Will Sharpe has built a strong reputation through his work as an actor, writer, and director. He has appeared in a variety of acclaimed television series and films over the years.
Many viewers first noticed Will Sharpe through recent high-profile projects, but his career includes much more than a single role.
If you’re looking for information about Will Sharpe movies and TV shows, this blog covers his career highlights, notable performances, and the projects that have shaped his success in film and television.
Who is Will Sharpe?
Will Sharpe is a British actor, writer, and director known for his work in film and television.
Born on 22 September 1986 in London, England, he comes from a British-Japanese family and spent part of his childhood in Tokyo before growing up in Surrey.
He studied Classics at the University of Cambridge and served as president of the Footlights dramatic club.
After joining the Royal Shakespeare Company, he built a successful career across acting, writing, and directing. He also co-wrote and directed Black Pond, which earned a BAFTA nomination and helped establish his reputation in the industry.
Will Sharpe began his professional career after graduating from the University of Cambridge in 2008 and joining the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Alongside acting, Sharpe established himself as a writer and director. He co-wrote and starred in Black Pond (2011), which earned a BAFTA nomination, and later created, wrote, directed, and starred in the acclaimed comedy-drama Flowers.
Complete List of Will Sharpe Movies and TV Shows
Will Sharpe has appeared in several notable films and television series throughout his career. Here are some of his most popular and critically acclaimed projects.
1. The White Lotus (2022)
The White Lotus is a dark comedy-drama series set at a luxury resort in Sicily. The season follows wealthy guests and hotel staff as personal conflicts, secrets, and relationship tensions unfold during their stay.
- Genre: Dark comedy-drama with satire, mystery, and social commentary.
- Setting: A luxury resort in Sicily.
- Main Story: The season follows marriage, money, friendship, desire, and power dynamics among the guests.
- Will Sharpe’s Character: He played Ethan Spiller, a tech entrepreneur traveling with his wife and another couple.
2. Flowers (2016–2018)
Flowers is a British comedy-drama series about a troubled family dealing with personal and emotional struggles while living together.
- Genre: Comedy-drama with dark humor.
- Setting: A countryside home where the Flowers family faces various challenges.
- Main Story: The series focuses on family relationships, creativity, and mental health.
- Will Sharpe’s Contribution: He played Shun and also created, wrote, and directed the series.
3. Giri/Haji (2019)
Giri/Haji is a British-Japanese crime drama that follows a detective searching for his missing brother across Tokyo and London.
- Genre: Crime drama and thriller.
- Setting: Tokyo and London.
- Main Story: The story focuses on family loyalty, crime, and personal sacrifice.
- Will Sharpe’s Character: He played Rodney Yamaguchi, a role that earned him a BAFTA Television Award.
4. Defending the Guilty (2018–2019)
Defending the Guilty is a legal comedy that follows young barristers starting their careers in criminal law. The series combines workplace humor with courtroom drama.
- Genre: Legal comedy.
- Setting: London’s legal system.
- Main Story: The series follows trainee lawyers handling cases and workplace challenges.
- Will Sharpe’s Character: He played Will Packham, a pupil barrister.
5. Landscapers (2021)
Landscapers is a crime drama miniseries inspired by the real-life case of Susan and Christopher Edwards. The series received praise for its unusual visual style and storytelling approach.
- Genre: Crime drama.
- Setting: England.
- Main Story: The series examines a high-profile criminal case and its aftermath.
- Will Sharpe’s Contribution: He directed all four episodes.
6. Black Pond (2011)
Black Pond is a British dark comedy film that follows a family whose lives change after an unexpected tragedy. The film helped establish Will Sharpe as a promising writer and filmmaker.
- Genre: Dark comedy.
- Setting: Suburban England.
- Main Story: The film goes over guilt, family relationships, and media attention.
- Will Sharpe’s Contribution: He co-wrote the film and played a leading role.
7. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is a biographical drama based on the life of the famous British artist. The film explores his artistic success, personal relationships, and struggles.
- Genre: Biographical drama.
- Setting: Britain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Main Story: The film follows Wain’s artistic career and personal life.
- Will Sharpe’s Contribution: He directed the film.
8. Sherlock (2012)
Sherlock is a modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories starring Benedict Cumberbatch. The series reimagines classic mysteries in present-day London.
- Genre: Crime drama and mystery.
- Setting: Modern-day London.
- Main Story: Sherlock Holmes investigates complex criminal cases.
- Will Sharpe’s Character: He appeared as Corporal Lyons in The Hounds of Baskerville.
9. The Darkest Universe (2016)
The Darkest Universe is a British comedy-drama film about a man searching for answers after a friend’s disappearance. The film combines humor, mystery, and emotional storytelling.
- Genre: Comedy-drama.
- Setting: Various locations across Britain.
- Main Story: The story showcases friendship, loss, and self-discovery in a beautiful way.
- Will Sharpe’s Contribution: He co-directed the film and played Zac.
10. Casualty (2009–2010)
Casualty is one of Britain’s longest-running medical drama series. The show follows doctors, nurses, and hospital staff as they handle emergencies and personal challenges.
- Genre: Medical drama.
- Setting: A hospital emergency department.
- Main Story: The series follows medical staff handling emergencies and personal challenges.
- Will Sharpe’s Character: He played junior doctor Yuki Reid.
11. A Real Pain (2024)
A Real Pain is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. The film follows a group journey – showing family relationships, grief, and personal growth.
- Genre: Comedy-drama.
- Setting: A group tour across Poland.
- Main Story: Family relationships and personal growth.
- Will Sharpe’s Character: He played James, a British tour guide.
Other Notable Projects
These additional television credits reflect Will Sharpe’s appearances across comedy, drama, and satire throughout his career.
| Project | Year | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Never Mind the Buzzcocks | 2008 | Writer |
| The Wrong Door | 2008 | Writer |
| Cockroach | 2009 | Director, Writer & Actor |
| Sirens | 2011 | Guest Actor |
| Dirk Gently | 2012 | Guest Actor |
| Babylon | 2014 | Guest Actor |
| The Life of Rock with Brian Pern | 2014 | Guest Appearance |
| W1A | 2017 | Recurring Guest Actor |
| The House | 2022 | Voice Actor |
| Emmanuelle | 2024 | Lead Actor |
| Too Much | 2025 | Lead Actor |
| Amadeus | 2025 | Lead Actor & Executive Producer |
| Star Wars: Visions | 2025 | Voice Actor |
| Extrasensory | 2024–present | Podcast Host |
Will Sharpe: Awards and Recognition
Will Sharpe has earned strong recognition as an actor, writer, and director.
His work across Giri/Haji, Flowers, The White Lotus, and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain has brought him major award attention and helped establish him as a multi-talented creative voice.
- BAFTA TV Award Win: Won recognition for his supporting role as Rodney Yamaguchi in Giri/Haji.
- Emmy Nomination: Earned major awards attention for his role as Ethan Spiller in The White Lotus Season 2.
- BAFTA Debut Recognition: His first feature film, Black Pond, received notable debut recognition.
- Recognition For Flowers: Flowers, which he created, wrote, directed, and starred in, earned strong critical praise.
- Industry Praise: His work continues to be praised for its emotional depth, sharp writing, and distinct visual style.
Conclusion
Will Sharpe has built a respected career as an actor, writer, and director across film and television.
From Black Pond to The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, he has shown strong creative range both on-screen and behind the camera.
For anyone looking to start with Will Sharpe movies and TV shows, his career offers a clear look at his growing impact in modern entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Will Sharpe Have a Real Accent?
Yes, Will Sharpe naturally has a British accent. He can also adapt his accent for different acting roles.
How Tall is Will Sharpe?
Will Sharpe is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
Is Will Sharpe Fluent in Japanese?
Yes, Will Sharpe speaks Japanese. He spent part of his childhood in Tokyo and has said he can speak the language, although he describes his fluency as conversational rather than fully native.
Is Will Sharpe Really a Musician?
No, Will Sharpe is not a professional musician. However, he has performed music and learned instruments for some of his acting roles.
