7 roles played by Joseph Quinn that will make you a fan of the actor

After delivering a wave of strong performances in film and television, Joseph Quinn has cemented his place as a rising powerhouse in Hollywood. With a string of notable roles under his belt, he is now one of the industry’s most buzzed-about actors. And shortly, you will see him with more headline-making roles.

Though he had been a part of several excellent TV shows and movies, Joseph Quinn was still a hidden gem in Hollywood. Until Stranger Things season 4, he made himself a household name as Eddie Munson. His post-Stranger Things journey marked a turning point, as he locked in significant parts in several high-stakes, star-studded productions.

Hailing from London, England, Joseph Quinn kicked off his acting career in 2011, rapidly growing his list of credits with memorable and varied roles. He carved out a name for himself through various compelling, character-driven performances. Thanks to a breakout series of performances across the big and small screen, Joseph Quinn is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after talents in the business. Here we will talk about the 7 roles played by Joseph Quinn that will make you a fan of the actor.

Leonard Bast in Howards End

Joseph Quinn portrays Leonard Bast, a working-class clerk who draws the attention of the idealistic Schlegel siblings. In Howards End, Quinn’s portrayal is quite compelling, one that’s definitely going to turn any viewer into an admirer. Opposite Hayley Atwell, Quinn showcases his controlled yet effective work. There’s dramatic skill in him, which proves that minimalism can be profoundly moving. As Leonard, his performance is both subtle and expressive, and Joseph Quinn holds his own, illustrating his gift for quiet, impactful storytelling.

Through the contrasting lives of three families, it reflects on the deep class divides, each guided by their own principles and beliefs, touching on privilege, progressive thought, and the everyday struggles of the lower class. With its striking visuals and captivating cast, it delivers standout performances across the board. The class distinctions Bast faces in his encounters with the Schlegels are portrayed with striking sensitivity and precision by Joseph Quinn, creating a deeply textured character with considerable inner depth. With his compelling performance, he emerges as one of the major highlights of the series, offering a show-stopping portrayal opposite Atwell.

Enjolras in Les Misérables

The show benefits from the expansive scope of television, allowing character arcs to unfold gradually and revealing how masterfully they were written from the start. As Enjolras in Les Misérables, Quinn leads the Friends of the ABC, a determined group of young French intellectuals fighting for republican ideals, with stirring conviction. While portraying an impassioned rebel leader, Quinn seizes attention with unwavering determination, delivering tension and emotion to the front lines.

His portrayal of Enjolras is deeply driven, faithful, and powerfully bold, as he radiates determination without sacrificing empathy. You won’t find a song in this adaptation for an unfiltered, realistic narrative that delivers an authentic drama. In that rough, period-accurate setting. Quinn has given an acknowledging performance. Taking on the role of Enjolras, he fronts a desperate revolt against a repressive regime, with Joseph Quinn’s fiery declarations and unyielding resolve igniting their mission. Honestly, he gives Enjolras the representation he literally deserves, nailing the qualities that make him iconic.

Eric in A Quiet place: Day One

Against the backdrop of a fearsome alien landing, the movie chronicles the bedlam of the first day, as the sound-seeking beings bring silence and terror to New York City. While the city is falling apart, Joseph Quinn steps into the shoes of Eric, a mild-mannered British law student isolated and deeply outmatched by the unfolding crisis around him.

Joseph Quinn’s portrayal opposite Lupita Nyong’o in this movie would surely impress you; his take on Eric captures attention and hearts alike. In the thick disaster with Nyong’o’s powerful but emotionally bruised depiction of Sam, Eric delivers a quiet warmth in the heart of the storm. He’s just a normal law student who is nervous and lacks the makings of a traditional hero, which is precisely what makes him so authentic. Yeah, he freaks out, freezes, and shows fear, but you will never see him leaving Sam’s side; he’s there providing steady comfort at the crucial moments.

There’s an authentic fusion of dread, emotional openness, and slowly rising grit in Joseph Quinn’s Eric. You know he’s neither a soldier nor a commander, simply a regular person who is trying his best to make it and support someone else. Joseph Quinn’s revealing expression and unsteady delivery deepen the unease.

Michael in Hoard

Quinn as Michael is outstanding, and his palpable on-screen dynamic with Suara Lightfoot Leon is compelling. Quinn embodies Michael, a tormented foster kid from Maria’s past, who unexpectedly returns to Maria’s life.

In their past, they have shared an intense and layered childhood attachment. Maria is the center point of the story, a young woman in her early adulthood, clinging to possessions to untangle her troubled memories. And Michael’s reappearance acts like a fuse to old wounds; because of that, her long-buried emotions erupt and unravel.

Quinn brings a subtle charm and simmering instability to the role of Michael. There’s an enchanting and unsettling presence in him that draws you in while warning you away. If you watch the movie, you will see a damaged boy aura in him, veiling inner turmoil with a teasing expression, and his bond with Maria is simultaneously affectionate and unnerving. Joseph Quinn crafts a layered interpretation of Michael, a role that might have come across as merely damaged. Rather, he comes across as exposed, tormented, oddly caring, and unpredictably charged to the point of suspense. His performance in Hoard is so gripping that it’s definitely going to turn you into a Joseph Quinn admirer.

Koner in Game of Thrones

Quinn’s ability to command a scene, even with just a few lines, is exactly what made his brief appearance in Game of Thrones so memorable, and it clearly impressed director Matt Shakman, who would later cast him in The Fantastic Four. In the Season 7 episode “The Spoils of War,” Quinn plays Koner, a young soldier of House Stark, tasked with guarding the gates of Winterfell. His character may not have a grand arc, but he turns a short scene into a standout moment.

When Arya Stark returns home after years away, Koner is the unlucky guard who refuses her entry, not recognizing the hardened assassin she’s become. What follows is a sharp, funny exchange where Quinn perfectly balances stiff protocol with confused panic as Arya effortlessly throws him off guard. Koner might be out of his depth, but Quinn sells every beat of the moment, his tone, timing, and exasperated delivery inject the scene with humor and tension. In a world crowded with dragons and power plays, it takes something special to make a no-nonsense gatekeeper stick in viewers' minds. Joseph manages just that. His role in Game of Thrones may be fleeting, but it’s packed with personality, and another reason why he’s become an actor to watch.

When Arya Stark returns home after years away, Koner is the unlucky guard who refuses her entry, not recognizing the hardened assassin she’s become. What follows is a sharp, funny exchange where Quinn perfectly balances stiff protocol with confused panic as Arya effortlessly throws him off guard. Koner might be out of his depth, but Quinn sells every beat of the moment; his tone, timing, and exasperated delivery inject the scene with humor and tension. In a world crowded with dragons and power plays, it takes something special to make a no-nonsense gatekeeper stick in viewers' minds. Joseph manages just that. His role in Game of Thrones may be fleeting, but it’s packed with personality and another reason why he’s become an actor to watch.

Emperor Geta in Gladiator 2

Quinn steps into full imperial menace as Emperor Geta in Gladiator 2, as the tyrannical co-emperor of Rome. Quinn leans into the role with a perfect blend of cruelty and charm, ruling alongside his brother with a taste for excess and iron-fisted control. His Geta is decadent, power-hungry, and just unhinged enough to keep everyone, including the audience, on edge.

Sharing the screen with Paul Mescal, who plays the battle-hardened Lucius, Quinn delivers a chilling performance that turns every smirk and glare into a loaded threat. Whether he’s ordering executions or basking in opulent Roman feasts, there’s a simmering instability beneath the gold-plated exterior that makes Geta a villain you can’t look away from. It’s no surprise that Joseph Quinn nails this role; his knack for breathing depth into complicated, often dark characters fits perfectly in Ridley Scott’s world of blood, sand, and empire. He’s magnetic, terrifying, and oddly captivating, proving he can dominate the screen even in the grandest epics.

Eddie Munson in Stranger Things

Joseph Quinn’s breakout as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things Season 4 is nothing short of legendary and easily the role that’ll turn you into a full-blown fan. As the charismatic leader of the Hellfire Club, Eddie arrives with wild hair, rock 'n’ roll energy, and enough attitude to steal every scene he's in. But beneath the rebel vibe is a character full of surprising heart.

From running Dungeons & Dragons campaigns to rocking out to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” in the Upside Down, yes, that instantly iconic guitar solo. His fight scene with the Demobats is pure chaos and courage, and when he sacrifices himself so his friends can escape, it's a gut-punch of heroism that proves just how big his heart is. Quinn plays Eddie with the perfect mix of wit, vulnerability, and electric charisma. He brings humor to tense moments, raw emotion to tragic ones, and somehow makes a metalhead outcast the most lovable guy in Hawkins.