Nicholas Hamilton, the talented Australian actor, truly made a name for himself when he stepped into the spotlight with a deeply moving performance in Captain Fantastic (2016). This role didn’t just earn critical acclaim—it opened doors. Nicholas Hamilton’s portrayal of a young boy raised off the grid, struggling to adapt to mainstream society, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. And honestly, it’s no surprise that this performance became the turning point in Nicholas Hamilton’s career.
Born on May 4, 2000, in Lismore, New South Wales, Nicholas Hamilton started out in front of the camera as a child model. But it wasn’t long before he realized his passion lay in acting. By 2011, he was already training seriously for screen roles—a smart move, considering what was coming next. His big break came in 2012 with the short film Time, where Nicholas Hamilton played a boy uncovering the dark side of time travel. The emotional depth he brought to the role won him the Best Actor Award at Tropfest, Australia’s biggest short film festival. That win? It was just the beginning.
Soon after, Nicholas Hamilton landed his first television role in a 2013 episode of Mako Mermaids on Channel Ten. While it was a smaller part, it gave him valuable experience and visibility. Then came 2015, a pivotal year—Hamilton made his feature film debut alongside heavyweights Nicole Kidman and Hugo Weaving in the psychological thriller Strangerland. His performance hinted at the kind of intensity and nuance he’d later showcase on a global stage.
But it was 2016 that changed everything. As the rigid, rule-following son in Captain Fantastic, Nicholas Hamilton stood out in a cast led by Viggo Mortensen. The film received glowing reviews, and Nicholas Hamilton earned nominations from both the Screen Actors Guild and the Young Artist Awards. More importantly, Hollywood took notice.
Almost immediately, offers started rolling in. Nicholas Hamilton was cast in two major American films. First, he played Henry Lee Bowers—the sinister teen antagonist—in Andy Muschietti’s chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s It (2017). Then, he slipped into the role of another schoolyard bully, this time in Nikolaj Arcel’s The Dark Tower, based on King’s legendary fantasy series. Two high-profile roles, both showcasing different shades of darkness—proof that Nicholas Hamilton could handle complex, layered characters.
From Lismore to Los Angeles, Nicholas Hamilton has built a reputation not just as a promising young actor, but as one with serious range and staying power. And given how quickly his star has risen since Captain Fantastic, it’s safe to say we haven’t seen the last of Nicholas Hamilton in major Hollywood productions.
When it comes to Nicholas Hamilton’s filmography, one standout performance definitely shines through — his highest rated movie is It (2017), which earned widespread acclaim and really put Nicholas Hamilton on the map. The film was a massive success both critically and commercially, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters with depth. On the other hand, among the films Nicholas Hamilton has been a part of, The Dark Tower (2017) stands out as his lowest rated release. While it had its moments, the overall reception wasn’t as strong, making it a bit of a contrast compared to the success he found in It. So, when looking at the career of Nicholas Hamilton, these two 2017 releases represent quite the range in terms of critical response. Still, Nicholas Hamilton continues to be recognized for his talent, especially from his role in It, which remains a highlight in his acting journey so far.