Jay Lycurgo: How a Reform School Drama and a Cannes Premiere Turned a Rising Star into a British Acting Force
Jay Lycurgo’s career has moved at breakneck speed in the past two years. From a BAFTA snub for his breakout role in Steve to a Cannes Film Festival premiere for I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, the 28-year-old British actor is proving he’s more than just a one-hit wonder. His journey—marked by raw, emotionally charged performances and a strategic alliance with Cillian Murphy—offers a masterclass in seizing opportunities when they arise.
The Role That Changed Everything: Steve and the BAFTA Snub That Didn’t Matter
Lycurgo’s career pivot began with Steve, the Netflix drama based on Max Porter’s novel, which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. In the film, he played Shy, a troubled young man at a last-chance reform school, delivering a performance that earned him the British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. The acclaim was immediate—but so was the disappointment when he was overlooked for BAFTA’s Rising Star category.
“I think every actor would love to find a character where they can fully immerse themselves. Because once you have that, you’re gonna strike gold.”
Yet Lycurgo’s reaction to the snub was telling. “Not that I needed it,” he said in a recent interview. “Eight months on, I’m here.” That “here” now includes a Cannes Film Festival premiere, a high-profile partnership with Louis Vuitton, and a growing reputation as an actor who can disappear into complex, working-class characters.
From Reform School to Birmingham’s Working-Class Struggles: I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning
Lycurgo’s latest project, Clio Barnard’s I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, is a stark departure from the supernatural elements of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (where he played a minor role). Based on Keiran Goddard’s novel, the film follows a group of friends from a Birmingham council estate navigating adulthood’s challenges—including addiction, unemployment, and fractured relationships. Lycurgo plays Ollie, the group’s “comic relief” whose humor masks deep struggles.
The film’s selection for the Directors’ Fortnight at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival marks Lycurgo’s first major festival appearance. “I love these characters, I love those stories—it’s just so real,” he said. “Shy and Ollie, they both breathe in this world and it doesn’t feel artificial.”
“Shy and Ollie, they both breathe in this world and it doesn’t feel artificial.”
The Cillian Murphy Effect: How a Mentorship Accelerated His Career
Lycurgo’s rapid ascent isn’t just about talent—it’s about timing and connections. His career trajectory has been inextricably linked to Cillian Murphy, who produced Steve and later cast Lycurgo in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. “Having him in my corner is a powerful thing—especially with those eyes!” Lycurgo jokes.
Murphy’s influence extends beyond casting. The actor now considers him a mentor, exchanging messages regularly. “I’m really happy,” Lycurgo said. “That’s the truth. I feel in a really good spot and very confident with the work that I’m putting out now.”
This professional relationship mirrors the dynamic between Murphy and other rising stars, proving that in Hollywood, alliances can be as crucial as auditions.
Behind the Scenes: From Croydon to Cannes—How Lycurgo Built His Craft
Born in Croydon, London, Lycurgo grew up with ambition—thanks in part to his father, former footballer David Johnson, who later worked in education. “I always had ambition in my family,” Lycurgo said. “My dad would say, ‘You can go and do what you want to do.’”
Yet his path to acting wasn’t straightforward. He was rejected from the BRIT School at 15 but later enrolled in ArtsEd drama school, where discipline became his foundation. “Drama school really taught me discipline,” he said. “From then, I just started working.”
His early roles included a £800-per-episode stint on Doctors (a BBC daytime drama) and cameos in I May Destroy You and The Batman. By 23, he felt he was “going in the right direction”—but his heart was always set on roles like Steve and I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning.
Cannes, Louis Vuitton, and the Future of a Picky Actor
Lycurgo’s Cannes premiere is more than a career milestone—it’s a symbol of his growing influence. The actor was flown to the festival as a special guest of Louis Vuitton, a partnership that began after the brand noticed him in Steve. “They were like, ‘Who’s this depressed kid? Let’s get him a bag!’” he joked.
But Lycurgo isn’t resting on his laurels. After a decade of “just being an actor,” he’s now in a phase of selective, high-impact work. “The last 10 months have been the happiest I’ve been,” he said. “We’ve been picky—and it’s paid off.”
Up next? A genre project (details under wraps) and, presumably, more collaborations with Murphy. “I’ll willingly join him in whatever he’s making next,” Lycurgo said.
FAQ: What’s Next for Jay Lycurgo?
- Q: Why wasn’t Jay Lycurgo nominated for a BAFTA Rising Star?
- A: The BAFTA Rising Star category is highly competitive and often favors actors with broader recognition. While Lycurgo’s performance in Steve was critically acclaimed, the award committee may have prioritized names with more mainstream visibility at the time.
- Q: How did Cillian Murphy help Lycurgo’s career?
- A: Murphy’s involvement spans production (Steve), casting (Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man), and mentorship. His endorsement carries weight in the industry, opening doors for Lycurgo in both film and television.
- Q: What’s Lycurgo’s acting style?
- A: Lycurgo excels in grounded, emotionally raw roles—particularly those exploring working-class struggles. His ability to balance humor and vulnerability (as seen in Ollie’s character in I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning) sets him apart.
- Q: Will I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning be released on Netflix?
- A: As of now, the film’s distribution details are unclear. Cannes selections often lead to bidding wars, and Netflix has not officially announced a pickup. Updates will likely come after the festival.
Key Takeaways: Jay Lycurgo’s Career in 5 Points
- Breakout Role: Steve (2024) earned him a BIFA win and industry attention, despite a BAFTA snub.
- Cannes Debut: I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning marks his first festival premiere in Directors’ Fortnight 2026.
- Strategic Partnerships: Cillian Murphy’s influence has accelerated his casting and credibility.
- Selective Future: After years of steady work, Lycurgo is now prioritizing high-impact, character-driven roles.
- Industry Recognition: His Louis Vuitton collaboration signals a shift from emerging talent to established actor.
The Road Ahead: Why Lycurgo’s Career Is Just Beginning
Jay Lycurgo’s story is one of persistence, serendipity, and seizing opportunities. From a reform school drama to a Cannes-bound film, his career reflects a deliberate shift from “just an actor” to a storyteller with a distinct voice. With Murphy in his corner, a Cannes premiere under his belt, and a growing reputation for authenticity, the question isn’t if he’ll become a major British star—but how far he’ll go.
One thing is certain: this isn’t the end of the story. It’s just the beginning.