Theo James Reflects on Challenges and Success in 2025

London, England — Actor Theo James has faced physical challenges but remains optimistic about his career in 2025. The 40-year-old star, known for his roles in ‘The White Lotus‘ and ‘Divergent‘, recently spoke about his journey while filming season two of ‘The Gentlemen‘.

James began the year with hopes of improved fitness but experienced a slipped disc in January followed by a pectoral muscle tear. Despite these setbacks, he reflects positively on the year’s opportunities. While discussing his experiences in London, he noted, ‘It hasn’t been a bad old 2025 for me.’

In addition to his acting career, James has expanded his interests by opening a restaurant named Lupa in north London. Offering hearty Roman dishes alongside a family-friendly environment, the restaurant is a nod to his love for Italian food, stemming from his marriage to Irish actress Ruth Kearney.

‘It’s something I always wanted to get into in a fantasy way,’ he said. ‘My wife and I got married in Italy. We wanted a place where you could bring your kids.’

Despite a strong presence in the entertainment industry, James admits to past insecurities and the challenges of building a career. He expressed, ‘You step up and then realize you’ve got ten more to climb.’ His break came from the 2014 film ‘Divergent’, which led to numerous acclaimed roles.

Recently, he earned an Emmy nomination for ‘The White Lotus’, a show that satirizes wealth and privilege. ‘That’s what Mike does well, skewering the obsession with wealth,’ he remarked, referencing the show’s creator, Mike White.

As he approaches his 41st birthday next month, James is focused on personal growth. He believes in teaching his children that success doesn’t solely come from victory. ‘It’s OK to fail,’ he said, emphasizing that failure and success go hand in hand.

Looking to the future, James is set to continue filming ‘The Hole’, work with director Craig Zahler on a new project, and expand the world of ‘The Gentlemen’. With his busy schedule, he also plans to take moments to relax and enjoy carbonara.