Actors That Could Play Edward Cullen in the Twilight TV Series

Summary

• KJ Apa, Nicholas Hoult, and Adam Driver are top contenders for voicing Edward Cullen in the upcoming Twilight TV series.
• These actors bring versatile talents to capture Edward Cullen’s charm, vulnerability, and complexity through voice acting.
• The list also includes younger stars like Tanner Buchanan and Finn Wolfhard, who have the potential to give fresh life to the beloved character.

Edward Cullen is probably one of the names that brought the late 2000s and early 2010s obsession with vampires and werewolves back to life. The immortal character comes from The Twilight Saga, starting from a series of novels written by Stephenie Meyer, which were then brought to the screen with its first film, Twilight, released in 2008. In the movie series, Edward Cullen is portrayed by Robert Pattinson, whose career has bloomed beautifully with many interesting roles he has taken over the years following the saga’s ending.

The romance fantasy story follows Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, a forbidden love between a 104-year-old vampire who looks like an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old high school girl who recently moved to Forks, Washington, where they both reside. When the lion falls in love with the lamb, despite the danger of it all, their love story starts as a one-in-a-million high school couple and ends as a happily married vampire with a beautiful daughter.

Now that Twilight is being made as an animated TV series, many fans have started listing actors’ names who can bring Edward Cullen back on screen through their brilliant talents as voice actors. Edward’s cold, expressionless but filled with love character does fit several young and talented actors of our time. Here are the fifteen actors who could play Edward Cullen in the Twilight TV show.

Updated Mar. 15, 2024: This list has been updated by Soniya Hinduja with more talented actors who have the range and potential to bring Edward Cullen to life for a new generation in the upcoming Twilight TV series.

15 KJ Apa

Well known for his role as Archie Andrews on the hit CW series Riverdale, KJ Apa has both the acting chops to play Edward Cullen in the Twilight TV series. The New Zealand actor first drew attention through a prime-time soap opera, and he later took on roles in films like A Dog’s Purpose, The Last Summer, and I Still Believe. Apa clearly has versatility when it comes to understanding genres like drama, action, and romance.

When considered for playing Edward Cullen, KJ Apa brings the perfect blend of charm and vulnerability to his teenage form. He’s shown an intense and conflicted side in Riverdale as well, and the same brooding presence could be infused in his voice when playing a 100-year-old vampire struggling with bloodlust and pursuing a forbidden love. His gravelly voice and passionate vibe also resemble the character. Moreover, Apa has a devoted fan base that would love to see him branch out.

14 Nicholas Hoult

British actor Nicholas Hoult has appeared in the most diverse roles in his career so far. Breaking out as a child in About a Boy to gaining wider recognition for his performance as Tony Stonem in Skins, Hoult has proved that he is well versed on television, in independent dramas and big-budget blockbusters. Recently too, the actor has been getting a lot of praise for movies like The Menu and Renfield, where he plays the long-suffering servant of Dracula.

It goes without saying that the actor’s experience could infuse Edward Cullen’s personality with new layers and intricacies. Sure, his handsome face would suit the description of a vampire in a live-action version. But when translated into animation, Hoult’s voice would bring just the right amount of soulful intensity that could really unravel Edward’s inner turmoil and complex humanity in a much broader way. Fans will definitely be looking forward to a TV show that authenticates a beloved character for a new generation.

13 Adam Driver

Adam Driver may not be a rising star anymore because of how beautifully he has established himself in the industry. The actor has proven himself a force to be reckoned with in movies like Marriage Story, BlacKkKlansman, and the recent, Ferrari. Quite effortlessly. Inhabiting diverse roles that feature his range across genres, like drama, romance, comedy, and action, Driver has a rare presence that draws your attention to him every time he’s on-screen.

Edward Cullen himself is a character with unimaginable traits and charm, and the Star Wars actor could bring a lot to the table with his effortless voice modulation. Above all, Adam Driver could become a more mature embodiment of Edward Cullen by flooring a deeper and darker side of the character. Because of his phenomenal and relentless dialogue delivery in Marriage Story, we know of his potential for laying down complexities that are perfect for capturing that magnetism and affliction of a vampire. It really helps that Driver also has previous experience of voicing animated characters like Adam Sackler in The Simpsons.

12 Zac Efron

Already having started off in the television landscape as a teenager, Zac Efron has always been popular with the young crowd. He first appeared in projects like High School Musical and then actively took on roles that would give him a chance to showcase his chameleon-like abilities, earning credits for movies like 17 Again, The Greatest Showman, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, and Neighbors. Recently, Efron also appeared in the critically acclaimed biographical sports drama, The Iron Claw.

Being the heartthrob that he is, Zac Efron has only ever portrayed a goofy, funny, and good-looking guy. But, believe it or not, he evokes the physical form of immortality that Edward Cullen represents. Even beyond appearance, he possesses an appealing and hypnotic voice and the desired skill to manifest Edward’s conflicted emotions like care, the need to protect, and subtle occasional range. Paired with his knack for entertaining, Efron could definitely resurrect an epic romance for a whole new type of audience and leave us in awe.

11 Austin Butler

Austin Butler has been appearing on television for decades now. His early roles date back to the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon days, but he broke out by starring in The Carrie Diaries and The Shannara Chronicles. He even went on to feature in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood but worldwide recognition came with Elvis, where he embodied the music icon with finesse and charm, thus proving his ability to lose himself in myriad characters across time periods and genres.

Edward Cullen has a smoldering presence on screen, and Butler’s intriguing appearance is quite apt for reinventing the haunting vulnerability of the character. Especially after the way he completely immersed himself in the tragic yet glorious story of Elvis, there is no denying the fact that Butler could embody almost any sort of coarseness and authority through his voice. For the animated Twilight TV series, his experience would help him to understand Edward’s tenacious mind, and adapt his psyche – from his thirst for blood to his torment.

10 Kyle Allen

The young actor has the perfect physical qualities to portray the over 100-year-old high school young man, such as his broad shoulders and cold yet warm eyes. Kyle Allen might be able to bring a new and refreshing spin to Edward Cullen’s character as he has experience portraying a sullen young man in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things.

Edward Cullen has a long history of being charming and very protective of those he loves, especially Bella. Kyle Allen has it in him to bring out the charm and Edward’s hidden qualities that weren’t shown in the films through a switch in his pitch and voice intensity. Similar to his role in The In-Between, Edward is knowledgeable (having lived for over 100 years) in many subjects, including piano and languages. That adds an extra point for the showrunners to portray Edward Cullen as a skilled individual and for Kyle Allen to portray him accordingly.

9 Tanner Buchanan

Having won people’s hearts through his performance in Cobra Kai, the 24-year-old actor is said to have the potential to play Edward Cullen in the Twilight TV series. He’s got a beautiful appearance that can bring out Edward Cullen’s unique features, such as mesmerizing eyes and killer jawline. The actor’s age is probably the closest one on this list to Edward Cullen’s 17-year-old appearance.

Other than the physical qualities, Tanner Buchanan has also proven to be quite versatile in modulating his voice to fit himself in romance and thriller genres based on his previous roles in He’s All That and Sinister Seduction. The young man in him could bring out more of Edward Cullen’s young and playful self that we rarely got to see in the film’s saga. Although he is over 100 years old, Edward still has that small fraction of youth in him, as he enjoys sarcastic banter with his closest people.

8 Ansel Elgort

Among those male actors who are well known for their young adult roles, Ansel Elgort is one of those who are more prominent. Through his roles in young adult films such as The Fault In Our Stars and Divergent trilogy, Ansel Elgort has shown his ability to portray young adult characters who are often faced with intricate situations, which matches the story of Edward Cullen (somewhat).

He wouldn’t even have to show up on screen; just lend the same husky and hypnotic voice through an animated form and leave fans in awe of their beloved character. Through his role in West Side Story, where his character faces a problematic love story, Ansel Elgort can bring out Edward’s emotional challenges throughout his first meeting with Bella until the moment they have their fairytale ending.

7 Jacob Elordi

Since Euphoria finished its second season, Jacob Elordi has been the hot topic of rising stars thanks to his role as Nate Jacobs. Similarly to Edward Cullen, Elordi’s role in Euphoria is that of a charming high school student who is bitter and a little violent.

While Edward Cullen isn’t precisely always violent, both Jacobs and Cullen’s characters possess bitterness that comes when one struggles with their identity. Cullen feels as if he is stripped of his identity the moment he turns into a vampire, only thinking of himself as a bloodthirsty creature. Having portrayed a character with a similar identity crisis, Elordi can bring Edward Cullen’s past to life and add an emotional layer to the vampire character with his gruff voice, conflicted emotions, and authoritative tone.

6 Ewan Mitchell

The English actor is no stranger to medieval roles. He is known for his roles in The Last Kingdom and House of the Dragon. Although set in more modern times, Edward Cullen’s story starts in 1918, when he almost dies and is saved when Carlisle turns him into a vampire. The old soul of Edward Cullen can shine through Ewan Mitchell’s marvelous experience in portraying characters in medieval times.

Ewan Mitchell’s outstanding acting skills shine through his House of the Dragon role, setting him up for success in his future endeavors. His distinctive quality of modulating his voice to emote anger, distaste, or passion also supports his performance if he plays Edward Cullen, like that, his voice alone can tell stories of a character who has lived for over 100 years.

5 Kodi Smit-McPhee

Starting in the film industry as a young boy, Kodi Smit-McPhee has a long and impressive list of roles under his name. He is best known for his roles in Let Me In,Slow West, and more recently, The Power of the Dog. His experience with intense roles allows him to add depth to Edward Cullen’s character — showing his desperation for loving and protecting Bella and where his desires come from.

Edward Cullen is both intense and romantic, which Kodi Smit-McPhee embodies, seeing from his previous roles. His role in Let Me In gives him a chance to dive into the life of a young boy who befriends a female vampire, giving him familiarity with vampire characters. The actor has the cold and passionate traits to bring more out of Edward Cullen. And because he has to do so using a singular medium, Smit-McPhee could branch out and showcase his immense voice talents to the world.

4 Jamie Campbell Bower

Jamie Campbell Bower isn’t a stranger to the Twilight saga, as he landed a role in the movies as a member of the Volturi named Caius. He has proven to be able to portray a vampire character well despite his minimum screen time in the original movies. At the time, the producers wanted him to become Edward Cullen. But he didn’t and became Caius instead.

He is known for his roles in Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and more recent ones through Stranger Things and Mortal Instruments. It is safe to say that the actor is more than familiar with non-human characters — vampires and shadowhunters alike. With that in his pocket, he can bring out Edward Cullen’s vampire traits more explicitly, adding a nice contrast between the vampire character and his human lover. Through his deep voice, he creates an atmosphere where he is confident, intimidating, and protective.

3 Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet already has several very diverse roles that boosted his career. From a teenager who struggles with his identity in Call Me By Your Name to an intense and trauma-filled character in Bones and All, the young actor has diverse skills to portray many kinds of characters.

His figure perfectly matches Edward Cullen — tall, slender, and charming. But what’s more consistent with Cullen’s overall personality is Chalamet’s experience in theater. Which allows him to showcase his all-consuming seriousness, compassion, and intensity through a change in voice alone. His vast experience portraying interesting characters on the big screen will also add an extra kick to Edward Cullen’s aloof but playful personality. From romantic to intense to playful, the talented actor can bring all sides of Edward Cullen to life.

2 Penn Badgley

Known for portraying Joe Goldberg, a mysterious and a sucker for love character in You, Penn Badgley already possesses the key features of Edward Cullen’s character. Paired with that deep and gruff voice, his natural charisma and calm demeanor can bring out Edward Cullen’s characteristics in a way that sweeps the audience off their feet. Guarded, insightful, and controlling — all traits that both Joe and Edward have.

Both Joe and Edward are equally mysterious and distant at first, and it is quite prominent in the way they speak – curt sentences and aloof tones. The similarities between the two characters give Penn Badgley the upper hand in portraying Edward Cullen’s character on top of his charming figure.

1 Finn Wolfhard

Another Stranger Things star makes the list of actors to portray Edward Cullen. Finn Wolfhard’s previous roles also include It, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Hell of a Summer — all contain supernatural characters, making his experience and familiarity an excellent fit for Edward Cullen.

Having the charm and looks that fit the young man-turned-vampire Edward Cullen, he is the perfect contestant to voice an animated version of Edward Cullen in the upcoming Twilight TV series. Wolfhard has yet to uncover his full potential when it comes to playing around with voice acting, and it would be genuinely interesting to see him bring out the charm, mysterious appeal, and stubbornness that has so far only been right up Edward Cullen’s alley.