Actor Jack Gleeson Presents Dramatic Physical Transformation and Confirms Future Roles

A New Look for a New Role

September 27, 2025: Audiences barely recognized Jack Gleeson this week after new photos surfaced of him in character for the BBC reboot of The Famous Five. The actor, best known for his chilling turn as Joffrey Baratheon on Game of Thrones, has swapped his signature blonde hair for short dark locks, added a thin moustache, and adopted a sharply tailored wardrobe—pinstripe suits and gold jewellery—displaying a look almost unrecognisable from his previous screen persona.

Return After Long Hiatus

Gleeson’s appearance in The Famous Five marks another step in his return to acting after a significant break. Following Game of Thrones, he had stepped away from Hollywood, citing discomfort with celebrity life and a desire to pursue other interests. He has taken on smaller roles since, including in the comedy Out of Her Mind, but this new role is being seen as one of his most visible comebacks.

Facing the Joffrey Typecast

In speaking about this role and his evolving acting choices, Gleeson has set the record straight: although he remains proud of his work as Joffrey, he is keenly aware of how that character shaped public perception. The transformation—physical and stylistic—is a conscious effort to distance himself from that iconic role and demonstrate his range.

Audiences React

Fans have responded with enthusiasm and surprise at how much Gleeson looks different, praising both the transformation and his willingness to re-emerge in a big-screen role after stepping away. Many have commented that this is more than just a new look—it’s a palpable sign of a shift in his career mindset.

Gleeson’s return, marked by this dramatic change in appearance and renewed energy around his work, signals that he’s ready to reclaim his presence in acting—not as the boy-king of Westeros, but as a mature actor confident in choosing roles on his own terms.