You know that thing where an actor gets so tied to a specific franchise that you sort of forget they have an Oscar? It happens. For a lot of people, mention eddie redmayne movies and tv shows and the first thing that pops up is a blue coat, a magical suitcase, and some very awkward eye contact. But honestly, if you only know him as Newt Scamander, you’re missing out on some of the most unsettling, transformative, and flat-out weirdest performances in modern cinema.
Redmayne doesn't really do "normal." He’s the guy who spends months learning to contort his body to play Stephen Hawking, or weeks in prosthetic makeup to play an elusive assassin. Most recently, he’s been scaring the absolute life out of people in The Day of the Jackal, which basically just got renewed for a second season because everyone is obsessed with how cold he can be.
Let's break down the stuff that actually matters in his filmography, from the big blockbusters to the "I can't believe he did that" indies.
The Big Ones: The Movies Everyone Knows
It’s impossible to talk about his career without hitting the heavy hitters. You've got The Theory of Everything. That’s the big one. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2015 for playing Stephen Hawking, and for good reason. It wasn't just an impression; it was a physical feat. He supposedly sat so still for so long during filming that he actually damaged his spine. That's commitment, or maybe just a little bit of madness.
Then there’s the Fantastic Beasts trilogy. Look, the franchise had its ups and downs (mostly downs toward the end, let’s be real), but Redmayne’s Newt Scamander was a vibe. He played him with this specific, neurodivergent-coded energy that felt really fresh for a blockbuster lead. He wasn't a traditional hero. He was a guy who liked animals more than people. Relatable.
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A Quick Recap of the Major Film Hits:
- The Theory of Everything (2014): The Oscar winner. Heartbreaking.
- Fantastic Beasts Series (2016–2022): The Wizarding World stuff.
- Les Misérables (2012): He played Marius. He sang "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" and made everyone cry into their popcorn.
- The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020): He played Tom Hayden. It’s a Sorkin movie, so lots of fast talking and pointing.
The Shift to TV: The Day of the Jackal and Beyond
People used to think movie stars moving to TV was a step down. Not anymore. Honestly, The Day of the Jackal (2024) might be the best thing he’s done in a decade. He plays an assassin—The Jackal—who is a master of disguise.
It’s a peacocking role. He gets to use all these different accents and prosthetics. One minute he’s a German janitor, the next he’s a posh businessman. It’s currently blowing up on Peacock and Sky, and as of early 2026, we know Season 2 is in the works. Redmayne himself said in an interview with TheWrap that the ambition for the second season is "inflated." Basically, expect more disguises and more high-stakes sniping.
But this isn't his first time on the small screen. If you go back far enough, you’ll find him in The Pillars of the Earth (2010). It was a miniseries about building a cathedral in the 12th century. He had very long hair. It was very dramatic. He also did Birdsong (2012), a WWI drama that is actually quite beautiful if you’re into period pieces.
Why "Panic Carefully" is the Next Big Thing
If you're looking for what's next, keep an eye out for Panic Carefully. It’s a thriller from Sam Esmail—the guy who did Mr. Robot and Leave the World Behind. Redmayne is starring alongside Julia Roberts and Elizabeth Olsen.
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Think about that lineup for a second.
It’s a conspiracy thriller, which seems to be the lane he’s staying in lately. After playing a serial killer in The Good Nurse (where he was terrifyingly quiet) and an assassin in Jackal, he’s clearly done with the "nice guy in a sweater" roles for a while.
The Stage: Where He Actually Lives
We can't talk about eddie redmayne movies and tv shows without mentioning the stage. He’s a theater kid at heart. His performance as the Emcee in Cabaret is legendary at this point. He did it in London, won an Olivier, then took it to Broadway in 2024 and got a Tony nod.
His version of the Emcee wasn't the usual flamboyant party host. He was more like a sleep-paralysis demon. It was weird, physical, and deeply uncomfortable to watch in the best way possible. If you ever get the chance to see him live, do it. He’s a different beast on stage.
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Fact-Checking the Career: What to Watch First?
If you want to understand his range, don't just watch Fantastic Beasts. Start with The Good Nurse on Netflix. He plays Charles Cullen, a real-life serial killer nurse. There is a scene at the end—a confession scene—where he just snaps. It’s some of the best acting I’ve seen in years.
Then, go back to Savage Grace (2007) if you want to see his early, "indie darling" days. It’s a very dark, very true story about the Baekeland family. Be warned: it is not a "feel-good" movie.
How to Navigate His Filmography:
- For the Feels: The Theory of Everything or Les Misérables.
- For the Thrills: The Day of the Jackal (TV) or The Good Nurse.
- For the Weirdness: Cabaret (if you can find clips) or Jupiter Ascending (yes, he’s the villain, and yes, he whispers/screams the whole time. It’s a cult classic for a reason).
- For the Magic: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Future Outlook for 2026
So, what should you actually do now?
First, catch up on The Day of the Jackal Season 1 if you haven't. It’s the current peak of his "modern" era. Second, set a Google Alert for Panic Carefully. With Sam Esmail directing, it’s likely going to be the movie everyone is talking about by the end of the year.
Redmayne has moved past the period of being "that guy from the British biopics." He’s entered his "prestige thriller" era, and honestly, it suits him. He’s better when he’s a little bit scary.
Check out his performance in The Trial of the Chicago 7 next if you want to see him play a more grounded, political leader—it shows a side of his acting that doesn't rely on prosthetics or physical tics, just pure dialogue and presence.