In a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Charlie Cox, the star of Daredevil: Born Again, shared a humorous insight into his early acting days alongside friends Jamie Dornan, Eddie Redmayne, Andrew Garfield, and Robert Pattinson. Cox recounted how the group had a running joke that Dornan was simply too handsome to land roles in Hollywood.
On May 6, 2025, during his appearance, Cox reflected on their pre-fame struggles, saying, "I have an amazing photo on my computer of us on the beach at Venice, all unemployed, all broke, waiting for the next audition. Basically waiting for someone to tell us we were talentless so we could just go home and let go of this stupid dream." This candid recollection highlights the uncertainty and camaraderie of young actors trying to break into the industry.
The group often auditioned for the same roles, helping each other by putting each other on tape. "We’d all put each other on tape, and help each other," Cox recalled. "And then be like, ‘Did you hear anything? I didn’t hear anything. Did you hear anything?’" This supportive dynamic was crucial as they navigated the competitive landscape of Hollywood.
Despite their friendship, Cox humorously pointed out that some members of the group had more success than others. He jokingly referred to Andrew Garfield as "dangerous," adding a light-hearted twist to his memories. However, it was Dornan's struggles that became the focal point of Cox's anecdotes. "The joke was Jamie went through a very dry patch at one point, and we genuinely thought it was because he was too good-looking. I would say, ‘It’s just not — you’re not believable! It’s not believable. You can’t get cast in anything!’" Cox explained.
While Cox's theory about Dornan's looks hindering his career may have been more of a jest than reality, it’s undeniable that Dornan has since established himself as a leading actor. He gained widespread recognition for his role in the Fifty Shades film series alongside Dakota Johnson. Dornan's career trajectory includes notable performances in films such as Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, A Haunting in Venice, and the Oscar-winning Belfast. He has also been the star of the comedy-thriller series The Tourist since 2022.
Interestingly, Dornan himself has a different take on the group's dynamics. In a 2022 interview with Access Hollywood, he described Robert Pattinson as the "good-looking one," emphasizing Pattinson's role in attracting attention for the group. When asked about rumors that they would leave Pattinson at home while going out, Dornan dismissed the notion, saying, "We never left him at home — why would you leave him at home? He was the key. He was the good-looking one! He was the one that got us in! He got us all the attention." This playful banter among friends illustrates the light-hearted competition and camaraderie that characterized their early careers.
Charlie Cox's reflections not only shed light on the challenges faced by aspiring actors but also highlight the importance of friendship and support in a notoriously tough industry. The stories of their early days serve as a reminder that even the most successful actors once faced uncertainty and rejection.
As these talented individuals have carved their paths in Hollywood, their shared history remains a testament to their resilience and dedication. It's a journey marked by laughter, struggles, and ultimately, success.
In the end, while Jamie Dornan may have been seen as too handsome for some roles early on, he has undoubtedly proven his talent and versatility as an actor, much to the delight of his fans. As they continue to thrive in their careers, the bond formed during those early days serves as a foundation for their ongoing friendship and support.
