Breakthrough: Room (2015)
Tremblay’s true breakout came in 2015 with the critically acclaimed film Room. Directed by Lenny Abrahamson and based on the novel by Emma Donoghue, Room tells the harrowing story of a young boy, Jack, who was born and raised in captivity after his mother (played by Brie Larson) is kidnapped and held prisoner for years. At the time of filming, Tremblay was only seven years old, but his portrayal of Jack was beyond his years in its emotional depth and nuance.
His performance earned him rave reviews and a host of accolades, including the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer, as well as nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role and the Canadian Screen Award. Tremblay’s ability to convey the innocence and confusion of a child in such a traumatic situation stunned audiences and established him as a serious talent.
Despite the intense subject matter of Room, Tremblay approached the role with a childlike curiosity and professionalism that impressed both the cast and crew. His close working relationship with Brie Larson was widely noted, with Larson acting as a protective mentor on set, helping to shield Tremblay from the darker elements of the story. Room was a commercial and critical success, catapulting Tremblay into the international spotlight.
Continued Success: Wonder (2017)
Following Room, Jacob Tremblay continued to choose roles that allowed him to explore a wide range of emotions and experiences. In 2017, he starred in Wonder, based on the bestselling novel by R.J. Palacio. Tremblay played the lead role of August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy with a rare facial deformity who enters a mainstream school for the first time. The film focused on themes of acceptance, kindness, and the challenges of living with differences.
To portray Auggie, Tremblay underwent hours of makeup and prosthetics each day, a demanding process that he approached with the same maturity and commitment he had shown in Room. His performance was deeply affecting, capturing both the vulnerability and inner strength of his character. Wonder was a commercial hit, grossing over $300 million worldwide, and Tremblay received further praise for his ability to embody the complexities of a child navigating a difficult situation with grace and resilience.
Exploring Comedy: Good Boys (2019)
In 2019, Jacob Tremblay took a surprising turn toward comedy, starring in Good Boys, a raunchy, R-rated film produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The film followed three sixth-graders, including Tremblay’s character Max, as they embark on a chaotic adventure involving parties, crushes, and accidental mischief. The film was a departure from Tremblay’s previous dramatic roles, allowing him to showcase his comedic timing and ability to engage in physical humor.
Good Boys was a box office success, and Tremblay’s performance was highlighted for its charm and humor. Despite the film’s mature content, Tremblay managed to strike the right balance between innocence and irreverence, playing the role with a mix of wide-eyed wonder and mischievous curiosity.
Expanding Horizons: Doctor Sleep and The Predator
While Jacob Tremblay continued to take on dramatic and comedic roles, he also ventured into more genre-specific films, including horror and sci-fi. In 2018, he appeared in The Predator, a reboot of the classic sci-fi action franchise. Tremblay played Rory McKenna, a young boy who inadvertently triggers an alien invasion. While the film received mixed reviews, Tremblay’s performance was praised for adding emotional depth to the fast-paced action sequences.
In 2019, he appeared in a small but pivotal role in Doctor Sleep, the sequel to Stephen King’s The Shining. Tremblay’s character, Bradley Trevor, is a young boy who meets a tragic fate at the hands of a group of psychic vampires. Despite his brief screen time, Tremblay’s performance was chilling and impactful, demonstrating his ability to take on darker, more intense roles as he matured.
Voice Acting and Animation
Tremblay also lent his voice to animated films, expanding his repertoire into voice acting. In 2017, he voiced the character of Blue in the animated film The Smurfs: The Lost Village. His voice acting skills were further showcased in 2020 when he voiced Flounder in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. His involvement in animated and live-action projects demonstrated his versatility as an actor, capable of performing across various genres and formats.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
As Jacob Tremblay transitioned from child star to teenage actor, his career continued to evolve. He took on more challenging roles that allowed him to grow as an actor. In 2022, he starred in the drama The Life Ahead, and he is set to appear in upcoming projects, including The Toxic Avenger, where he will be acting alongside Peter Dinklage, showcasing his range from independent dramas to larger franchise films.
Tremblay is also involved in the film Queen of Bones and is voicing Luca Paguro in Pixar’s animated feature Luca, which explores themes of friendship, courage, and identity. His involvement in such high-profile projects speaks to his continued relevance and demand in Hollywood.