Jonah Hauer-King has transitioned from British stage and indie drama roots into a recognizable international presence. Best known globally for playing Prince Eric in Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid, his career spans gritty historical miniseries, studio horror sequels, and wartime dramas.
Tracking his trajectory reveals an actor who intentionally avoids typecasting. He pivots between big-budget family fantasy and emotionally heavy historical adaptations like The Tattooist of Auschwitz. This breakdown maps his complete filmography, key television breakthroughs, and the projects shaping his career.
Early Breakthroughs and Indie Foundations
Before headlining studio tentpoles, Hauer-King built his resume in British period pieces and independent cinema. Educated at St John's College, Cambridge, he balanced university theatre with early screen work.
His feature film debut came in 2017 with The Last Photograph, playing Luke Hammond. That same year, he secured notable television roles that established his period-drama credentials. He appeared as Paul Wilcox in the BBC adaptation of Howards End and portrayed Theodore "Laurie" Laurence in Little Women.
These early projects highlighted a specific casting appeal: an earnest, classic leading-man quality well-suited for literary adaptations. He followed these with roles in the indie drama Postcards from London (2018) and the World War II drama Ashes in the Snow (2018), where he played Andrius Aras.
The Turning Point: Family Film and Wartime Drama
In 2019, Hauer-King landed two contrasting roles that broadened his audience. He starred as Lucas, a young man devoted to rescuing a displaced dog in the family film A Dog's Way Home. The film performed well globally, introducing him to family audiences.
Simultaneously, he took on complex historical material. He played Dovidl in the musical drama The Song of Names (2019) and stepped into the role of Harry Chase in the ambitious BBC television series World on Fire (2019–2023). As a British soldier navigating the global chaos of World War II across multiple seasons, Hauer-King displayed a gritty range that moved him past simple heartthrob casting. He also appeared as archaeologist Max Mallowan in the television film Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar (2019).
Global Recognition: The Little Mermaid and Beyond
The defining commercial milestone of his career arrived when director Rob Marshall cast him as Prince Eric in Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid (2023). Starring opposite Halle Bailey, Hauer-King contributed vocals to the soundtrack and anchored the human side of the underwater fantasy. The film grossed over half a billion dollars worldwide, instantly elevating his international profile.
Rather than chasing purely commercial follow-ups, he immediately returned to heavy dramatic television. In 2024, he took on the lead role of Lale Sokolov in Sky and Peacock's harrowing adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Shaving his head and losing significant weight for the role, he delivered a critically praised performance that showcased his commitment to intense character work.
Recent Projects and Expanding Range
Hauer-King's recent slate demonstrates a deliberate shift toward varied genres, including horror, thriller, and satire.
He joined Sony Pictures' legacy sequel I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) as Milo Griffin, stepping into the slasher genre. He also secured roles in the military drama A House of Dynamite (2025) as Lieutenant Commander Robert Reeves, the satirical thriller Rich Flu, and the dark comedy The Threesome (2025).
On television, he expanded his genre footprint by joining the iconic British sci-fi institution Doctor Who in 2025 as Conrad Clark. His ability to jump between Disney musicals, historical trauma narratives, and modern horror franchises underscores an unpredictable career path.
Complete Film and Television Credits
For quick reference, here is the chronological breakdown of Jonah Hauer-King's screen credits:
- The Last Photograph (2017) – Luke Hammond
- Howards End (2017) – Paul Wilcox (TV, 2 episodes)
- Little Women (2017) – Theodore "Laurie" Laurence (TV, 3 episodes)
- Postcards from London (2018) – David
- Old Boys (2018) – Winchester
- Ashes in the Snow (2018) – Andrius Aras
- A Dog's Way Home (2019) – Lucas
- The Song of Names (2019) – Dovidl (aged 17–23)
- World on Fire (2019–2023) – Harry Chase (TV, Main role)
- Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar (2019) – Max Mallowan (TV film)
- This Is the Night (2021) – Christian Dedea
- The Flatshare (2022) – Mo (TV, Main role)
- The Little Mermaid (2023) – Prince Eric
- The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024) – Lale Sokolov (TV Miniseries, Main role)
- William Tell (2024) – Rudenz
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) – Milo Griffin
- A House of Dynamite (2025) – Lieutenant Commander Robert Reeves
- Doctor Who (2025) – Conrad Clark (TV, 3 episodes)
You can explore more background details and official updates via his IMDb Profile or browse studio announcements on Sony Pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jonah Hauer-King sing in The Little Mermaid?
Yes. He performed original musical numbers for the film, including "Wild Uncharted Waters" and vocals on "Fathoms Below".
What is Jonah Hauer-King's most famous role?
Globally, he is best recognized for playing Prince Eric in Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid (2023) and Lale Sokolov in The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024).
Is Jonah Hauer-King related to any other public figures?
His mother, Debra Haak, is a former theatre producer, and his father, Jeremy King, is a prominent London restaurateur.
What was his first major television role?
His breakthrough television appearances came in 2017 when he simultaneously booked roles in the miniseries adaptations of Howards End and Little Women.
