Harris Dickinson is currently in the spotlight with his casting as John Lennon in the upcoming Beatles biopics, following closely after his directorial debut with the film Urchin. As his acting career ascends, Dickinson strives to distance himself from his earlier role as Prince Phillip in a Disney movie, aiming to be recognized for more complex and gritty characters.
Since his first appearance in the 2017 indie feature Beach Rats, Dickinson has built a reputation for selecting challenging roles. He has portrayed a range of intense characters, such as a working-class father reconnecting with his daughter in Scrapper and a young intern embroiled in a provocative relationship with his boss in Babygirl. His choices often touch on difficult themes including homelessness and addiction, as shown in Urchin.
Before settling into these deeper roles, Dickinson took part in several projects he now views with some reluctance. One of the most notable is his portrayal of Prince Phillip in 2019’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. While the film enjoyed commercial success with nearly half a billion dollars in earnings and attracted enthusiastic audiences despite lukewarm critical reception, Dickinson has expressed discomfort with this part. The scale of the production conflicted with his own artistic identity.
I don’t think anyone really knows I was in a Disney movie,
Dickinson told The Independent.
Maybe that’s a good thing, not to throw shade!
Reflecting on this experience, the actor acknowledged the unusual nature of the role compared to his background.
They were opportunities to try something. Like… I’m from East London, and you want me to play a Disney prince? OK, that’s not me at all, but yeah, all right, I’ll do a Disney prince. Why not?
Despite the exposure this role brought, Dickinson’s true passion lies in independent cinema, where he can collaborate with visionary directors. Notably, he frequently works with female filmmakers, contributing to projects that offer distinctive and poignant stories. Films such as Matthias & Maxime, Triangle of Sadness, Urchin, Scrapper, Babygirl, and Blitz showcase his preference for productions with meaningful narratives.
I’ve been lucky that the things that have done well for me are the ones made by these really great auteurs that have particular visions. And that’s definitely what I’m more interested in,
he said, highlighting his commitment to creative filmmakers.
As Harris Dickinson continues to advance his acting career, the roles he chooses reveal his desire to be seen as an artist who embraces complexity and authenticity rather than being defined by blockbuster fame. His casting as John Lennon signals a new chapter focused on nuanced performances, suggesting his name will remain prominent among ambitious actors on the rise.
