Fresh off the weekend release of the BBC’s highly anticipated Dear England, Jacob Greenway is already emerging as one of the most exciting young actors to watch. In the television adaptation of James Graham’s critically acclaimed stage play, he takes on the role of football phenomenon Jude Bellingham, stepping into a story that captures the pressures, pride, and cultural significance of modern English football. Arriving ahead of the next World Cup, the series is expected to dominate conversation in the months ahead, and Jacob’s performance is set to place him firmly on the industry radar.

But Dear England is only the beginning. This spring and summer, Jacob will also star in The Dream Lands, a striking new series from the producers of Black Doves. Set in a near-future Margate shaped by widening inequality and social unrest, the drama promises a bold and unsettling vision of Britain’s future. With two ambitious projects arriving back-to-back, Jacob is proving his range across both grounded real-world storytelling and speculative drama. Whether portraying one of football’s biggest stars or navigating dystopian worlds, he’s quickly establishing himself as a compelling new talent worth watching closely.

For our second-ever Watchlist feature, Greenway has curated a selection of ten favourite films, sharing what draws him to each one.

Intouchables

My favourite film. balances comedy and drama beautifully. Omar Sy’s performance is so charismatic – possibly the most enjoyable performance from an actor. I found the film through Ludovico Einaudi’s music around the same time I was making very poor attempts at playing piano. 

Kidulthood

I watched this as a kid and it’s still the rawest depiction of London youth culture I’ve seen to date. The characters and energy felt very familiar to me – things I recognised in the city and in people I’d known growing up – and I never thought that world would be captured on screen so authentically. Courageous, reckless and unapologetic. I love it. 

Scarface

Say hello to my little friend.  Al Pacino’s performance is gangster. The boldness of the choices he makes as Tony Montana taught me a lot about characterisation and how, if it’s rooted in truth and commitment, you can never really take it too far. I keep Pacino’s ambition in mind when building my own characters – particularly when it comes to physicality choices.

Harry Potter and the Half blood Prince

Top pick of the franchise. The darkest and most emotionally complex of all the films – there’s something really melancholic and cinematic about it. I think the age the characters were at when it came out really resonated with me too. Beneath all the fantasy and spectacle, it’s such a strong coming-of-age film. I’ve rewatched it more times than I can count.

My Own Private Idaho

One of my favourite arthouse films ever made. Both raw and poetic – It feels like multiple films existing inside one another. The performances from River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves are magnetic and vulnerable. Long live River. 

Troy

I loved the deeper theme of legacy and what these characters are willing to fight for. The ambition to write a meaningful story for yourself is something that i found really powerful and resonant when i first watched it. I’m not a huge action-film man, but watching those combat scenes was exhilarating.

Shutter Island

Peak psychological thriller. Leo’s performance is a masterclass. Every time I watch this film I pick up new details that I somehow missed previously. The atmosphere is haunting, the story is captivating and the plot twist completely recontextualises the entire film. Each scene suddenly means something different once you know the truth.

A place beyond the pines

This movie is like two films woven into one. I love how the story continues to flow through the lives of the sons and the emotional weight that is passed down between them. Everyone’s performance is grounded and memorable. 

The Prestige

The story is so intricate and intelligent. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are incredible as always. A timeless cinematic masterpiece from the GOAT.

Hitch

I grew up loving Will Smith – from The Fresh Prince to all the huge Hollywood blockbusters – but Hitch was always one of my favourites. Will Smith and Kevin James together are hilarious, and the film has such charm and warmth to it. One of the comfort films I’ll always revisit.

Watch Dear England now.

Photography Pip Bourdillon

Stylist Koulla Sergi

Grooming Mary-Jane Gotidoc