However, thanks to the footage posted on Netflix’s social media accounts earlier this week – which have already accrued millions of views across the streaming giant’s various platforms – it was immediately apparent how the now-15-year-old wound up landing the role.
“This kid is so good, I cannot believe he had no experience prior to this role,” one impressed viewer wrote on TikTok, while another agreed: “And just like that, a new star is born.”
A third compared Owen’s performance to a young Leonardo DiCaprio, while someone else commented: “You can see he took time and dedication to get this role as perfect as he can. He put his all into this. A STAR!!”
Over on Instagram, his audition was described as “outstanding”, with one fan enthusing: “From someone who isn’t a trained actor, this is on another level!!
“Great self tape but look what happened after they gave him direction… awesome acting,” another wrote.
The praise also continued on X:
One person who was less enthusiastic about the footage was Owen himself.
All four episodes of Adolescence are available to stream now on Netflix.
