Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
It’s rare for a show or movie to get the exact horrors of teenage love right. Either these budding romances are sexier and more developed than any relationship between underage people has any right to be (looking at you CW) or Hollywood goes the other direction, making near adult relationships look like something between grade school children. That’s partially why Netflix and Channel 4‘s The End of the F***ing World is such a dark delight. It’s cynical and barbed enough that anyone who was a rebellious teenager can relate to the romance between James and Alyssa, but underneath all of that darkness and vulgarity is a sweetness.
Part of the reason why the series is so successful is because of its incredible cast. Not many people can transform a wannabe murderer and possible psychopath into a lovable romantic lead. Who is the actor behind James? And where have you seen Alex Lawther before? Consider this your guide to the endearingly creepy lead of The End of the F***ing World.
Who plays James in TEOTFW?
That would be Alex Lawther. The young actor from Petersfield, Hampshire, England has been working since he was 16 years old. The End of teh F***ing World is one of his biggest roles to date, but there’s a very good chance you’re already familiar with his work.
What else has Alex Lawther been in?
Fans of Netflix originals and shows related to Channel 4 probably recognize Lawther from the Black Mirror episode “Shut Up in Dance.” In the chilling installment, Lawther plays Kenny, a teenage boy who is blackmailed about his masturbation habits to the point of committing some truly horrendous crimes. The episode will remind you why you need to always cover up your webbcam.
Lawther starred in the 2014 Benedict Cumberbatch drama about Alan Turing, The Imitation Game. In the movie, Lawther played the younger version of Turing. He also starred in the miniseries Howards End as Tibby Schlegel.
What will Alex Lawther be in next?
Currently, he only has one upcoming project listed on his IMDB page, a film titled Les Traducteurs. The movie is currently in pre-production.
What will happen to Lawther’s character James in TEOTFW?
The ending of the Netflix series marks the biggest departure from the comic series written by Charles S. Forsman (Spoilers ahead). The original comic contains the same shooting scene the Netflix series portrays. However, there last moments of the comic depict Alyssa’s mom telling someone over the phone that she’s happy her daughter is back home. While this is happening, Alyssa (Jessica Barden) carves James’ name into her arm, the implication being that James is dead. It feels very deliberate that Netflix and Channel 4 didn’t include this original ending, so a Season 2 for The End of the F***ing World doesn’t feel outside the realm of possibilities. We have our fingers crossed.
