So I’m sitting there last Sunday, absolutely knackered, scrolling through Netflix with a cup of tea going cold. My sister calls and goes, “Have you watched that Queen Charlotte thing yet?” I hadn’t, obviously, been putting it off because I thought it was just more Bridgerton fluff. Two episodes in, and there’s this actor playing Prince William who just… gets it, you know? Turns out that was Seamus Dillane, and now I’m properly invested in where his career goes next.
Never heard of him before 2023, but that’s changing fast. Sometimes you just spot someone who’s got that thing; I can’t explain it, but you know they’re going somewhere.
Queen Charlotte Made Him Famous (Sort Of)
Right, so Seamus Dillane played Prince William in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story back in 2023. Not the main character, but one of Queen Charlotte’s sons in the later timeline stuff; around 1814-1815 when everything’s getting complicated with the royal family.
Here’s the thing, though: being in a Netflix period drama is like winning the lottery these days. Everyone watches them, everyone talks about them, and suddenly, casting directors know who you are. Look what happened to Regé-Jean Page after season one of Bridgerton. Boom; Hollywood calling.
Dillane’s performance wasn’t flashy or anything, but he felt real. Like he actually belonged in those ridiculous royal outfits instead of looking like he was playing dress-up. That’s harder than it sounds, trust me.
Before He Was Royal: Doctors Era
Before all this period drama business, Seamus was doing his time on Doctors. You know, that BBC medical show that’s been running since about 2000? Not exactly glamorous, but every British actor worth their salt has done an episode or two.
My mum loves Doctors. Watches it religiously every afternoon. When I told her about this Seamus bloke, she goes, “Oh yes, I remember him!” Nice-looking boy.” High praise from someone who’s seen literally thousands of episodes.
Doctors films up in Birmingham, churning out episodes like nobody’s business. Perfect training ground, really. You learn to remember your lines, hit your marks, and not trip over the medical equipment. Basic stuff, but crucial.
The Outrun: Getting Serious
This year, Seamus showed up in The Outrun playing James the Barman. Now that’s a proper film, having Saoirse Ronan dealing with addiction recovery, set in the Orkney Islands. Heavy stuff.
Based on Amy Liptrot’s book about getting sober and finding herself on these remote Scottish islands. Not exactly popcorn entertainment, but the kind of film that gets you noticed by the right people.
Playing a barman in a film about someone with drinking problems? That’s not just background scenery; every scene probably matters when the main character’s whole relationship with alcohol is the story.
Short Film Stuff: Office Song
Dillane also did an experimental short film called Office Song. Don’t ask me what it’s about because I haven’t seen it, but ‘experimental’ usually means weird and artsy. Good for showing range, though.
Short films are where actors go to try mad things they can’t do in mainstream telly. Sometimes they’re brilliant; sometimes they’re complete nonsense. Either way, it shows he’s not just chasing the biggest paycheque.
Why He Works
Watching Seamus Dillane movies and TV shows, what strikes me is how normal he seems. Not normal-boring, but normal-believable. Some actors, you can see them acting. With Seamus, you just see the character.
Period dramas are mentally difficult. All that fancy language, the way you have to move differently, making dialogue from 200 years ago sound like real conversation. Most modern actors look ridiculous in corsets and tailcoats. He doesn’t.
Smart Career Moves
Here’s what I like about his choices so far. Started with steady work on Doctors, got his Netflix moment with Queen Charlotte, then jumped into serious cinema with The Outrun. That’s textbook career building.
He’s not trying to be the next Spider-Man or whatever. Building credibility, working with good people, and showing he can do different things. Much smarter than chasing blockbusters before you’re ready.
The Period Drama Gold Mine
British actors who can pull off period stuff are like gold dust right now. Everyone’s making historical dramas; Netflix, BBC, Amazon, the lot. If you can wear a cravat without looking like a pillock, you’re halfway to a career.
Look at Aidan Turner. Did Poldark, now he’s in everything. Tom Hughes went from Victoria to proper films. It’s a proven path if you’ve got the face and the acting chops for it.
What’s Coming Next
Film industry moves more slowly than a Sunday roast, so we won’t see the full impact of The Outrun for ages. But if it does well at festivals or gets decent reviews, that could change everything for him.
Wouldn’t surprise me if he shows up in more Shondaland stuff either. They like reusing actors who fit their vibe, and he definitely fits their vibe.
My Honest Take
Seamus Dillane’s got something special, but he’s not trying to shove it in your face. That’s refreshing, actually. So many young actors these days are desperate to be famous instead of just being good at acting.
Will he become massive? Maybe, maybe not. But he’s building the kind of career that lasts. Quality over quantity, working with decent people, getting better with each project.
Seamus Dillane movies and tv shows we’ve seen so far are just the beginning, I reckon. He’s one of those actors you’ll probably be seeing for years; not always as the lead, but always doing solid work.
My sister texted me yesterday: “Still think about that Prince William performance.” That’s when you know an actor’s done something right; people remember them months later without trying.
