If you’ve seen a guy on screen who looks like he’s about to either burst into tears or start a revolution—and usually does both with just his eyes—you’ve probably met Théodore Pellerin.
Honestly, it's getting harder to ignore him. Whether he's playing a frantic pyramid scheme recruit or a historical figure in a powdered wig, the guy has this "lightning in a bottle" energy that makes everyone else in the frame look like they're standing still. Most people first caught a glimpse of him in the indie circuit, but lately, he’s been popping up in massive streaming hits and international cinema.
You’ve probably seen his face and thought, "Wait, where do I know him from?" Let’s break down the Théodore Pellerin movies and tv shows that actually matter, and why he’s becoming the go-to actor for directors who need someone a little bit "unhinged" but deeply human.
The Roles That Put Him on the Map
Most actors spend a decade trying to find one "breakthrough" role. Pellerin basically had three in a row.
First, there was Family First (Chien de garde). If you haven't seen this Québécois gem, you're missing out on Pellerin at his most raw. He plays Vincent, a kid caught in a spiral of family crime and explosive emotion. He actually won a Canadian Screen Award for this, and for good reason. He isn't just acting; he's vibrating.
Then came the Hollywood shift. He showed up in Boy Erased alongside Lucas Hedges. It was a smaller role, sure, but he brought a specific, fleeting tenderness to the character of Xavier that stuck with people long after the credits rolled.
✨ Don't miss: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
Why "On Becoming a God in Central Florida" Was a Game Changer
If you really want to understand the Pellerin "vibe," you have to watch him as Cody Bonar in On Becoming a God in Central Florida.
Working opposite Kirsten Dunst isn't easy. You have to be able to hold your own against a legend. Pellerin plays a mid-level hustle-culture devotee who is so desperately deep into a pyramid scheme that it's both hilarious and physically painful to watch. He’s got this frantic, sweaty optimism that feels so real it makes your skin crawl.
It’s one of those performances where you can’t tell if you want to hug him or tell him to get a therapist. That’s the Pellerin magic: he makes desperation look like a superpower.
Moving Into the Big Leagues: Franklin and Beyond
Fast forward to right now. If you've been keeping up with Apple TV+, you probably saw him in Franklin.
He plays the Marquis de Lafayette. Yeah, that Lafayette. But instead of the polished, statuesque version we often get in history books, Pellerin gives us a version that’s young, idealistic, and slightly chaotic. He’s playing opposite Michael Douglas, and the chemistry is actually pretty great. It's a massive leap from small French-Canadian indies to a big-budget period piece, but he fits right in.
🔗 Read more: Not the Nine O'Clock News: Why the Satirical Giant Still Matters
Recent Projects and What's New in 2026
We’re seeing a shift in his career lately. He’s moving away from just "troubled teen" roles into more complex, leading-man territory.
- Solo (2023/2024): This is arguably his best work. He plays a drag queen in Montreal navigating a toxic relationship. He won the Prix Iris for Best Actor for this role, and honestly, the physical transformation alone is worth the watch. It showed a vulnerability we hadn't seen before.
- Nino (2025/2026): This one has been making waves at festivals. It’s a French film where he plays the title role, and the reviews coming out of Montreal are calling it a "new height" for him.
- Lurker (2025): A psychological thriller where he stars alongside Archie Madekwe. It’s a bit of a departure into a darker, more genre-heavy space.
The "Pellerin Style": What Most People Get Wrong
People often label him as a "brooding" actor. That’s a bit of a lazy take.
If you look closely at his filmography, there’s actually a ton of variety. In Never Rarely Sometimes Always, he plays a guy who is basically a "low-key creep" on a bus. It’s subtle, uncomfortable, and perfectly executed. Compare that to his role in Genesis, where he’s a romantic, sensitive student.
He doesn't just do "intense." He does "specific." He finds the one weird tick or the specific way a character breathes and builds the whole performance around it.
A Quick Cheat Sheet of Must-Watch Titles
If you're just starting your deep dive into Théodore Pellerin movies and tv shows, here is the "essential" list:
💡 You might also like: New Movies in Theatre: What Most People Get Wrong About This Month's Picks
- For Intensity: Family First (Chien de garde)
- For Comedy/Cringe: On Becoming a God in Central Florida
- For Artistic Depth: Solo
- For Period Drama: Franklin
- For Indie Realism: Never Rarely Sometimes Always
What’s Next for Him?
The industry is clearly paying attention. He’s recently joined the cast of Nicole Garcia’s new film Milo, which is a huge deal in the European cinema circuit.
Honestly, the trajectory he's on reminds me a bit of a young Joaquin Phoenix or Timothée Chalamet. He’s got that "actor’s actor" reputation where he’s more interested in the weird, difficult roles than just being a face on a poster.
If you haven't checked out his work yet, start with Solo or On Becoming a God. You'll see pretty quickly why he's one of the most exciting exports from Quebec in the last decade.
Next Steps for You:
Check your streaming services for Solo—it's been hitting various platforms lately and is the perfect entry point for his more recent, mature work. If you prefer something more "Hollywood," queue up Franklin on Apple TV+ to see him hold his own against Michael Douglas. He's one of those actors where, five years from now, you'll want to be the person who can say, "Oh yeah, I've been following him since the indie days."