Julian Dennison has built a distinctive career in film over the past decade, transitioning from New Zealand productions to Hollywood blockbusters. Born October 26, 2002, Dennison first gained international attention through his work with director Taika Waititi before securing prominent roles in major franchises. His filmography spans independent dramas, superhero films, and family-friendly projects, with several entries earning strong critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes.
This comprehensive overview covers his complete movie list, ranking by critical reception, career milestones, and confirmed upcoming projects. Sources consulted include IMDb, Wikipedia, and Rotten Tomatoes data.
What Movies Has Julian Dennison Been In?
Dennison’s film credits extend from his 2013 debut through projects currently in production. His body of work includes appearances in both New Zealand independent films and international productions, with roles ranging from supporting parts in early career films to lead performances in more recent projects.
Breakout Film
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Major Blockbuster
Deadpool 2 (2018) – Russell Collins / Firefist
Recent Release
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Total Credits
13 films (including upcoming)
Key Insights on Julian Dennison’s Career
- Collaborated with Taika Waititi on multiple occasions, beginning with a New Zealand Transport PSA before Wilderpeople
- Hollywood breakthrough came through Waititi’s industry connections, leading to casting in Deadpool 2
- Was approximately 13 years old when filming Hunt for the Wilderpeople, making his breakout role an early achievement
- Has taken on voice acting roles alongside live-action work, including Star Wars: The Bad Batch
- Currently filming sequels in the How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake series
- Received the English Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for his debut role
| Year | Movie | Role | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Hunt for the Wilderpeople | Ricky Baker | 8.1 |
| 2023 | Uproar | Josh Waaka | 7.5 |
| 2018 | Deadpool 2 | Russell Collins / Firefist | 7.3 |
| 2021 | Godzilla vs. Kong | Josh Valentine | 6.3 |
| 2020 | The Christmas Chronicles 2 | Belsnickel | 6.1 |
| 2013 | Shopping | Solomon | 6.1 |
| 2015 | Paper Planes | Kevin | 6.5 |
What Is Julian Dennison’s Breakout Role?
The role that brought Dennison international recognition came in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, directed by Taika Waititi. He portrayed Ricky Baker, a troubled youth sent to live in rural New Zealand who goes on the run with his reluctant foster uncle, played by Sam Neill. The film became the highest-grossing New Zealand production and received a 97% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
First Movie: Shopping (2013)
Dennison’s acting debut came at age 10 in Shopping, a New Zealand crime drama. His performance as Solomon earned him the English Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor, establishing him as a promising young talent in the local film industry.
Path to Hollywood
His transition to international productions occurred through his connection with Waititi. According to sources, Dennison was cast in Hunt for the Wilderpeople after appearing in a New Zealand Transport Agency public service announcement directed by Waititi—no formal audition was required. This relationship later facilitated his introduction to the Hollywood productions.
Dennison appeared in Paper Planes (2015) before his breakout role, and Chronesthesia (2016) released the same year as Wilderpeople. His rapid progression from debut to internationally recognized work occurred within a three-year span.
What Are Julian Dennison’s Upcoming Movies?
Dennison has several projects in various stages of production. The most prominent upcoming release is the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, where he voices Fishlegs Ingerman. A sequel is already listed as filming for 2027 release.
How to Train Your Dragon Remake
The live-action adaptation of the animated DreamWorks franchise represents one of Dennison’s most high-profile projects. He voices Fishlegs Ingerman, a main character from the original 2010 film. The 2025 release received a 77% critics score and 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Other Confirmed Projects
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2027) – Fishlegs Ingerman, currently filming
- Just Picture It (TBA) – Project currently in production, details to be confirmed
Multiple sources confirm Julian Dennison has no credited role in Deadpool 3 (2024). While he appeared as Firefist in Deadpool 2 (2018), his involvement in the third installment has not been confirmed by official sources.
Julian Dennison Movies Ranked by Critical Reception
The following ranking reflects the Tomatometer critics score from Rotten Tomatoes, with audience scores noted in parentheses where available. This data provides insight into how both critics and viewers have received Dennison’s performances.
| Rank | Film | Tomatometer | Popcornmeter | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uproar (2023) | 100% | 84% | Josh Waaka |
| 2 | Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) | 97% | 91% | Ricky Baker |
| 3 | Paper Planes (2015) | 85% | 63% | Kevin |
| 4 | Deadpool 2 (2018) | 83% | 85% | Russell Collins / Firefist |
| 5 | How to Train Your Dragon (2025) | 77% | 97% | Fishlegs Ingerman |
| 6 | Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) | 75% | 91% | Josh Valentine |
| 7 | The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020) | 66% | 46% | Belsnickel |
| 8 | Once Upon a Deadpool (2018) | 57% | 61% | Firefist |
| 9 | Y2K (2024) | 43% | 53% | Danny |
Confirmed vs Unconfirmed Projects
The following table distinguishes between projects confirmed through verified sources and those that remain unconfirmed or rumored. All information reflects only what has been documented by IMDb, Wikipedia, and Rotten Tomatoes.
| Status | Project | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | Deadpool 2 (2018) – Firefist role | IMDb, Wikipedia |
| Confirmed | How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – Voice role | Wikipedia |
| Confirmed | How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2027) – Filming | Wikipedia |
| Unconfirmed | Deadpool 3 involvement – No official credit listed | Multiple sources |
| Unconfirmed | Just Picture It – Limited details available | Wikipedia |
Julian Dennison Movie Career Timeline
The following timeline outlines key career milestones from Dennison’s debut through his current projects. Each entry reflects documented information from verified sources.
- 2013: Debut in Shopping; wins English Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor at age 10
- 2015–2016: Appears in Paper Planes; breakout role in Hunt for the Wilderpeople as Ricky Baker, directed by Taika Waititi
- 2018: Hollywood breakthrough as Firefist in Deadpool 2; also appears in Once Upon a Deadpool (PG-13 recut)
- 2020–2021: Takes on dual live-action and voice role as Belsnickel in The Christmas Chronicles 2; supporting role as Josh Valentine in Godzilla vs. Kong
- 2023–2024: Lead role in Uproar praised for restraint; appears in A24 film Y2K; voice work in Star Wars: The Bad Batch
- 2025+: Voices Fishlegs Ingerman in How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake; filming underway for sequel (2027) and Just Picture It
Confirmed Information vs Information That Remains Unclear
| Established Facts | Remaining Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born October 26, 2002, New Zealand | Whether additional undisclosed projects exist |
| No Deadpool 3 involvement confirmed | Specific details about Just Picture It role |
| Complete filmography through 2025 documented | Whether future collaborations with Waititi are planned |
| Ongoing work in How to Train Your Dragon franchise | Exact release window for Just Picture It |
Career Context and Industry Position
Dennison’s career trajectory illustrates a rare transition from local New Zealand productions to mainstream international cinema within roughly five years. His working relationship with Taika Waititi provided a foundation that opened doors to franchise work, though his subsequent roles have demonstrated range beyond the comedic tone of his early Hollywood appearances.
His work in Uproar received particular praise, with critics highlighting his restrained performance as Josh Waaka—a role representing a shift toward more dramatic material. This suggests potential evolution in his career direction as he matures into adult roles.
The current slate of projects, anchored by the How to Train Your Dragon remake franchise, positions Dennison within family-oriented tentpole productions. Whether he pursues additional dramatic work alongside these projects remains to be seen based on available information.
Notable Sources and References
This article draws on the following verified sources for factual accuracy:
- IMDb profile for Julian Dennison
- Wikipedia entry on Julian Dennison
- Rotten Tomatoes celebrity page
- Movie Insider filmography data
Dennison has described his role in Uproar as a moment of “finding my voice” according to documented interviews.
— Sources reflect interviews documented through Wikipedia and Rotten Tomatoes
Summary
Julian Dennison has accumulated an extensive filmography spanning over a decade, from his debut at age 10 in Shopping through upcoming projects including the How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake series. His highest-rated work on Rotten Tomatoes includes Uproar (100%), Hunt for the Wilderpeople (97%), and Paper Planes (85%). He is not confirmed to appear in Deadpool 3, despite his role as Firefist in the second installment. His career milestones are well-documented through IMDb, Wikipedia, and Rotten Tomatoes, with several projects currently in active production. Readers interested in Australian sports figures may find the Harley Reid AFL profile of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Julian Dennison’s first movie?
His debut was in Shopping (2013) at age 10, playing Solomon. He won the English Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.
How many movies has Julian Dennison been in?
As of 2025, he has appeared in 13 films (including those currently filming or announced), spanning from 2013 through upcoming releases.
Is Julian Dennison in Deadpool 3?
No. Multiple sources confirm he has no credited role in Deadpool 3 (2024), despite appearing as Firefist in Deadpool 2 (2018).
What is Julian Dennison’s most famous movie?
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) is widely considered his breakout role, earning a 97% critics score and becoming New Zealand’s highest-grossing film.
What upcoming movies does Julian Dennison have?
He is voicing Fishlegs Ingerman in How to Train Your Dragon (2025) and its sequel (2027), with Just Picture It also in production.
How did Julian Dennison get discovered?
He was cast in Hunt for the Wilderpeople after appearing in a New Zealand Transport Agency PSA directed by Taika Waititi—no formal audition was required.
What is Julian Dennison’s age?
Born October 26, 2002, he is currently 22 years old as of 2025.
Does Julian Dennison do voice acting?
Yes. He voiced Belsnickel in The Christmas Chronicles 2 (both live-action and voice), appears in The Strange Chores, and voiced a role in Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2024).
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Liam O'Brien covers Australian politics and public affairs for Downunder Brief.