After a decade of playing Jonathan Byers in ‘Stranger Things’, Charlie Heaton is exploring new territory with a string of projects that take him beyond the Netflix hit, writes The Hollywood Reporter.
The 32-year-old British actor recently took a week off after a busy stretch that included HBO’s ‘Industry’, the fourth season of which featured him in a multi-episode arc, and Netflix’s new sci-fi series ‘Below’. He says he is pleased with how his career is progressing.
In ‘Below’, Heaton stars alongside Josh Hartnett and Mackenzie Davis in a story set in a Newfoundland fishing village facing a mysterious cephalopod-related crisis. He plays Wade, one of Hartnett’s character’s children, whose personality is shaped by the town’s close-knit community and local folklore.
Heaton was drawn to the script’s distinct tone, describing it as having a “Spielbergian warmth”. His own upbringing in the British seaside town of Bridlington also helped him connect with the setting.
During filming, he grew close to Newfoundland residents and experienced their hospitality first-hand, including an invitation to share dinner with a local driver’s family.
Learning the Newfoundland accent proved challenging. He began practising in London through YouTube videos, podcasts and radio programmes, with only three weeks to prepare. He also noted that the accent varies considerably across the region.
Since ‘Stranger Things’ ended, Heaton has tried to choose roles that challenge him rather than repeat familiar work. He said the series gave him a safe environment in which to develop his acting skills, but he also wanted to explore UK-based projects again.
His next major role will come in Netflix’s upcoming ‘Peaky Blinders’ sequel series, in which he will lead alongside Jamie Bell. A fan of the original show, Heaton said he felt especially focused on the project because of his respect for the people who made the earlier series.
For now, the actor is looking forward to a pause from work and seeing audiences respond to his recent performances.
