Harry Melling, the actor once known for portraying the spoiled Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series, is undergoing a striking career transformation. At 36, Melling is actively seeking roles that challenge him creatively, prioritizing “eccentric and unusual” work, and his latest project, Pillion, exemplifies that ambition.
The British actor first gained international recognition for his role as Dudley Dursley, appearing in five of the Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2010. However, Melling’s path toward becoming a character actor truly solidified after his breakout performance in the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018). He described the validation he received from Joel and Ethan Coen as a pivotal moment, allowing him to explore complex characters and creative freedom.
Pillion, a British film set to release in theaters on , represents a significant departure from Melling’s earlier work. The film is a BDSM relationship comedy, and Melling stars alongside Alexander Skarsgård. He plays Colin, a man exploring a submissive role within a dominant relationship with Ray, played by Skarsgård. Melling described the role as an opportunity to delve into a world he hadn’t previously explored, and to understand the motivations and desires of his character.
Melling emphasized the importance of the film’s emotional core, stating that the intimacy depicted is rooted in a love story. He believes audiences are drawn to the development of the characters and the exploration of their connection, rather than simply shock value. The film aims to normalize the BDSM dynamic by portraying Colin’s life outside of the relationship, showcasing a cozy family life that provides a contrasting warmth to the more provocative elements of the story.
The actor shared that he and Skarsgård adopted a collaborative approach to their performances, choosing not to extensively discuss their characters beforehand. Instead, they opted to discover the dynamic between Ray and Colin organically through their interactions on set. Their first scene together involved a physically demanding wrestling sequence, which Melling described as a way to quickly establish the power dynamic and build rapport with his co-star.
Melling’s career trajectory has been marked by a deliberate pursuit of challenging roles. Following The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, he appeared in Scott Cooper’s 2022 period mystery drama, The Pale Blue Eye, where he portrayed a younger Edgar Allan Poe. He enjoyed the opportunity to explore a different side of the iconic author, moving beyond the more commonly depicted image of Poe as a morose and depressed figure. He also appeared in Season 2 of Wolf Hall as Thomas Wriothesley, a lawyer in the court of Henry VIII.
Another upcoming project for Melling is Theo Rhys’ gothic horror musical, Stuffed, which stars Jodie Comer. The film, based on a 2021 short, centers around a taxidermist who falls in love while contemplating stuffing a human being. Melling expressed his confidence in his ability to sing and his enthusiasm for the challenge of working on a musical.
Melling’s career demonstrates a clear intention to defy typecasting and embrace diverse roles. He views himself as a character actor, focusing on the nuances and details of human behavior. He acknowledges the industry’s tendency to categorize actors but aims to challenge those expectations and build a mature and varied career. He stated his desire to work with creative people and make work that is both eccentric and unusual.
His early stage work included performances in productions of The Provoked Wife, King John, Antigone, and Plenty. He also appeared in an episode of the BBC television series Merlin, playing a young warlock.
Melling’s grandfather, Patrick Troughton, was also an actor, and he has several other relatives in the acting profession, including David Troughton, Michael Troughton, Sam Troughton, Jim Troughton, and William Troughton.
