Christian Convery | August ‘26
In Conversation with…
Words By: Lily Egleton
I watched Sweet Tooth when it first premiered on Netflix in June 2021, as my dad had lauded how excellent the comic book series created by Jeff Lemire and published by DC Comics’ Vertigo was. When watching the series, I was struck by how utterly charming it was, especially compared to the incredible, yet notably morbid, comic book equivalent. At the time I thought how excellent the actor of Gus, Christian Convery, was and how he would inevitably have an outstanding career following the success of Sweet Tooth. At just sixteen, the LA-based actor’s career has spanned comedy horror films, Cocaine Bear (2023) and The Monkey (2025); the iconic Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein; voicing the character of Kid Omni-Man in Amazon Prime’s Invincible, and more.
Not only does his exceptional career at such a young age strike me, but so does his maturity and commitment to the filmmaking industry. It is clear that Convery is an actor who considers the entire process of filmmaking seriously and devotedly not limited to acting itself, but the craft of each layer of the film industry. He notes he wants to “continue building my career. I’m always on the hunt for something new and to find my next passion in the industry… watching movies has provided me with so much inspiration, as has studying the craft”. My conversation with Convery made me deeply consider how actively I watch the films that I enjoy. Rather than simply being a passive observer, Convery notes the excellence of the colour grading in Apocalypse Now and the pacing of City of God – “it’s not necessarily an actor’s job to know anything about that but I want to continue expanding my knowledge and learn about filmmaking as a whole”. With roles in the upcoming The End of Oak Street directed by David Robert Mitchell and Jeremy Garelick’s Rolling Loud: The Movie, Convery’s career shows no signs of stopping, only developing and becoming even more nuanced than he has already exhibited. “I want to study movies’ script structure and choices in editing. There are plenty of other movies that I study, and I hope to achieve the same calibre of performances,” and with Convery’s commitment to and knowledge of the filmmaking craft, I have no doubt that his most exceptional and groundbreaking work will soon come to fruition.
That fascination and knowledge surrounding filmmaking as a whole has clearly extended into the genres Convery chooses to work within. Discussing The Monkey, Convery explains that comedy and horror are far less separate than audiences often imagine…
"If you really just have fun and truly like your comedy, it honestly turns into such an incredible experience,"
…he says. The satirical nature of The Monkey allowed him to embrace that balance, treating the characters with complete sincerity whilst recognising the absurdity surrounding them. For Convery, horror succeeds when it toes the line between genuine tension and dark humour. Take it too seriously and "it can become really campy. It can become quite cringe," he laughs. Instead, he notes that often the best horror films understand that fear and comedy rely on remarkably similar rhythms, making the genre one of the most creatively exciting spaces in which to perform.
Despite boasting an already impressive filmography, Convery speaks about his future with remarkable humility. Rather than chasing a particular genre or archetype, he is searching for characters that challenge him. "I want to be a very versatile actor," he states,
"I want to take on roles that are challenging. I want to take risks in my performance and embody as many different people as I can."
Oftentimes, Convery is particularly drawn to characters wrestling with internal or physical struggles, believing that the greater the research required, the more rewarding the process becomes. His tenacity is clear Convery’s ambition is not simply to lead films, but to continuously and consistently expand the range of performances that he is capable of delivering.
Unsurprisingly, research forms an integral part of that process. Every role demands a different approach. For Sweet Tooth, Convery immersed himself in studying deer, analysing their movements and subtle physical mannerisms to authentically portray Gus's hybrid nature crossed between deer and human within a dystopian civilisation in which a virus has killed the majority of the world’s human population, coinciding with the emergence of babies born with animal-adjacent characteristics and features. Preparing for The Monkey presented an entirely different challenge, requiring him to develop two distinct personalities while playing twins, alongside extensive collaboration with director Osgood Perkins and the visual effects team. More recently, working alongside the iconic Guillermo del Toro on Frankenstein introduced him to an even deeper level of character preparation as he took on the role of the young Victor Frankenstein the past version of Oscar Isaac’s titular character.
Something that I found very interesting about my conversation was Convery was the interesting point at which he lies in his career. Having already earned a nomination for a SAG award for his work in Frankenstein and winning the category of Outstanding Young Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program in the 2025 Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, he has accomplished so much at a young age, yet his career is only yet to expand. Whilst many actors discuss where they see themselves in five or ten years’ time, I found Convery’s outlook on his future career very refreshing, and it is this mindset that I believe will earn him an even more nuanced and curious filmography. Rather than chasing specific roles or specific milestones within a set timeframe, he believes in “the idea that if it’s right, it’ll come to you”. This is definitely not a lack of ambition, however, but a testament to how when a role is truly right for him, he immerses himself entirely within each project, underpinning his consistent approach and passion to acting and filmmaking. “I know that when I find a role I love and I really want to portray it, and I get the opportunity, if I’m blessed enough, then I would give it my all” – it is this commitment to each and every role that makes him stand out as a young performer.
What stands out most is Convery's empathy and deep-rooted comprehension of every character he portrays. He believes that authenticity comes from understanding, not judgement. Even villains, he argues, should never be played as villains. Equally, Convery believes that to play a villain is often the most interesting role that an actor can take on, although likely challenging for many. Rather than not immersing yourself in the headspace of the character you are playing, an actor should fully believe their character's actions are justified according to their own moral compass, developing an emotional connection and understanding of the role itself. "If you can make someone feel for the villain," he says, "then I think you've done your job right." Convery's curiosity is similarly reflected in the way he consumes film itself in a general manner. Rather than separating films into "good" and "bad", he believes there is something to learn from every project. He hopes audiences watching his own career will recognise "that taking risks and not shying away from what may be seen as an old film or a newer slop film" is what allows artists to grow. It is a principle and philosophy that I believe demonstrates a maturity beyond his years, placing emotional truth above theatrical performance and the ability to broaden your horizons as a creative, not limiting yourself to tasks or roles that are cemented within your comfort zone.
As our conversation draws to a close, Convery's advice for aspiring actors and filmmakers ultimately echoes the values that underpin his own career. Talent alone, he suggests, is not enough but passion and knowledge should come first. Rather than focussing on the specific responsibilities within your speciality, young creatives should immerse themselves in filmmaking, seek inspiration whenever they feel lost and embrace the collaborative nature of the industry. To become deeply immersed within your passion and your art is to be able to succeed and truly develop, alongside embracing various challenges and allowing yourself to go down the routes you don’t expect to, including roles.
"Find your pack,"
…he advises aspiring actors. It is a valuable takeaway from our conversation. Underlying everything Convery spoke about was an appreciation for filmmaking as a collaborative art form. Whilst acting is often perceived as an individual pursuit, he repeatedly returned to the importance of learning from the people around you, whether that be directors, fellow actors or entire production teams. Having worked alongside filmmakers such as Guillermo del Toro and Osgood Perkins, Convery clearly values every opportunity to absorb knowledge from those with different creative perspectives. "It's a very collaborative, very, very collaborative field of art," he reflects. "That's arguably the most collaborative." For anyone hoping to break into the industry, his advice is simple: if you're "confused or scared", seek inspiration, ask questions and lean on the community around you. It is a reminder that some of the greatest creative growth comes not from working alone, but from remaining open to the people who help shape both your work and your perspective.
Listening to Convery speak, it becomes clear that what distinguishes him is not simply his impressive résumé, but his relentless curiosity, maturity and emotional understanding of each aspect of filmmaking and the film industry itself. Convery approaches every project as an opportunity to learn, every film as a lesson in storytelling and impact, and every character as a character worthy of empathy. At only sixteen years old, Christian Convery already possesses the mindset of an artist with a breadth of nuanced experience and work behind him. I have little doubt that audiences will be watching him for decades to come.
Convery will appear in the excellent upcoming The End of Oak Street in theatres everywhere on 14th August. See him in Rolling Loud releasing in theatres 2nd October 2026.
