From the Small Screen to the Big Screen: How TV Shows spark big breaks
We explore how TV shows can catapult actors to movie stardom, spotlighting Black Mirror, which launched Letitia Wright and Daniel Kaluuya, and The Boys, which propelled Jack Quaid to major film roles like Oppenheimer and Novocaine. This post celebrates TV as a powerful springboard to big-screen success.
Many rising actors have gotten their big break by starring in TV shows. These shows often capture attention and become springboards to major roles on the big screen.
Black Mirror is a standout example, with stars like Letitia Wright and Daniel Kaluuya gaining recognition from their powerful performances in Black Museum and Fifteen Million Merits. Those episodes helped launch them into major films like Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Judas and the Black Messiah.
More recently, we’ve seen Jack Quaid make the leap from The Boys to big-screen hits like Oppenheimer, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Scream, and most recently… Novocaine.
What other hit TV shows do you think helped launch major film careers? Let us know in the comments!
P.S. Black Mirror hasn’t been the same since its early days so we’d only recommend seasons 1-4. In another post, we’ll dive into how changes in studios and creative teams can affect the quality of both TV shows and films. But for now, let’s just appreciate the power of TV shows leading to big breaks.
🤼♂️ The Boys (Prime Video)
A dark, gritty, and wildly irreverent take on the superhero genre, The Boys follows a group of vigilantes who set out to take down corrupt superheroes - particularly those backed by a powerful corporation. It's a mix of action, satire, and moral gray areas, with lots of social commentary and over-the-top moments.
🥊 Novocaine (Cinema)
When the girl of his dreams (Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped, everyman Nate (Jack Quaid) turns his inability to feel pain into an unexpected strength in his fight to get her back.
📺 Black Mirror (Netflix)
"Black Museum" (Season 4, Episode 6)
Set in a creepy roadside attraction filled with high-tech artifacts, this episode weaves together multiple mini-stories, each exploring dark themes around consciousness, punishment, and the ethics of future tech. It builds into a haunting and emotionally charged finale.
"Fifteen Million Merits" (Season 1, Episode 2)
In a dystopian future where people earn currency through physical labor and live in a world dominated by screens, one man gets the chance to change his fate - but at a price. It’s a thought-provoking tale about media, authenticity, and exploitation.
🦸🏿♂️ Black Panther (Dinsey +)
After the death of his father, T’Challa returns to the hidden African nation of Wakanda to take his place as king. But when a challenger emerges with a claim to the throne, T’Challa must protect his people and redefine what leadership means. It’s a powerful story of heritage, identity, and responsibility, wrapped in visually rich superhero action.
-
For personalised film recommendations, download Film Finder in the App Store.
