After a successful four-season run, Netflix's popular coming-of-age series Sex Education has come to an end. The show, known for its talented cast including Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield, bravely tackled taboo subjects that teenagers often face in high school. While the show received critical acclaim for various aspects, the casting choices played a significant role in its success. Both Anderson and Butterfield were already well-known before the series premiered in 2019, but Sex Education also helped launch the careers of breakout stars Ncuti Gatwa and Emma Mackey, who were also part of the hit film Barbie in 2023.
Now that the sexual misadventures of Otis Milburn and his friends have concluded on Netflix, the diverse and talented cast of Sex Education is ready to explore new opportunities in the world of film and television. Showrunner and playwright Laurie Nunn, who created the series, is already working on her next project titled The Summer House, which is set to be an ensemble drama. Despite the majority of Sex Education's characters being portrayed by British actors, their talent and success has not limited their ambitions to work in Hollywood, as many of them are also considering opportunities in American projects.
9 Asa Butterfield
Hugo and Ender's Game actor Asa Butterfield is keeping busy with four upcoming projects after wrapping up his role as Otis, the socially awkward sex therapist on Sex Education. Among these projects are two voice acting roles in the animated sci-fi movie Watch The Skies, which is currently in production, and Stitch Head, a comedic animated film with a Frankenstein-style creature, still in the pre-production stage. As of now, Butterfield's characters in both movies are unknown.
In addition, Butterfield will be starring in the film College Republicans, continuing his involvement with campus politics narratives. He will be joined by Logan Lerman, known for his role in Percy Jackson, for this project that is currently in pre-production. Furthermore, Butterfield will be returning to Prime Video for a sequel to his 2022 holiday romantic comedy Your Christmas or Mine. Expected to be released in December 2023, Your Christmas or Mine 2 will reunite Butterfield with his on-screen love interest Cora Kirk and introduce Jane Krakowski, a newcomer to the franchise and previously known for her role in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
8 Emma Mackey
From navigating love troubles to enduring personal tragedies, Emma Mackey's resilient character Maeve has faced numerous challenges in the final season of Sex Education. As Mackey prepares to leave behind Maeve's shadow, she will showcase her talents in the poignant human drama Hot Milk. The intriguing plot follows a mother with a domineering nature who embarks on a journey to the Spanish coast with her daughter, all while grappling with a grave illness. Joining the cast are Fiona Shaw (renowned for her role as Aunt Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter films) and Vicky Krieps (the talented German actress from Phantom Thread).
7 Ncuti Gatwa
Eric, Otis' best friend, had an eventful journey in the final season of Sex Education. Through various subplots, he not only formed new friendships but also underwent a significant exploration of his sexual and religious identity. This talented actor of Rwandan-Scottish descent has been announced as the next Doctor Who and is set to debut in 2022 as the fifteenth Doctor. Additionally, he will be starring in a fresh adaptation of Charles Dickens's David Copperfield and will make an appearance in an episode of the World War II miniseries Masters of the Air, alongside Barry Keoghan and Austin Butler, who will portray US Air Force pilots.
6 Connor Swindells
Sex Education’s Adam underwent a significant transformation throughout the series, shifting from a conventional bully to a soft-spoken young man struggling to find his purpose in life. In terms of the actor portraying Adam, Connor Swindells has charted a clear career path for himself. Following a supporting role in Barbie alongside fellow Sex Education stars Ncuti Gatwa and Emma Mackey, Swindells is set to grace the second season of the historical drama SAS: Rogue Heroes, created by Steven Knight. In this series, Swindells takes on the role of the real-life Scottish officer, David Stirling, as the narrative explores the origins of the British Army Special Air Service during World War II.
5 Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson, best known for her role in The X-Files, has made a successful comeback in her TV career as the affable sex therapist Jean Milburn. However, her latest projects prove that she is not stopping there. Apart from her portrayal in Sex Education, where she deals with her son Otis, a demanding radio show, and the father of Jean's baby, Anderson, a two-time Emmy winner, will now lend her voice to the character of Captain MacLaren in Squadron 42, the action-packed military game. Additionally, she will share the screen with Jason Isaac in the compelling marriage drama The Salt Path, join forces with Game of Thrones' Lena Headey in the TV series The Abandons, and don the role of Emily Maitlis in Scoop, a biographical drama revealing the bombshell interview conducted by the BBC with Prince Andrew, shedding light on his connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
4 Mimi Keene
British actress Mimi Keene had an eventful 2023 as she bid farewell to her role as Ruby Matthews in Sex Education. Just before the final season started streaming, Keene also starred in After Everything, the final installment in the romantic drama series based on the novel franchise. In this film, she portrayed Nathalie, a former love interest of Hero Fiennes Tiffin's protagonist. However, as of now, there are no other upcoming projects for Keene beyond these two titles in 2023.
3 Aimee Lou Wood
Aimee Lou Wood's portrayal of a warm-hearted friend, Maeve, in Sex Education marks a turning point in her character's journey as she discovers a newfound love for photography and finds the courage to assert herself. This breakthrough performance sets the stage for Wood's promising career, which will soon see her take on the role of Queen Dagan, a haughty ruler who faces a downfall in the British historical satire Seize Them. Additionally, Wood is set to appear in the miniseries Alice & Jack, a captivating romantic drama featuring acclaimed actors Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough. Another exciting project in Wood's future filmography is Toxic Town, a gripping Netflix original that delves into the lives of three mothers affected by the 2009 Corby toxic waste case. With such diverse roles on the horizon, Wood's talent and versatility are sure to captivate audiences.
2 Alistair Petrie
Adam’s upright father and the former headmaster of Moordale Secondary School, Mr. Groff, is portrayed by Alistair Petrie in Sex Education. Current in pre-production, Petrie is also involved in the TV drama Now & Then, an intriguing project that revolves around a man who embarks on a journey to reconnect with his childhood following the passing of his father. Joining Petrie in the cast are esteemed British humorist Stephen Fry and Geraldine James from Silo. Additionally, Petrie is set to assume the role of Mari's father, the main character, in the upcoming short film Merman II.
1 Kedar Williams-Stirling
Kedar Williams-Stirling, known for his role as Jackson in Sex Education, portrayed a charismatic and athletic character. In the final season, Jackson's character went through a significant transformation as he embarked on a journey to mend his relationship with his parents while also dealing with a perplexing medical crisis. As per IMDb, the actor currently has no other projects lined up. Kedar Williams-Stirling has demonstrated his versatility in projects like Steve McQueen's Small Axe, specifically in the "Lover's Rock" segment, and Seth Green's comedic film Changeland. Given his diverse resume, it is uncertain what his next venture will be in the British actor's repertoire.
Source: IMDb