Owen Cooper Shines in Netflix’s Gripping New Drama ‘Adolescence’

WARRINGTON, England – Owen Cooper, a 15-year-old newcomer from Warrington, has taken the entertainment world by storm with his role in Netflix’s latest crime drama, ‘Adolescence,’ released just a week ago. In this gripping series, Cooper portrays Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy charged with the murder of a classmate, catching audiences’ attention with his masterful performance.

Since its premiere, ‘Adolescence’ has quickly ascended to the top of Netflix’s charts, and critics have hailed Cooper’s performance as a standout. ‘I just watch it because I’m in it, so I don’t know. But everyone who has spoken to me has said it’s amazing,’ Cooper remarked, expressing surprise at the positive reactions to his debut role.

For Cooper, ‘Adolescence’ is not only his first major acting credit; it’s also his first professional acting role. Before this, he had only engaged in weekly acting classes and had never acted in front of a camera. ‘I was just doing it for a hobby and didn’t expect much from it,’ he shared in an interview. His passion for acting ignited after watching Ewan McGregor‘s performance in the 2012 film ‘The Impossible,’ which inspired him to join a local drama club.

Originally, Cooper aspired to be a professional soccer player and remains a devoted fan of Liverpool FC, especially admiring player Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, his career path shifted towards acting after participating in drama workshops and eventually signing with a talent agency.

To prepare for the emotionally intense scenes in ‘Adolescence,’ Cooper drew inspiration from his co-star Stephen Graham, who plays his father in the series. ‘There was a time in episode one when it was just us two in the police cell, and he scruffed me up and said, “You’re never going to see your mum again. You’re never going to see your dad again,”‘ Cooper recounted. ‘That helped me tap into my emotions for the subsequent takes.’

Looking ahead, Cooper’s career is on the rise. He will star as young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights,’ where Jacob Elordi plays the older version of the character. Though Cooper can’t reveal much about the film, he shared, ‘It’s fun. I like it.’

Cooper’s next venture will see him team up with Aimee Lou Wood in a new BBC Three series titled ‘Film Club.’ The show follows two friends navigating their relationship, promising a blend of romance and drama.

After the success of ‘Adolescence,’ Graham expressed his pride in discovering Cooper. ‘We wanted someone who didn’t have much experience,’ Graham said. ‘It’s a huge undertaking, but Owen showed incredible raw talent.’ He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young actors and the team’s commitment to finding authentic talent.

As ‘Adolescence’ continues to capture the public’s attention, Cooper’s charisma and talent suggest that he is poised for a lasting career in the entertainment industry.