At just 19, Joe Freeman is already turning heads as one of TV’s freshest faces. The British newcomer makes his breakout in The Institute, the gripping adaptation of Stephen King’s thriller, where he plays Luke Ellis. Equal parts sharp, vulnerable, and rebellious, Freeman brings a magnetic screen presence that keeps you hooked from his very first scene. It’s a role that could easily overwhelm a newcomer, but Freeman owns it with the ease of a seasoned pro. With a natural ability to make even the wildest plot twists feel grounded, he’s carving his own path in the industry—no small feat for someone stepping into the global spotlight for the first time. If The Institute is his launchpad, Joe Freeman is the kind of star you’ll be binge-watching for years to come.
We chatted about stepping into the industry as a newcomer, from on-set challenges to off-screen inspirations. Shot on location in London by photographer David Reiss and styled by Keeley Dawson in exclusive with FY! this is Joe—unfiltered, thoughtful, and ready for whatever fashion questions we throw at him!
You decided to pursue acting after finishing school, did you have any training? How much of your process is instinct versus preparation and growing up in a household with working actors, did that have an influence on your approach to your craft?
I do not have any acting training. My craft came naturally to me. I did have actors in the house with me growing up, but when you’re a child you don’t really think about it.
Was there a moment on set or stage when you thought, “This is exactly what I’m meant to be doing”?
I’m not sure it was a specific moment but the filming of the show as a whole really solidified that belief.
Have you watched The Office? Would you ever want to work in an office?
I love The Office! Both UK and US. I’d work in one if it was like Wernam and Hogg or Dunder Mufflin!
What’s a lesson you’ve learned in this industry that no one prepared you for?
Don’t be nervous, an almost impossible task, but we are all there to do the same job and mistakes are part of learning.
Compared to actors in the past, your generation has very much grown up with social media and even scripted TV. Has social media made it easier or harder for actors to stay authentic?
I think social media makes everything harder. In our industry it lowers people’s attention spans, which can be detrimental to our work as people cannot sit through episodes any more.
What drew you to The Institute?
Well at that time it was just another audition, and my agent and I both thought was impossible for me to book the job. It was only after reading the scripts for 1 and 2 that decided this would be a very exciting series based on a fantastic book. I love that the story doesn’t shy away from tense or uncomfortable situations.
What was the most unsettling or surreal day on set?
My first day on set with Fionn Laird was a really great, but terrifying experience. It was amazing to have Fionn there as we were sort of in the same boat, it was both of our first jobs of this caliber, and it was clear we helped each other out that first day.
The story blurs the line between reality and manipulation, do you think your character Luke is a victim?
I think that all the kids in the Institute are victims, including Luke, but compared to other kids he is quite lucky in the end.
What do you hope audiences take away from the series; confusion, catharsis, or something else entirely?
Everybody worked on the show for so long with so much effort put into it, I hope people can just say, ‘Oh I enjoyed that’ or ‘that part was really scary’.. and recognize that this show was made with a lot of hard work and care.
I just re-read the “Survivor Type”, do you have favourite Stephen King story? And which one do you think is the scariest?
My favourite Stephen King story has always been Misery, a brilliant story about power because it’s very easy to say than Annie Wilkes has all the power but she needs the character of Paul, whom she kidnapped, to stay alive herself.
What do you do outside of acting that keeps your creativity alive?
I’ve developed a liking for writing these past few months and think that it’s something that I’d enjoy and also be good at. I used to love writing at school and now that love has a reason to be rekindled.
On Writing by Stephen King is definitely worth a read! On acting, what’s the most un-actor thing about you?
Something fans would be surprised to know. I’m a sucker for reality tv and this is quite recent, I now have a love hate relationship with Too Hot to Handle.
Lets talk fashion, do you see it as part of your identity, or just as a tool for performance and presentation?
I have gotten a lot more into clothes in the last 18 months, my parents are great dressers, my dad has been teaching me more about different eras of fashion in the 20th century.
When do you feel most yourself — in a suit, a hoodie, or something unexpected?
I love football and I have many shirts from different European clubs. I would say when I am wearing one of those shirts.
Is there a British designer you think is underrated or deserves more attention?
My fashion knowledge might not be at very high level yet, however living in London you have brands that are considered huge for the youth. Clint Ogbenna, or clint 41, who designed the very popular streetwear brand Corteiz…it’s cool and different and popular among British youth.
What would be your dream red carpet look — designer and vibe?
Actually when I was looking for my suit for the London Premiere of the Institute, I saw a Vivienne Westwood double breasted plaid suit in Liberty in Central London, however there wasn’t one left in my size, I would love to wear something from her at some point.
Finish this sentence: “Being a young today means…”
Being young today means trendsetting.
