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Frank Dillane Returns to Spotlight in Gritty Drama 'Urchin' After Years Away from Acting

After a self‑imposed hiatus, Frank Dillane returns with 'Urchin,' in which he plays a homeless man trying to reclaim his life in London. The film premiered at Cannes in 2025—earning him Best Actor—and opens in U.K. theaters on 3rd October.

By Ankita Banerjee
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Image Courtesy: Getty

With Harris Dickinson's directorial debut, 'Urchin,' Frank Dillane is making his eagerly awaited comeback to acting after a hiatus. The former cast member of 'Fear the Walking Dead' portrays Mike, a man who lives on the periphery of civilization, in a performance that is incredibly engaging. 

Dillane, whose last significant acting role was as Nick Clark in the zombie drama, is all set to make a dramatic return with this new movie. 'Urchin' will be released in theaters in the UK, next month, after having its Cannes premiere in May of the same year. 

A Deliberate Hiatus and Reinvention

Dillane didn't take a break from acting for no reason. He played the disturbed Nick Clark for four seasons on 'Fear the Walking Dead' before withdrawing to Berlin for two years in order to escape the spotlight and the rigors of public life. 

Frank Dillane as Nick Clark - Fear The Walking Dead _ Season 2, Episode 8 -  Photo Credit: Richard Foreman Jr/AMC - 2016-10-04 - Fear The Walking Dead  Season 2

Image Courtesy: Forbes

He withdrew inward during that time, considering his position in the industry and choosing not to seize every chance. This pause allowed him to reset creatively, and when the right project came along, he was ready to return on his own terms.

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The Comeback Role and Its Power

In the upcoming film, Dillane is about to play Mike, a London rough sleeper who alternates between homelessness, imprisonment, and attempts to start over. The movie examines his battles with addiction, identity, and atonement while revealing moments of humanity and humor despite his dire circumstances.

Urchin' Review: Frank Dillane in Harris Dickinson's Directing Debut

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

Dickinson wrote and directed 'Urchin,' which made its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section. Dickinson received a FIPRESCI Award, and Dillane took up the Best Actor prize in that category. Supported by BFI, BBC Film, and other producers, the film has a duration of 99 minutes.

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Image Courtesy: Getty

In the UK, 'Urchin' will be released in theaters on 3rd October. While, in North America, it is anticipated to be distributed by 1‑2 Special in the fall of 2025. Dillane's delicate, emotionally charged performance was hailed by critics as "magnetic" and a significant turning point in his career. 

Dillane's comeback signifies a new phase of purpose rather than just a professional one. He has been open about racial issues, privilege, and the need to depict minority lives in a nuanced way. In addition to serving as his vehicle for a return, 'Urchin' offers him the opportunity to rediscover his voice and create meaningful art.

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