Julian Dennison Bio
Julian Bailey Dennison (born 26 October 2002) is a New Zealand actor whose career has spanned major international blockbusters and celebrated New Zealand productions. He first gained recognition for his breakout performance in the 2013 film Shopping, a role that earned him the New Zealand Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Dennison went on to become one of the most recognizable young performers from New Zealand, appearing in studio films and independent features on both sides of the Pacific.
Across his career, Dennison has worked alongside some of the most respected filmmakers in contemporary cinema, including Taika Waititi, and has been featured in global franchises such as Deadpool 2 and Godzilla vs. Kong. His body of work reflects a steady move from child roles to more mature leading parts, including the dramatic lead in the 2023 film Uproar and a featured role in the 2025 live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.
Early Life and Background
Julian Bailey Dennison was born on 26 October 2002 in Lower Hutt, a city in the Wellington region of New Zealand. He grew up in Lower Hutt alongside his twin brother, and his family provided an early link to the performing arts. Dennison is of Māori descent and a member of the Ngāti Hauā iwi, which is part of the larger Tainui tribal confederation. His mother, Mabelle Dennison, is an actress whose career offered a natural doorway into the entertainment industry.
From a young age, Dennison showed an interest in performing, and his school years played a key role in shaping his early ambitions. He attended Naenae Primary School, where he first auditioned and was eventually cast in his first film role. Later in his education, he went on to attend Hutt International Boys’ School in Upper Hutt, balancing his growing acting commitments with his schooling.
Path to Acting
Dennison’s first professional opportunity came through his primary school audition, which led directly to a part in the 2013 New Zealand film Shopping. The performance earned him the Rialto Channel New Zealand Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, an early signal that the young performer had a serious screen presence. The success of that role opened doors to other projects in the region, including the 2015 Australian film Paper Planes.
A pivotal moment in Dennison’s early path came through a New Zealand Transport Agency public service announcement discouraging driving under the influence of drugs. The advertisement became an internet sensation across New Zealand and Australia and was directed by Taika Waititi. Waititi was impressed by Dennison’s performance and later invited him to star in Hunt for the Wilderpeople in 2016 without requiring a formal audition, cementing one of the most important creative partnerships of his early career.
Julian Dennison Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Julian Bailey Dennison began his career as a child performer with the 2013 New Zealand film Shopping, which served as the foundation for his rapid rise in the local industry. His portrayal earned him the New Zealand Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the youngest winners of the honor. This debut quickly established him as a promising talent within New Zealand cinema.
Following the success of Shopping, Dennison expanded his work beyond New Zealand, taking a part in the 2015 Australian film Paper Planes. During these early years, he also appeared in a high-profile Transport Agency advertisement that became widely shared online. Together, these projects gave him the range of experience needed to step into larger productions.
Breakthrough (2016–2020)
The turning point of Julian Bailey Dennison’s career arrived with the 2016 film Hunt for the Wilderpeople, directed by Taika Waititi. Dennison played the role of Ricky Baker, a troubled young boy at the center of the story, and the film became the highest-grossing New Zealand film in history at the time of its release. The role received widespread critical praise and turned Dennison into an international name, particularly among younger audiences.
Building on that momentum, Dennison joined the global blockbuster Deadpool 2 in 2018, taking on the role of Russell Collins, also known as Firefist. The casting was a direct result of his work in Hunt for the Wilderpeople and the friendship between Taika Waititi and the Deadpool filmmaking team. In 2020, he co-starred in The Christmas Chronicles 2, portraying the character Belsnickel while also voicing the character’s elf form, further demonstrating his range across live-action and voice performance.
Continued Success (2021–2023)
In 2021, Julian Bailey Dennison took on a large supporting role as Josh Valentine in the monster sequel Godzilla vs. Kong, joining a major international franchise. The film allowed him to work on a much larger scale and reach an even broader audience. He continued to diversify his career with the 2023 film Uproar, in which he played the main role of Josh Waaka.
His performance in Uproar was praised by The Age for its admirable restraint, with critics noting a more mature edge to his work. In an interview with The Post, Dennison shared that the role was a personal milestone, describing it as the moment he felt he was finding his voice as an actor. In 2023, he was also cast in the A24 film Y2K, adding another notable independent project to his growing résumé.
Notable Works and Milestones
Julian Bailey Dennison’s signature works include Ricky Baker in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Russell Collins in Deadpool 2, Belsnickel in The Christmas Chronicles 2, Josh Valentine in Godzilla vs. Kong, and Josh Waaka in Uproar. His early win at the New Zealand Film Awards for Shopping remains a defining milestone, marking him as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Julian Dennison Upcoming Projects
Julian Bailey Dennison is set to appear in the 2025 live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, where he will play the role of Fishlegs Ingerman. The casting was announced in January 2024 and represents one of his most high-profile family-friendly projects to date. The film is expected to bring him to an even wider global audience as part of a major studio release.
Julian Dennison Family
Julian Bailey Dennison was raised in Lower Hutt, Wellington, by his mother, Mabelle Dennison, who is also an actress. He has a twin brother named Christian, with whom he shares a close bond. His Māori heritage is an important part of his identity, and he is a member of the Ngāti Hauā iwi within the Tainui tribal confederation.
Personal Life
On 19 January 2026, Julian Bailey Dennison married Christian Baledrokadroka in a private ceremony. Beyond his marriage, Dennison has kept most of his personal life out of the public eye, focusing public attention on his craft and his steady growth as a performer in both New Zealand and international productions.