Alistair Petrie has, over the years, carved out a remarkable niche for himself in both film and television, emerging as one of the most dependable and versatile character actors of his time. Born in North Yorkshire, England, Alistair Petrie’s early career laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic and far-reaching body of work. He first honed his craft with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company, where he developed the kind of adaptability that Alistair Petrie would come to be known for throughout his career.
It wasn’t long before Alistair Petrie began appearing in British TV series, gradually building a solid reputation through roles in shows like “Jonathan Creek” (BBC One, 1997–2016), “All Quiet on the Preston Front” (BBC One, 1994–97), and the 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma.” These early appearances may have been modest, but they were crucial stepping stones. His growing presence on screen eventually led to a breakout role in the 2002 ITV miniseries “The Forsyte Saga,” a remake of the classic 1960s drama based on John Galsworthy’s novels. In this series, Alistair Petrie played George Forsyte alongside Damian Lewis and Ioan Gruffudd, showcasing his ability to hold his own among strong ensemble casts.
After spending time with London’s National Theatre, Alistair Petrie’s trajectory shifted into higher gear. He delivered a powerful performance in Marc Munden’s harrowing Iraq War drama “The Mark of Cain” (2007), a role that signaled his arrival as a serious dramatic talent. Around the same time, he appeared in the beloved BBC series “Cranford” (2007–10), starring alongside Dame Judi Dench, further cementing his status in British television.
The late 2000s saw Alistair Petrie expanding into film. He joined the cast of Jason Statham’s crime thriller “The Bank Job” (2008), followed by notable roles in Keira Knightley’s period drama “The Duchess” (2008) and the comedy “A Bunch of Amateurs” featuring Burt Reynolds. Though he briefly returned to TV with the short-lived comedy “Mutual Friends” (BBC One, 2008), it was clear that Alistair Petrie was becoming a sought-after figure across genres.
His television work continued with compelling performances in “The Taking of Prince Harry” (Channel 4, 2010), the action-packed “Strike Back” (Cinemax, 2010–18), and the atmospheric crime series “Whitechapel” (ITV, 2009–13). But perhaps one of the most challenging tests of Alistair Petrie’s range came with his involvement in the Wachowski siblings’ ambitious sci-fi epic “Cloud Atlas” (2012). Sharing the screen with stars like Tom Hanks and Halle Berry, Alistair Petrie took on multiple roles within the film’s complex narrative structure, demonstrating an impressive level of transformation and depth.
As his career progressed, Alistair Petrie landed increasingly high-profile projects. He starred in the critically acclaimed Channel 4 series “Utopia” (2013–14) and appeared in Max Landis’s reimagining of “Victor Frankenstein” (2015). However, it was his role in “The Night Manager” (AMC, 2016–) that truly marked a turning point. Starring opposite Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie in the Golden Globe-winning spy thriller, Alistair Petrie portrayed Lord Sandy Langbourne—a suave and cunning ally to Laurie’s arms dealer—earning widespread praise and significantly raising his international profile.
Not stopping there, Alistair Petrie stepped into the “Star Wars” universe with a memorable turn as General Draven, a key Rebel leader in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016). This role introduced him to a global audience and highlighted his ability to bring gravitas to even brief appearances.
With his position firmly established, Alistair Petrie returned to television with standout performances in “Genius” (National Geographic, 2017–), where he brought historical figures to life, and in AMC’s chilling anthology “The Terror” (2018–). Yet another career highlight came with “Deep State” (Epix, 2018–), where he played George White, a morally ambiguous former MI6 operative. His nuanced portrayal earned some of the best reviews of his career, proving once again that Alistair Petrie excels in complex, layered roles.
On the big screen, Alistair Petrie continued to diversify his portfolio, joining Neil Marshall’s reboot of the comic book character in “Hellboy” (2019). With each new project, Alistair Petrie reaffirms his place as a consistently compelling presence in modern storytelling—someone who may not always headline the marquee, but whose contributions are undeniably vital.
So, when it comes to Alistair Petrie’s filmography, there are a few standout roles that really define his career. Alistair Petrie has appeared in a range of films over the years, but if we’re talking about critical reception, one title really shines above the rest. Alistair Petrie’s highest rated movie is definitely Rush from 2013—a gripping, well-crafted drama that earned widespread acclaim. On the flip side, not every project hits the same high notes. In fact, Alistair Petrie’s lowest rated film to date seems to be Hellboy (2019), which received a much cooler response from both critics and audiences. Still, it’s interesting to see how Alistair Petrie continues to take on diverse roles across different genres.