Honestly, nobody saw Luther Ford coming. One minute he’s a film production student at Arts University Bournemouth, probably worrying about a deadline, and the next, he’s the face of Prince Harry in Netflix’s juggernaut, The Crown. It’s the kind of "plucked from obscurity" story that feels like a PR myth, but it’s actually real. He wasn't even looking for the gig. His brother’s girlfriend saw a casting call on a family WhatsApp group and basically dared him to try.
Fast forward to 2026, and the guy is everywhere. If you only know him as the ginger prince, you're missing the bigger picture of what he’s been doing lately.
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From The Crown to King & Conqueror
It's pretty ironic. Ford went from playing a modern royal to a medieval one almost immediately. In the BBC One epic King & Conqueror, which hit screens in late 2025, he traded the tailored suits for chainmail. He plays Tostig Godwinson, the volatile younger brother of Harold Godwinson (James Norton).
If you’ve watched it, you know he brings this specific kind of twitchy, dangerous energy to Tostig. It’s a massive departure from the misunderstood teenager vibe he had in The Crown. Working alongside heavyweights like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau seems to have rubbed off on him. He told Man About Town magazine that filming in Iceland was basically like living in a simulation—just a bunch of actors in the freezing cold trying to recreate a 1,000-year-old battle.
Luther Ford Movies and TV Shows: The Full List (So Far)
He doesn't have a thirty-year resume yet, but the quality-to-quantity ratio is high. Most people don't realize he actually started behind the camera.
- Dream Between (2020): This is a deep cut. He actually directed this short film and played a character named Luther. It’s very much a "student film" vibe but shows he understands how a set works from the other side.
- Woods (2022): Another short where he sharpened his teeth before the Netflix call came in.
- The Crown (2023): Season 6, Part 2. This was the big bang. He played Prince Harry from roughly 1997 to 2005. To get the voice right, he reportedly listened to the Spare audiobook on loop. Talk about immersion.
- Black Doves (2024/2025): He plays Hector Newman in this Keira Knightley-led spy thriller. It’s a recurring role, but he stands his ground next to Ben Whishaw.
- King & Conqueror (2025): The 8-episode miniseries where he plays Tostig. This is arguably his best performance to date.
- Criminal Record (2026): He’s recently joined the cast for the second series of this Apple TV+ hit. Getting to work with Peter Capaldi is a huge "level up" moment for any British actor.
- The Man I Love (TBA): Keep an eye out for this one. It’s a musical drama directed by Ira Sachs, starring Rami Malek and Rebecca Hall. Ford is in the mix here, and it’s his most significant step into the world of American indie cinema.
Why He’s Not Just Another "Nepo Baby" Success
The internet loves to hunt for "nepo babies," but Ford doesn't fit the mold. He was an untrained actor. That’s rare for a lead in a show with a budget as big as The Crown.
When he got the role of Harry, he had about three weeks to prepare before he was on set with Imelda Staunton and Dominic West. He’s been very vocal about how terrifying that was. He’s mentioned in interviews that he spent the first two weeks just walking around his house saying, "I'm in The Crown," before the panic actually set in.
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What’s interesting about his 2026 trajectory is how he’s handling the "fame" side of things. He’s doing the Burberry campaigns and walking the Miu Miu runway, sure. But he also seems weirdly grounded. He told Dazed that he avoids reading comments on the Daily Mail because it’s a "mistake" he only made once. Smart move.
What’s Next for Luther Ford?
The transition from "TV actor" to "Movie star" is where most people stumble. Ford is playing it smart by sticking to high-end prestige projects. Joining a Peter Capaldi show like Criminal Record ensures he stays respected in the UK, while the Ira Sachs project The Man I Love gives him that "New York indie" street cred.
He’s also not given up on the idea of directing. Because he studied film production, he looks at scenes differently. There’s a rumor he’s been shadowing directors on his recent sets, which usually means we can expect him to be behind the camera again within the next couple of years.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Industry Observers:
- Watch King & Conqueror first: If you want to see his range beyond the "Royal" box, his performance as Tostig is the best evidence of his talent.
- Look for the "Sitter" Short: There’s a 2025 short film floating around called Sitter that he’s involved with; it’s a good look at his more experimental side.
- Follow his Fashion Work: Unlike some actors who just wear what they're told, Ford seems to actually enjoy the character-building of a runway. His Burberry Winter 2025 campaign is a masterclass in mood.
He isn't just a placeholder for a famous face anymore. Luther Ford is carving out a niche as a character actor who just happens to look like a leading man.
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Keep an eye on the upcoming Criminal Record Season 2 release on Apple TV+ to see his latest performance. If you're interested in his earlier work, check out his directing credits on IMDb to see how his style has evolved from student filmmaker to Netflix lead.