Julian Dennison facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Julian Dennison
Dennison in 2016
Born	(2002-10-26) 26 October 2002 (age 22) Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand
Education	Hutt International Boys' School
Occupation	Actor
Years active	2013–present

Julian Dennison (born October 26, 2002) is a famous actor from New Zealand. He became well-known for his roles in major movies. You might know him as the fiery Russell "Firefist" Collins in Deadpool 2 (2018) or as Josh Valentine in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).

He first gained fame in his home country for starring in Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016). This movie became the highest-earning New Zealand film ever made. He also played Belsnickel in The Christmas Chronicles 2 and had a main role in the 2023 movie Uproar. In 2025, he played Fishlegs in the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon.

Early Life and Acting Start

Julian Dennison was born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. He is the third of four children and has a twin brother named Christian. Julian has Māori roots and belongs to the Ngāti Hauā tribe.

His acting journey began when he was in primary school. He auditioned for a movie and won his first role in the 2013 film Shopping. His performance was so good that he won an award for Best Supporting Actor. After that, he appeared in the Australian movie Paper Planes in 2015.

Rise to Fame

A big moment in Julian's career came when he worked with director Taika Waititi. First, he starred in a popular ad for the NZ Transport Agency that promoted safe driving. The ad was a huge hit online in New Zealand and Australia.

Because of his great work in the ad, Waititi cast him in the movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016). Julian didn't even have to audition for the part of Ricky Baker. The movie was loved by critics and audiences, making Julian a star in New Zealand.

Hollywood Career

His success in Wilderpeople opened doors in Hollywood. The makers of Deadpool 2 saw his performance and cast him as the super-powered teenager Russell Collins / Firefist.

After Deadpool 2, Julian's career continued to grow.

• In 2020, he played the grumpy but helpful Belsnickel in The Christmas Chronicles 2.
• In 2021, he joined the action-packed movie Godzilla vs. Kong as Josh Valentine.
• In 2023, he starred in Uproar, a film where he said he was "finding my voice" as an actor.
• In 2025, he played the lovable Viking, Fishlegs Ingerman, in the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon.

Filmography

Film

Television

See also

In Spanish: Julian Dennison para niños