'He's a force': how shapeshifting Josh O'Connor became one of cinema's most-wanted stars

He came to prominence with his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown, and now it seems that Josh O'Connor might be primed for his own coronation.

- Nadia Khomami

The British actor is in three major films between now and January - which is better known to film-lovers as awards season.

He leads Kelly Reichardt's art heist drama The Mastermind, which opened in UK cinemas last week; stars opposite Paul Mescal in the period romance The History of Sound; and takes the central role in Wake Up Dead Man, Rian Johnson's third instalment in the Knives Out mystery franchise.

There's also the persistent industry chatter that he's among those being considered for the next James Bond. "This Is The Autumn Of Josh O'Connor," declared Vogue recently, while GQ pondered, "How Josh O'Connor Became the Thinking Man's Leading Man".

But O'Connor's success hasn't come out of nowhere. Born in Cheltenham in 1990 and trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he graduated in 2011 and spent the next decade steadily building a career across stage, television and independent film, becoming one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.

He appeared in productions at the National Theatre and the Donmar Warehouse, and took roles in TV dramas including Law & Order: UK, Peaky Blinders and Ripper Street. On film, he was in features including The Riot Club and Hide and Seek - a story of four young Londoners who move to an isolated country cottage.