William Jack Poulter, known professionally as Will Poulter, is a British actor who has moved from child star to blockbuster leading man. With a BAFTA award, a recurring role in The Bear, and a debut as Adam Warlock in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his career spans comedy, drama, and sci‑fi. This article covers his age, height, net worth, most famous roles, and the viral meme that followed him for years.
Born in London in 1993, Poulter began acting in school plays and landed his first film role at 14. Since then he has appeared in fantasy epics, dystopian adventures, and critically acclaimed series, building a reputation for versatility.
Below is a breakdown of the key facts every fan wants to know, from his physical stats to his financial standing, followed by a deep dive into his filmography, his unexpected internet fame, and what lies ahead.
Who is Will Poulter? Age, Height, and Net Worth
William Jack Poulter
28 January 1993 (London, England)
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Eustace Scrubb (Narnia), Gally (Maze Runner), Chef Luca (The Bear), Adam Warlock (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)
- Will Poulter earned a British Academy Film Award, one of the youngest to do so.
- He gained early fame as a child actor in Son of Rambow and School of Comedy.
- His portrayal of Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is widely recognized.
- Poulter’s role as the meme-genic bewildered face comes from a 2014 interview photo.
- In 2023 he debuted as Adam Warlock in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 January 1993 (age 32) |
| Height | 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) |
| Net Worth (estimated) | $3–5 million |
| BAFTA Win | Yes – British Academy Film Award (category unspecified per Wikipedia) |
| Instagram Followers | 1.2 million (as of 2025) |
| Most Viewed Film | The Revenant (2015) or Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) |
What Are Will Poulter’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
Poulter’s filmography shows a steady climb from independent British film to Hollywood tentpoles. Below are the key chapters of his career, broken down by major roles.
Early Roles: Son of Rambow and School of Comedy
Poulter made his feature debut in 2007 as Lee Carter in Son of Rambow, a coming‑of‑age story about two boys making a home‑movie tribute to Rambo. The film earned positive reviews and introduced Poulter as a talented young actor. He then appeared in the television sketch show School of Comedy in 2009, showcasing his comedic timing.
Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia
In 2010 he played Eustace Scrubb, a central character in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The role placed him in a major fantasy franchise and introduced him to an international audience. His performance as the initially unpleasant boy who undergoes a transformation was widely noted. For more on the Chronicles of Narnia cast, see our related coverage.
Gally in The Maze Runner Series
Poulter took on the antagonist role of Gally in the 2014 film The Maze Runner, based on the novel by James Dashner. The film was a commercial success, and Poulter’s intense portrayal of the conflicted character earned him recognition among young‑adult film fans. He reprised the role in the sequel, The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015).
Chef Luca in The Bear
In 2022 Poulter appeared in the hit series The Bear as Chef Luca, a skilled and friendly chef who mentors the main character. The role was a departure from his earlier villainous parts and demonstrated his range in dramatic character work. His performance was praised by critics and audiences alike.
Adam Warlock in the MCU
Poulter entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) playing Adam Warlock, a powerful artificial being. The role was highly anticipated and brought him into one of the world’s biggest film franchises. He is expected to reprise the character in future MCU projects. Read more about the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline on our site.
Poulter’s casting as Adam Warlock came after years of speculation. The character had been teased in post‑credits scenes, and Poulter was announced for the part in 2021. The film premiered in May 2023 to strong box office results.
Why Is Will Poulter Known as a Meme?
One of the most persistent topics around Will Poulter is a viral meme that uses a photo of him looking bewildered. The image originates from a 2014 interview conducted during the press tour for The Maze Runner. In the picture, Poulter’s facial expression—raised eyebrows, open mouth—was quickly seized by internet users and repurposed in reaction memes.
Poulter himself has discussed the meme in interviews, often with good humour. He acknowledged that the image took on a life of its own. Despite being slightly awkward, he has said he accepts it as part of his online presence. Unlike many celebrities who try to suppress unwanted memes, Poulter’s openness has helped turn the moment into a harmless piece of internet culture.
The meme is now a well‑known part of his digital footprint. It has been used on Twitter, Reddit, and other platforms. While some speculate that the meme might have impacted his career, there is no evidence that it harmed his opportunities. In fact, it may have increased his recognisability among younger audiences.
Multiple sources confirm that the photo was taken during a Maze Runner press event in 2014. The exact photographer is not universally credited, but the image is widely known as “Will Poulter confused.” Poulter has referenced it in interviews without objection.
Will Poulter Career Timeline: Key Milestones
The following ordered list tracks Poulter’s major career events from debut to his most recent MCU role.
- – First major film role in Son of Rambow as Lee Carter.
- – TV sketch show School of Comedy.
- – Played Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
- – Played Gally in The Maze Runner; viral meme photo taken.
- – Appeared in The Revenant and later Detroit (2017).
- – Starred in We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.
- – Recurring role in The Bear as Chef Luca.
- – Debuted as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
What Do We Know for Certain About Will Poulter – and What Remains Unclear?
Like many public figures, some details about Poulter are well‑established while others are the subject of rumour. The table below separates confirmed facts from information that is still uncertain.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 28 January 1993 – confirmed by public records. | Net worth – estimates range from $2–5 million; no official disclosure. |
| Height consistently reported as 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m). | Personal relationships – Poulter keeps his private life out of the media. |
| Meme origin: 2014 interview photo from Maze Runner press. | Future MCU projects beyond Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 have not been officially announced. |
| Won a BAFTA (British Academy Film Award). | Exact category of his BAFTA win is not specified in standard biographical sources. |
| Instagram account @willpoulter verified with 1.2 million followers. | Salary details per film are not publicly available. |
How Did Will Poulter Build Such a Varied Career?
Will Poulter started as a child actor in small British productions and gradually expanded into large‑scale franchises. His early work in Son of Rambow and School of Comedy showed both dramatic and comedic ability. After Narnia, he avoided being typecast by taking different kinds of roles: the aggressive Gally in The Maze Runner, a supporting part in the Oscar‑winning The Revenant, and then a shift to more character‑driven pieces like We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.
His casting in The Bear further proved his range. The show’s intense kitchen setting and emotional depth required a subtle performance, which Poulter delivered. The Marvel role, by contrast, required physicality and a different kind of charisma. This combination of indie credibility and franchise appeal is rare among actors his age.
The meme, while unintentional, contributed to his cultural visibility. He addressed it publicly without resentment, which likely helped maintain a positive public image. Overall, his career trajectory shows deliberate choices that avoided over‑exposure in any single genre.
No official financial documents are public for Will Poulter. The $3–5 million figure comes from celebrity net worth aggregators and should be treated as an informed guess, not a confirmed number.
What Do Interviews and Profiles Reveal About Will Poulter?
High‑authority sources like The Guardian, BBC Radio 1, and GQ have interviewed Poulter over the years. In a 2014 Guardian profile, he discussed the challenge of transitioning from child roles to adult parts. In a 2023 BBC Radio 1 interview, he spoke about joining the MCU and his reaction to the Adam Warlock fan casting that preceded his announcement. GQ in 2015 covered his fashion and growing public profile.
“I’ve always tried to pick roles that scare me a little bit. If I’m comfortable, it’s probably not the right job.”
These interviews consistently describe Poulter as thoughtful and self‑aware, with a sense of humour about his internet fame. He has been praised by directors for his professionalism and willingness to take on challenging material.
What’s Next for Will Poulter?
Will Poulter is set to reprise Adam Warlock in future MCU projects, though no specific films have been officially confirmed as of early 2025. Rumours point to a possible role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 or a cross‑over in another Marvel property. No other major film announcements have been made. Poulter continues to build a career that balances blockbuster visibility with independent and television work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Will Poulter married?
As of 2025, Will Poulter has not publicly confirmed any marriage. He keeps his personal life private.
What is Will Poulter’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram handle is @willpoulter (verified).
Does Will Poulter have siblings?
He has a brother named Jamie Poulter.
What awards has Will Poulter won?
He has won a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for an unspecified category, as noted in his Wikipedia biography.
How tall is Will Poulter?
Will Poulter is 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall.
What is Will Poulter’s net worth?
Estimates range from $3 to $5 million, but no official figure has been disclosed.
Who did Will Poulter play in Narnia?
He played Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Who played Gally in Maze Runner?
Will Poulter played Gally in The Maze Runner and its sequel.
What is the Will Poulter meme?
A photo from a 2014 interview during The Maze Runner press tour shows Poulter with a bewildered expression. The image became a viral reaction meme.
What is Will Poulter’s role in The Bear?
He plays Chef Luca, a friendly and skilled chef who appears in a recurring role during season 2.
Sources: Wikipedia – Will Poulter · IMDb · Instagram @willpoulter · BAFTA · BBC Entertainment · The Guardian
Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, responsible for daily editorial planning, the publishing schedule, newsroom workflow, article commissioning and final editorial preparation.