LONDON, UK — British actor Noah Jupe made a high-profile appearance at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards tonight, 22 February 2026, celebrating the success of the period drama Hamnet while preparing for a major transition to the West End stage.
Jupe, who turns 21 this week, walked the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall alongside his younger brother and co-star, Jacobi Jupe. The pair have drawn significant critical acclaim for their roles in Hamnet, where Noah portrays Hamlet and Jacobi plays the title character, Hamnet Shakespeare. The film, which stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, has been a focal point of the 2026 awards season, with Jupe’s performance noted for its emotional depth and “cathartic” portrayal of loss.
West End Debut in ‘Romeo & Juliet’
The BAFTAs served as a brief celebratory pause for Jupe, who is currently in the midst of rehearsals for his professional stage debut. He is set to star as Romeo in a 21st-century retelling of Romeo & Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre, directed by Robert Icke. Jupe will perform opposite Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, who plays Juliet.
In recent interviews, Jupe revealed that the production is taking a “fun” and “revitalized” approach to the Shakespearean tragedy. Despite the looming opening night in March, Jupe and Sink admitted to British Vogue that their rehearsal schedule has been unconventional, with the duo having only managed a handful of full sessions together due to their busy film schedules.
Career Evolution and Influence
Reflecting on his recent work, Jupe credited his Hamnet co-star Paul Mescal for providing valuable lessons on navigating the transition between film and theatre. “The experience on Hamnet really inspired me to take the leap into the West End,” Jupe shared during a BAFTA red carpet interview. “Watching how Paul handles the stage gave me the confidence to try it myself.”
Beyond the stage, Jupe remains a fixture in major film franchises. While his return to the A Quiet Place universe remains unconfirmed for the upcoming third installment, he recently wrapped filming on a high-profile A24 project alongside Bill Skarsgård, which is expected to release later this year.
Born on 25 February 2005, Jupe has successfully transitioned from a child star in Wonder and Honey Boy to one of the most sought-after young leading men in British cinema. As he enters his 21st year this Tuesday, his move into live theatre marks a significant milestone in a career that continues to garner international respect.