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Asa Butterfield
Asa Butterfield
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Asa Bopp Farr Butterfield[1] (/ˈsə/ AY-sə;[2][3] born 1 April 1997[4]) is an English actor. Beginning his career as a child actor, Butterfield first achieved recognition as the lead of the historical drama film The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008). He continued to headline films during the 2010s, starring in the adventure drama Hugo (2011), the science-fiction film Ender's Game (2013), the drama X+Y (2014), the fantasy Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016) and the romantic science-fiction The Space Between Us (2017). From 2019 to 2023, Butterfield portrayed the lead of the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Asa Bopp Farr Butterfield was born on 1 April 1997 in Islington, London, and is the son of Jacqueline "Jake" Farr, a psychologist, and Sam Butterfield, an advertising copywriter.[4][5][6] He is named after comet Hale-Bopp. He was educated at Stoke Newington School.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

Butterfield started acting at age seven at the Young Actors Theatre Islington. Later, he secured minor roles in the 2006 television drama After Thomas and the 2007 film Son of Rambow.[4][7]

In 2008, he had a guest role playing Donny in the television series Ashes to Ashes.[8] In that same year, aged ten, Butterfield played the lead role in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Director Mark Herman said that they came across Butterfield early on in the audition process. He was on the first audition tape he received and he was the third hopeful he met in person. Herman thought Butterfield's performance was outstanding, but only decided to cast him after auditioning hundreds of other boys, "so no stone was left unturned".[9] Herman and producer David Heyman were looking for someone who was able to portray the main character's innocence, so they asked each of the children what they knew about the Holocaust. Butterfield's knowledge was slim and it was purposely kept that way throughout filming so it would be easier for him to convey his character's innocence. The final scenes of the film were shot at the end of the production period to prepare both him and Jack Scanlon for the dramatic ending of the film.[10]

Butterfield beat hundreds of boys to the role and also successfully passed the auditions for a role in Mr. Nobody for which he auditioned at the same time. He elected not to pursue the latter role.[7] In 2008, he portrayed Mordred in the Merlin episode "The Beginning of the End"; Butterfield appeared as Mordred in a number of subsequent episodes. In 2010, he had a small part in The Wolfman.[11] He starred as Norman Green in Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010). The film, and his performance, both received positive reviews.

At age 13, Butterfield played the main and titular character in Martin Scorsese's Hugo, adapted from the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Hugo was released on 23 November 2011, and achieved critical success. Butterfield played the title role of Andrew "Ender" Wiggin in the film adaptation of the Orson Scott Card novel Ender's Game. The film was released in 2013.

After the shooting of Ender's Game, Butterfield was cast in coming of age British drama X+Y[12] as Nathan Ellis, a mathematical savant on the autism spectrum selected to compete in an internationally renowned mathematics competition. The film premiered on 5 September 2014 at the Toronto International Film Festival.[13][14] Butterfield's performance received widespread critical acclaim[15] and saw him nominated for the BIFA for Best Actor.

Butterfield at the 2014 Moet BIFA British Independent Film Awards

In 2015, Butterfield appeared in a film adaptation of Ten Thousand Saints.[16] In 2016, he portrayed Jacob Portman in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.[17] He also starred as Gardner Elliot in the film The Space Between Us and as Sebastian in The House of Tomorrow[18] in 2017. In 2018, Butterfield was cast in the main role of Otis Milburn on the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education.[19] The series was released on 11 January 2019 to critical acclaim.[20] The second season was released on 17 January 2020, the third on 17 September 2021, and the fourth and final season on 21 September 2023.

In July 2024, he was cast as Adam in the upcoming comedy film Carnival: At the End of Days.[21]

Other ventures

[edit]

Butterfield enjoys making and producing music, and released a mashup of the songs "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus and "Making Plans for Nigel" by XTC.[22] Along with his brother, he is part of a music group called Mambo Fresh. In late 2012, Butterfield co-designed a turn-based video game for iPad with his father and brother called Racing Blind.[23] The game was released to the App Store on 7 April 2013.

Butterfield is involved in competitive Nintendo gaming. In 2017, he competed in the Nintendo World Championships, where he was eliminated early in the invitational.[24] He is an enthusiastic player of competitive Super Smash Bros. and has signed with esports team Panda Global under the tag "Stimpy". His first appearance with the organisation was at Genesis 6.[25] In October 2020, he was signed by Team Liquid.[26]

Since 2017, Butterfield has taught an annual acting masterclass at The Reel Scene acting school in London. The three-day "Asa Butterfield Masterclass" course covers improvisation techniques and students work on scenes from Butterfield's films, which are then filmed on the last day.[27] In 2018, students appeared as extras in the film Greed in which Butterfield appeared.[28][29]

In 2023, Butterfield played in the annual Soccer Aid charity football match, raising money for UNICEF. Butterfield, a lifelong Arsenal fan, scored England's opening goal assisted by former Arsenal player Jack Wilshere.[30]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2007 Son of Rambow Brethren Boy
2008 The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Bruno
2010 Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang Norman Green
The Wolfman Younger Ben Talbot
2011 Hugo Hugo Cabret
2013 Ender's Game Ender Wiggin
2014 X+Y Nathan Ellis Also known as A Brilliant Young Mind[31][32][33]
2015 Ten Thousand Saints Jude Keffy-Horn
2016 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Jacob "Jake" Portman
2017 The House of Tomorrow Sebastian Prendergast
Journey's End Jimmy Raleigh
The Space Between Us Gardner Elliot
2018 Then Came You Calvin Lewis
Time Freak Stillman
Slaughterhouse Rulez Willoughby Blake
2019 Greed Finn McCreadie
2022 Choose or Die Isaac [34][35]
Flux Gourmet Billy Rubin [36]
Your Christmas or Mine? James
2023 All Fun and Games Marcus Fletcher
Your Christmas or Mine 2 James
2025 Our Hero, Balthazar Solomon
Stitch Head Stitch Head (voice)
TBA Rogue Trooper Post-production

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2006 After Thomas Andrew Television film
2008 Ashes to Ashes Donny 1 episode (season 1)
2008–2009 Merlin Mordred 3 episodes
2017 Thunderbirds Are Go Space Controller Conrad (voice) 1 episode[37]
2019–2023 Sex Education Otis Milburn Main role[19]
2020 50 States of Fright Brandon Boyd 3 episodes
TBA Out of the Dust Adam Filming[38]

Theatre

[edit]
Year Title Role Venue Notes
2025 Second Best Martin Hill Riverside Studios [39]

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2024 Hades II Icarus [40]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2008 British Independent Film Awards Most Promising Newcomer The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Nominated [41][42]
2009 NSPCC Awards Young British Performer of the Year The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Nominated [43]
Young Artist Awards Best Performance in an International Feature Film – Leading Young Performers The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Nominated
2012 Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Young Performer Hugo Nominated [44]
Empire Awards Best Male Newcomer Hugo Nominated [45]
Saturn Awards Best Performance by a Younger Actor Hugo Nominated [46]
Young Artist Awards Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young Actor Hugo Nominated [47]
Young Hollywood Awards Breakthrough Performance – Male Hugo Won [48]
2013 Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Young Performer Ender's Game Nominated [49]
Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards Best Youth Performance Ender's Game Nominated
2014 British Independent Film Awards Best Actor X+Y Nominated [50]
Saturn Awards Best Performance by a Younger Actor Ender's Game Nominated [51]
2015 National Film Awards UK Best Actor X+Y Nominated [52]
2017 Teen Choice Awards Choice Fantasy Movie Actor Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Nominated [53]
Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actor The Space Between Us Nominated [54]
2020 Newport Beach Film Festival Artist of Distinction Sex Education Won
NME Awards Best TV Actor Nominated [55]
2022 British Independent Film Awards Best Ensemble Flux Gourmet Nominated
National Comedy Awards Outstanding Comedy Actor Sex Education Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Asa Butterfield (born 1 April 1997) is an English renowned for his portrayals of introspective young protagonists in both and television, beginning as a child star and evolving into versatile roles across genres. He first gained widespread recognition for playing Bruno, the naive son of a Nazi commandant, in the drama The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008), a role that showcased his ability to convey innocence amid tragedy. Butterfield's career breakthrough came with the lead in Martin Scorsese's Hugo (2011), where he portrayed the orphaned inventor Hugo Cabret in a 3D adaptation of Brian Selznick's novel, earning praise for his expressive performance in a visually innovative . Born in Islington, London, to Jacqueline Farr, a psychologist, and Sam Butterfield, an advertising executive, he was discovered at a local drama club and began acting professionally at age eight with a small role in the TV film After Thomas (2006). Throughout his teenage years, Butterfield balanced acting with regular schooling, selecting unconventional projects that avoided typical child-star fare, such as the autistic math prodigy Nathan in X+Y (2014) and the young soldier in Journey's End (2017). He starred as the titular hero in the science-fiction adaptation Ender's Game (2013), opposite Harrison Ford, and as Jake in Tim Burton's fantasy Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016), further establishing his presence in high-profile blockbusters. Butterfield achieved global acclaim as Otis Milburn, the socially awkward son of a sex therapist, in the comedy-drama series (2019–2023), which ran for four seasons and was lauded for its candid exploration of , sexuality, and , amassing over 55 million viewers for its third season alone. In the series, he drew on personal experiences of awkwardness to inform the character, contributing to its role in normalizing difficult conversations among young audiences. Following the show's conclusion, Butterfield transitioned to more mature projects, including the horror thriller (2023) alongside , the animated feature Stitch Head (2025), where he voices the title character, and the animated feature The Land of Sometimes (upcoming), where he voices a key character. In 2025, at age 27, Butterfield made his professional stage debut in the one-man play Second Best at London's , portraying Martin, a former who narrowly missed the role of —a narrative echoing his own near-misses, such as auditioning for . He has described the experience as "terrifying" due to the live format's intensity, marking a deliberate shift from on-screen teenage roles to challenge himself in . Butterfield maintains interests outside , including competitive gaming and music, and has expressed aspirations for epic fantasy roles akin to .

Background and early years

Early life

Asa Bopp Farr Butterfield was born on April 1, 1997, in , , . His full name originally included the middle names Maxwell Thornton, but he later adopted "Bopp" in place of them on his passport, inspired by the Hale-Bopp comet that was visible in the sky on the day of his birth. He is the second of four children born to mother Jacqueline Farr, a , and father Sam Butterfield, an copywriter. Butterfield grew up in a supportive environment in , where his parents encouraged his interests despite their divorce when he was young. He has an older brother, Morgan Benjamin Butterfield, and two younger sisters, Loxie and half-sister Marlie; the siblings maintained close relationships, splitting time between their parents' nearby homes in the city. His mother's profession in and father's creative work in fostered a household attuned to emotional and artistic expression, though the family prioritized normalcy amid early challenges. Butterfield's initial exposure to acting came at age seven through after-school sessions at the Young Actors Theatre in , where he participated in drama activities that sparked his passion for performance. A talent-spotting casting director noticed him during these classes, marking the beginning of his journey into the field before any professional opportunities arose.

Education and family influences

Butterfield attended in , where he balanced academic studies with extracurricular activities, including participation in the school's drama club that ignited his passion for performing. He was discovered by a casting director at the Young Actors Theatre Islington, an after-school program, which marked the beginning of his acting journey while still in . Despite early professional commitments, Butterfield prioritized formal schooling and has advised against , emphasizing the value of social interactions and structured learning for personal development. His family significantly shaped his creative interests and supported his entry into without allowing it to overshadow his childhood. Born to Jacqueline Farr, a , and Sam Butterfield, an advertising copywriter, Butterfield credits his parents with fostering a grounded environment amid his rising career. His mother's background in provided early exposure to emotional and behavioral insights, aiding his approach to character preparation by encouraging open discussions on complex personal topics. Meanwhile, his father's profession in introduced him to narrative techniques and creative storytelling, subtly influencing his appreciation for structured expression in performance. To reflect his familial heritage, Butterfield incorporates his mother's maiden name, Farr, in his full name, Asa Bopp Farr Butterfield, a deliberate made in adulthood to honor those ties while legally adopting "Bopp" as a inspired by the Hale-Bopp visible at his birth. As of 2025, he resides in , maintaining close family connections, including with his older brother Morgan, a , who has been a constant presence in his life since childhood.

Acting career

Breakthrough and early roles

Butterfield's entry into professional acting began at the age of eight, when a casting director spotted him performing in a school play at the , leading to his signing with an agent. His professional debut came shortly thereafter in the 2006 television drama , where he played a small role as William. This was followed by his first feature film appearance in ' comedy (2007), in which he portrayed the minor character Brethren Boy, marking his initial foray into cinema alongside co-stars and . Butterfield achieved his breakthrough at age ten with the lead role of Bruno, the naive son of a Nazi commandant, in Mark Herman's historical drama The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008). Filming presented challenges for the young actor, including emotionally demanding scenes set near a concentration camp, where he described the intensity of portraying isolation and across a fence as particularly difficult; to protect him, directors withheld full details of plot and historical context during production. His performance, capturing the innocence of a oblivious to wartime horrors, earned critical acclaim for its heartfelt authenticity and emotional depth, with reviewers praising how it humanized 's grim themes through Bruno's perspective. The film itself was lauded as a poignant exploration of innocence amid atrocity, solidifying Butterfield's reputation as a promising . By 2010, Butterfield had transitioned to supporting roles in larger productions, including Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, where he played the eldest Green child, Norman, a farmer's son navigating family strife during . His portrayal received positive notices for adding warmth and resilience to the ensemble, reflecting his growing versatility. This project, with its international cast including American star , signaled Butterfield's shift from British television and indie films toward Hollywood opportunities, paving the way for subsequent global roles.

Film roles

Butterfield's portrayal of the orphaned inventor Hugo Cabret in Martin Scorsese's Hugo (2011) marked a pivotal collaboration, immersing the young actor in a 3D-shot adventure that celebrated early cinema through themes of wonder and loss. Scorsese's direction, leveraging 3D to enhance visual depth, offered Butterfield a transformative on-set experience, blending with fantastical elements in a production that earned five , including Best Director. This role showcased Butterfield's ability to convey quiet resilience, evolving his screen presence from earlier child parts toward more layered fantasy narratives. In (2013), Butterfield took the lead as Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a gifted youth trained for interstellar conflict in Gavin Hood's adaptation of Orson Scott Card's . The film grappled with adaptation hurdles, such as condensing the book's internal monologues and psychological depth into visual action, while Butterfield navigated physically demanding zero-gravity sequences that highlighted Ender's strategic evolution and moral ambiguity. This sci-fi outing underscored Butterfield's growing affinity for genre roles exploring isolation and leadership, bridging youthful innocence with emerging complexity. Butterfield continued his trajectory in X+Y (2014), embodying Nathan Ellis, a mathematically prodigious teenager on the autism spectrum who grapples with social connections during an international competition. Directed by Morgan Matthews, the film thematically intertwined intellectual brilliance with emotional vulnerability, allowing Butterfield to deliver a nuanced performance that emphasized personal growth amid relational challenges. His subsequent turn as Jake Portman in Tim Burton's Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016) furthered this pattern, casting him as a teen uncovering a hidden world of supernatural youths, where themes of belonging and inherited trauma drove the fantastical narrative. In The House of Tomorrow (2017), Butterfield portrayed the sheltered Sebastian Prendergast, whose encounter with punk rock sparks a rebellion against his geodesic-dome isolation, highlighting motifs of friendship and self-discovery in an indie coming-of-age tale. Recent projects reflect Butterfield's shift toward diverse, mature storytelling. He starred in the horror thriller All Fun and Games (2023), playing a teen ensnared in a deadly game with a malevolent spirit, opposite . He also reprised his role as James in the sequel Your Christmas or Mine 2 (2023), where his character navigates chaos during a in the Austrian . He voiced the titular Stitch Head in the 2025 animated feature, a Frankenstein-inspired creature awakening in a mad professor's lab, blending humor with gothic adventure in Steve Hudson's -oriented production. Butterfield also starred in Our Hero, Balthazar (2025), a dark comedy-adventure directed by Oscar Boyson, where his role intersects with a privileged teen's cross-country quest to thwart potential violence, premiered at the . Looking ahead, Butterfield voices a character in the sci-fi Watch the Skies (2025), signaling his continued exploration of adult-oriented genres like psychological tension and speculative futures.

Television roles

Butterfield began his television career with guest appearances in British productions during his childhood, showcasing his early talent for dramatic roles. In 2006, he starred as Andrew, a boy with autism, in the film , which explored family dynamics and through the lens of a child's perspective. His performance in this intimate drama marked one of his initial forays into long-form storytelling on screen. Following this, Butterfield appeared as the young in two episodes of the fantasy series in 2008, portraying a vulnerable child with prophetic abilities who forms a pivotal connection with the titular character. These early roles demonstrated his ability to convey emotional depth in ensemble narratives, bridging his burgeoning film work to television. Butterfield's television profile expanded with a supporting role in the horror anthology series in 2020, where he played across three episodes in the "Grey Cloud Island" segment set in . Directed by Brian Netto and Adam Schindler, the story followed a group of fraternity pledges encountering terror during a ritual on a remote , allowing Butterfield to delve into themes of and in a serialized horror format. This appearance highlighted his versatility in genre television, transitioning from to young adult roles amid the series' exploration of American urban legends. Butterfield achieved widespread recognition for his leading role as Otis Milburn in the Netflix comedy-drama series , which aired from 2019 to 2023 across four seasons. As the shy, intellectually curious son of a sex therapist, Otis navigates adolescence, family tensions, and unexpected friendships while reluctantly offering peer advice on relationships and sexuality, evolving from an awkward outsider to a more self-assured young man providing informal therapy sessions at his school. The series, created by , blended humor, heartfelt coming-of-age moments, and educational insights on consent and , with Butterfield's nuanced portrayal earning praise for capturing Otis's internal conflicts and growth. generated significant global impact, amassing over 40 million viewers for its first season within the first month of release and topping charts in multiple countries, while sparking discussions on sexual worldwide. Butterfield received an International Emmy nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021 for his work in season three, contributing to the show's win for Best at the 2022 International Emmys. Looking ahead, Butterfield is set to star as Senior Sergeant Arnold Kipps in the upcoming Stan original comedy-horror series Gnomes, slated for release in 2026. In this six-episode Australian production, he leads as a small-town police officer confronting a bizarre invasion of murderous garden gnomes terrorizing his community, blending dark humor with supernatural elements in a serialized battle against the pint-sized threats. The series, directed by Warwick Thornton and produced in Victoria, marks Butterfield's return to television lead roles following Sex Education, emphasizing his range in genre-bending long-form narratives.

Theatre work

Butterfield made his professional stage debut in 2025, starring as Martin Hill in the one-man play Second Best, an adaptation of David Foenkinos's novel by playwright Barney Norris. The production, directed by Michael Longhurst, explored themes of missed opportunities and impending fatherhood through the lens of a young man who narrowly lost the role of in the film series, grappling with the lingering impact of near-fame. It premiered on 24 January 2025 at in and ran for a limited engagement, extended due to demand until 1 March 2025. Transitioning from screen to stage presented significant challenges for Butterfield, who had spent nearly two decades in film and television since his debut at age nine. In rehearsals for Second Best, a 90-minute solo performance, he described the prospect of live audiences as "stomach-churning" and terrifying, emphasizing the absence of retakes compared to filmed work. He noted the need to adapt his naturalistic screen style for the 's demands, likening it to in engaging hundreds directly without a safety net. This debut followed the conclusion of his role in Sex Education in 2023, where, at age 25 during filming, he expressed feeling "done with playing a teenager" and sought a professional pivot for variety at 27. In 2025 interviews, Butterfield hinted at openness to further theatre work, viewing Second Best as a rewarding stretch that reignited his passion for live performance, though he did not specify immediate projects.

Other professional activities

Video games and music production

Butterfield has explored creative roles in video games beyond traditional acting, including development and voice performance. In 2013, at the age of 16, he co-designed the iPad game Racing Blind alongside his father Sam Butterfield and brother Morgan, creating a turn-based multiplayer racing experience uniquely designed to be played with eyes closed. The app, priced at 99 cents on the App Store, emphasizes tactile navigation and family collaboration, drawing from Butterfield's early interest in innovative gaming mechanics. His involvement in esports stems from a passion for competitive gaming, particularly in titles like Dota 2. In 2020, Butterfield joined the esports organization Team Liquid as a brand ambassador, leveraging his platform to promote the scene and participate in events. This affiliation continued at least through 2024, with support for tournaments and community engagement. Butterfield expanded into voice acting for video games with the 2024 release of Hades II, where he voiced the character , a key figure in the game's mythological narrative. This performance integrates his acting expertise into , contributing to the roguelike's immersive audio design within ' acclaimed series. In parallel, Butterfield maintains a in music production, experimenting with composition for personal enjoyment. He has shared insights into creating tracks, including influences from electronic and punk genres, as part of his broader creative pursuits outside film.

Acting mentorship and masterclasses

In 2017, Asa Butterfield launched his annual acting masterclass at The Reel Scene acting school in London, a three-day intensive program designed for aspiring actors. The course focuses on practical skills such as improvisation exercises, scene work from Butterfield's own films, and audition preparation techniques, including breaking down scripts into manageable sections to identify emotional shifts and character arcs. Butterfield incorporates insights from his collaborations with renowned directors, such as on Hugo (2011), emphasizing the importance of precision and adaptability in performance during Q&A sessions and hands-on coaching. The has continued annually since 2017, with in-person sessions held in . During the in 2020, Butterfield expanded his instructional reach by hosting online workshops through The Actors Gym, an international platform offering subscription-based training and live Q&As. Participants have highlighted the value of Butterfield's perspectives drawn from his early career as a , with testimonials describing the classes as transformative for building emotional depth and industry confidence—often equating the insights gained in three days to years of traditional study. The program receives consistent praise for its approachable yet professional environment, earning a rating from over 40 reviews on The Reel Scene's site.

Personal life

Relationships and residence

Butterfield has maintained a notably private personal life, rarely discussing romantic relationships in public interviews. He was in a relationship with actress from 2015 to 2016, having met on the set of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. In 2021, rumors circulated that he was dating his co-star , fueled by their on-screen chemistry and social media interactions, though neither confirmed the speculation and it appears to have ended amicably. As of 2025, Butterfield is single, with no public reports of new relationships, aligning with his preference for keeping romantic matters out of the spotlight. Butterfield resides in , where he underwent a home renovation in 2025, incorporating a Japandi-inspired design with warm timber details and soft neutrals to create a serene living space. He shares the home with his older brother, Morgan Butterfield, and several cats, reflecting a close family dynamic that balances his British roots with frequent travel for Hollywood projects. This arrangement allows him to maintain ties to his upbringing in while pursuing international work. In a 2025 , Butterfield emphasized his desire for privacy regarding personal matters, particularly as he navigates post-teen adulthood, stating he was "done with playing a teenager" after wrapping at age 25 and seeking to redefine his life beyond child stardom.

Interests and hobbies

Butterfield maintains a deep affinity for , often immersing himself in outdoor pursuits that foster a sense of connection to the environment. In a 2025 episode of the WWF UK's Call of the Wild , he described his love for forests, recounting visits to ancient woodlands that evoke the mystical settings of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, where he encourages others to "hug a " and embrace the vitality of such spaces. His enthusiasm extends to , which he views as a grounding and therapeutic activity that allows him to nurture growth amid his busy schedule. A highlight of Butterfield's travel experiences includes safaris in , where he has shared vivid accounts of close animal encounters. During the same 2025 podcast interview, he detailed road trips and observations, such as his first sighting of a , emphasizing the thrill and educational value of these expeditions in highlighting interconnected ecosystems. These adventures underscore his broader interest in environmental causes, positioning him as a vocal who promotes awareness without formal philanthropic commitments. In his leisure time, Butterfield favors casual indulgences that reflect his adopted lifestyle, notably professing a preference for local tacos over traditional British Sunday roasts. In an October 2025 interview with Secret L.A., he praised American tacos as "top tier," citing their superior flavor and accessibility in neighborhoods like . Additionally, he enjoys gaming as a recreational outlet, engaging in competitive video games to unwind, a he has pursued since his teenage years.

Recognition and filmography

Awards and nominations

Asa Butterfield's early breakthrough role in the 2011 film Hugo earned him the Breakthrough Performance – Male award at the 2012 Young Hollywood Awards, marking his transition from to a recognized young talent in Hollywood. His performance as the young mathematical prodigy Nathan in (2014) led to a nomination for at the , highlighting his ability to portray complex emotional depth in independent British cinema. For his lead role in the science fiction adaptation (2013), Butterfield received a for Best Performance by a Younger Actor at the 2014 , underscoring his growing prominence in genre films. Butterfield's portrayal of Otis Milburn in the series (2019–2023) brought him the Outstanding Comedy Actor award at the 2022 , celebrating his comedic timing and contribution to the show's success in addressing teen issues. While garnered acclaim, it did not result in Teen Choice Award nominations for Butterfield, though the series itself received broader recognition in youth-oriented entertainment. In 2025, amid the release of the animated family film Stitch Head, Butterfield reflected on his 20-year career in interviews, noting the normalcy of his long tenure in acting from child roles to mature projects, further cementing his industry recognition.

Films

Asa Butterfield began his film career as a . His notable film roles include:
YearTitleRoleNotes
2007BrettDebut film IMDb
2008The Boy in the Striped PyjamasBrunoLead role IMDb
2011HugoHugo CabretLead role IMDb
2013Lead role IMDb
2014NathanIMDb
2016Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar ChildrenJacob PortmanLead role IMDb
2017RaleighIMDb
2023FinnIMDb
2024The Land of SometimesTBDVoice role IMDb
2025Stitch HeadStitch HeadVoice role IMDb
2025Our Hero, BalthazarSolomonIMDb

Television

Butterfield has appeared in the following television series:
Year(s)TitleRoleEpisodesNotes
2019–2023Otis Milburn32Main role IMDb
TBAAdam6Upcoming Netflix miniseries IMDb
2026GnomesArnold KippsTBDUpcoming series Variety

Theatre

YearTitleRoleVenueNotes
2025Second BestMartinStage debut The Stage

Video Games

Butterfield has contributed to the following video games:
YearTitleRoleNotes
2013Racing BlindVoice / DesignerDocumentary-style game Steam
2024Hades IIIcarusVoice role Supergiant Games

References

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