role at a relatively young age could have been considered a gamble, but Quinn demonstrated his talent admirably. His performance is particularly noteworthy, making Geta an imposing figure in the movie. It’s undoubtedly one of his finest roles to date.

Enjolras (Les Misérables)

In various historical productions, Joseph Quinn has acted alongside notable figures, like in the series “Les Misérables,” where he played the captivating revolutionary leader Enjolras. Unlike conventional adaptations, this miniseries stripped away musical elements and instead focused more closely on Victor Hugo’s renowned novel. This allowed Quinn to showcase both heroic and passionate aspects of the character, blending political zeal with steadfast optimism. Amidst a complex narrative, he also delved into the emotional complexity and humanity of his character, making an idealistic figure come alive amidst daunting challenges.

Quinn’s portrayal gave Enjolras a new depth, making him relatable and grounded for viewers. Instead of slipping into stereotypes or overly romanticized versions, he depicted a man brimming with contradictions and strong beliefs that frequently collided with his surroundings. With a powerful presence, he commanded attention without needing to shout, using his eyes and body language to convey authority and internal strife. In pivotal scenes, particularly during the peak of the rebellion, his acting infused the narrative with an emotional intensity that boosted its dramatic impact. Somehow, Quinn’s acting made the production even more captivating, transforming what could have been a mere historical drama into a truly gripping experience.

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2025-04-30 05:19