From Bill Denbrough To A24 Star: Jaeden Martell's Shocking Career Evolution And 5 Must-Watch New Movies & TV Shows
Jaeden Martell, the actor formerly known as Jaeden Lieberher, has successfully navigated the notoriously difficult transition from a beloved child star to a compelling young adult lead, a feat few achieve. As of December 2025, his career is in a significant upswing, marked by high-profile releases and collaborations with major names like Nicolas Cage and Guillermo Del Toro.
The star who first captured global attention as the stuttering, determined Bill Denbrough in the It film series is now anchoring a slate of fresh, genre-bending projects. This article provides the definitive, updated list of his movies and TV shows, with a deep dive into his latest 2024 releases and the highly anticipated films that cement his status as a leading talent in Hollywood.
Jaeden Martell: Full Biography, Profile, and Milestones
Jaeden Martell’s career is defined by a consistent choice of complex, emotionally layered roles, starting from his debut to his latest independent and studio projects.
- Full Name: Jaeden Martell (Born Jaeden Wesley Lieberher)
- Date of Birth: January 4, 2003
- Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Parents: Angela Martell (mother) and Wes Lieberher (father), an executive chef.
- Career Debut: St. Vincent (2014), starring Bill Murray.
- Name Change: He began using his mother's surname, Martell, professionally around 2019/2020.
- Breakout Role: Bill Denbrough in It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019).
- Major TV Role: Jacob Barber in the Apple TV+ miniseries Defending Jacob (2020).
- Current Status: A versatile actor known for horror, drama, and comedy-horror, successfully transitioning from a child actor to a major young adult star.
The 2024 Film Slate: Martell’s Shift to Adult Roles
The year 2024 was pivotal for Jaeden Martell, showcasing his range in two major feature films that moved him squarely into mature, genre-driven territory. These projects highlight his ability to carry a film and work alongside established veterans.
1. Arcadian (2024)
Released in 2024, Arcadian is an apocalyptic creature feature that pairs Martell with Academy Award-winner Nicolas Cage. The film is set in a near-future world where a father (Cage) and his twin sons live in a remote farmhouse, constantly under threat from mysterious, nocturnal creatures.
Martell plays the role of Thomas, one of the twin sons, who must navigate the harsh realities of survival and the complex dynamics of his family. The film focuses heavily on the bond and conflict between the siblings and their father, giving Martell a significant dramatic platform. The project was lauded for its tense atmosphere and strong performances from the small, dedicated cast.
2. Y2K (2024)
Martell further demonstrated his versatility in the A24 disaster comedy-horror film, Y2K. The film is a nostalgic, yet terrifying, look back at New Year's Eve 1999, when the world feared a catastrophic computer bug.
He stars as Eli, the main protagonist, a high school student who, along with his friend, finds himself in the middle of a chaotic party when the Y2K bug—or something far worse—actually hits. Martell's performance as the awkward, relatable teenage lead grounds the film's wild, over-the-top premise, confirming his ability to handle both comedic timing and genuine horror.
Anticipated Future Projects: Horror, Mystery, and High-Profile Collaborations
Looking ahead, Jaeden Martell has secured roles in projects that promise to be major talking points in the coming year, further diversifying his filmography and expanding his topical authority in the horror and thriller genres. These are the films that fans and critics are eagerly awaiting.
3. The Boy in the Iron Box (Upcoming)
One of Martell’s most exciting upcoming ventures is the Netflix horror feature, The Boy in the Iron Box. The film is based on a novella co-written by the master of modern horror, Guillermo Del Toro, who also serves as a producer.
Martell is set to star alongside Rupert Friend and Kevin Durand in this dark project. While specific character details are scarce, his involvement in a Guillermo Del Toro-produced horror film is a significant career milestone, signaling that he is a sought-after talent for high-quality, atmospheric genre cinema. The project is expected to continue his success following his work in It.
4. Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022)
Although released in 2022, this film remains a crucial entry in Martell’s post-It career. Based on a Stephen King novella, the Netflix film sees Martell play Craig, a young man who forms an unlikely friendship with the reclusive billionaire Mr. Harrigan (Donald Sutherland).
The film delves into themes of grief, technology, and the supernatural consequences of communication beyond the grave. Martell’s performance is subtle and deeply emotional, proving his capability to handle the quiet, character-driven horror that is a hallmark of Stephen King's work. This role, along with Defending Jacob, solidified his reputation for taking on challenging literary adaptations.
5. Metal Lords (2022)
In a major departure from his usual dramatic roles, Martell starred in the Netflix comedy Metal Lords, produced by D.B. Weiss (co-creator of Game of Thrones). He plays Kevin Schlieb, a shy high school student who teams up with his best friend to start a heavy metal band in an attempt to win the school's Battle of the Bands.
This film is a testament to Martell's commitment to variety, allowing him to explore a lighter, more comedic side while still portraying an earnest and slightly awkward teenager. It successfully broadened his appeal beyond the horror and mystery genres he is most associated with.
From 'The Losers' Club' to Leading Man: An Evolving Filmography
Jaeden Martell's career trajectory is a masterclass in strategic role selection. His early work established him as a powerful dramatic actor, and his recent projects show a conscious effort to challenge himself with new genres and prestigious collaborations.
The foundation of his career includes globally recognized hits that continue to draw new audiences:
- It (2017) & It Chapter Two (2019): His portrayal of Bill Denbrough, the leader of 'The Losers' Club', is arguably his most iconic role and remains a cultural touchstone in modern horror cinema.
- Knives Out (2019): In this star-studded Rian Johnson mystery, he played Jacob Thrombey, a key member of the dysfunctional, wealthy family at the center of the story. Sharing the screen with Chris Evans and Daniel Craig proved his ability to hold his own in an ensemble cast.
- Defending Jacob (2020): His performance as Jacob Barber, a teenager accused of murder, opposite Chris Evans, was a critical success. This TV miniseries allowed him to explore a complex, morally ambiguous character over an extended format, showcasing his depth as a performer.
- Midnight Special (2016): A key early role, he played Alton Meyer, a young boy with mysterious powers, demonstrating his talent for quiet, intense drama directed by Jeff Nichols.
Jaeden Martell’s filmography is not just a list of credits; it is a narrative of growth. By choosing challenging and diverse roles—from the existential horror of Arcadian to the satirical chaos of Y2K and the quiet intensity of Defending Jacob—he has cemented his place as one of the most exciting young actors working today. Fans can look forward to his continued evolution as he tackles the dark, atmospheric world of The Boy in the Iron Box and beyond.
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