You’ve probably seen Jessica Henwick, even if you didn't realize it at the time. She has this weird, chameleon-like ability to show up in the biggest franchises on the planet—Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Marvel—and then disappear into an indie drama or a smartphone-shot short film. It’s a career path that doesn't really make sense on paper, but looking at the full list of Jessica Henwick movies and tv shows, you start to see the pattern. She isn't just taking jobs; she’s building a toolkit.
Honestly, most people first clocked her as Nymeria Sand in Game of Thrones. You know, the one with the whip? But for a lot of us, the real "oh, she’s actually incredible" moment came later. Maybe it was her playing Bugs in The Matrix Resurrections, where she basically out-cooled everyone on screen, or her frantic, stressed-out energy as Peg in Glass Onion.
Whatever it was, she's no longer just "that girl from that show." She’s a powerhouse.
The Breakthrough: From Spirit Warriors to the Sand Snakes
Jessica's start was actually historic, though it's rarely talked about. Back in 2010, she starred in Spirit Warriors. She was the first actress of East Asian descent to lead a British TV series. That’s a massive weight to carry at 16.
But let’s talk about the big ones.
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The mid-2010s were a whirlwind for her. She landed Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (where she played X-wing pilot Jess Pava) almost back-to-back. It’s funny because Jess Pava has such a cult following that there are literally comics about her, even though she only had a few minutes of screentime.
Then came the Netflix-Marvel era.
Why Colleen Wing Saved Iron Fist
If we’re being real, Iron Fist had a rocky reception. But the one thing everyone—and I mean everyone—agreed on was that Colleen Wing was the best part of the show. Henwick brought a grounded, gritty martial arts style to the role that felt way more "street-level hero" than the magical elements of the show. She reprised the role in The Defenders and Luke Cage, and honestly, fans are still begging for a "Daughters of the Dragon" spin-off with her and Simone Missick.
Diving Deep into the Filmography
When you look at the sheer variety of Jessica Henwick movies and tv shows, the range is kind of exhausting. She goes from high-concept sci-fi to "mumblecore" and back again.
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- Underwater (2020): She played Emily, a research assistant trapped at the bottom of the ocean. It’s a claustrophobic creature feature where she stars alongside Kristen Stewart. If you haven't seen it, it's way better than the critics said.
- Love and Monsters (2020): A total pivot. She plays Aimee in this post-apocalyptic adventure. It’s sweet, funny, and shows she can do the romantic lead thing without it being cheesy.
- The Matrix Resurrections (2021): This was the turning point. As Bugs, the captain with the blue hair, she was the heartbeat of the movie. She actually turned down a role in Shang-Chi just to audition for this because she wanted to work with Lana Wachowski. That's a bold move.
- Glass Onion (2022): She plays Peg, the assistant to Kate Hudson’s chaotic character. It’s a purely comedic role, and her "stressed assistant" face is basically a mood for anyone who’s ever had a bad boss.
More Than Just an Actress: The Creator Era
Here is where it gets interesting. Jessica isn't just waiting for the phone to ring. She’s writing and directing.
During the filming of Glass Onion, she used her downtime to write and direct a short film called Bus Girl. She shot the whole thing on a Xiaomi smartphone. It wasn't just a hobby project; it got nominated for a BAFTA.
She followed that up with Sandwich Man, and she’s been co-writing a young adult series as well. She’s part of a new wave of actors who are basically becoming their own production companies. It’s smart. It gives her leverage that a lot of her peers don't have.
What’s Next in 2026 and Beyond?
The momentum isn't slowing down. If you're looking for new Jessica Henwick movies and tv shows, 2026 is looking like a massive year for her.
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She’s starring in How to Make a Killing, which is a thriller that’s been getting a ton of buzz in the trades. There's also Everybody Wants to Fck Me*, a London-set dating thriller where she stars alongside Taron Egerton. That one is produced by LuckyChap (Margot Robbie’s company), so you know the script is going to be sharp.
She’s also moved into the world of prestige TV voice acting with Blood of Zeus on Netflix, playing Alexia. It’s a reminder that even when she isn't on screen, her voice is everywhere.
A Quick Cheat Sheet of Roles
- Action Junkie: The Matrix Resurrections, Iron Fist, The Gray Man.
- Sci-Fi/Horror Fan: Underwater, Cuckoo, Star Wars.
- Drama/Comedy: The Royal Hotel, On the Rocks, Glass Onion.
How to Keep Up With Her Career
If you're trying to dive into her work, don't just stick to the blockbusters.
- Watch "The Royal Hotel" (2023): It’s a tense, uncomfortable thriller about two backpackers in outback Australia. It shows a much more vulnerable side of her acting compared to her Marvel days.
- Check out "Bus Girl": It’s short, punchy, and proves she has a "eye" for directing.
- Track her writing: Keep an eye out for her name in the credits of upcoming UK indie projects. She’s quietly becoming a power player behind the scenes.
Basically, Jessica Henwick is the actor other actors are watching. She’s navigated the "franchise trap" better than almost anyone, using big-budget paychecks to fund her own creative voice. Whether she's swinging a sword or holding a camera, she’s usually the most interesting person in the room.
If you want to stay updated, follow the production cycles of StudioCanal and A24, as she's increasingly moving into that "prestige indie" space. Watch her earlier work like Silk or Spirit Warriors to see how much she’s evolved since her teens. The growth is pretty staggering.