---
name: "Ewen Bremner"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/ewen-bremner"
fi1m_id: "ewen-bremner"
imdb_id: "nm0001971"
tmdb_id: 1125
wikidata_id: "Q520651"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "23 January 1972"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 15
average_fi1m_score: 70
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 15
updated: "2026-10-07T17:06:20.914440+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Ewen Bremner

## Identity

Ewen Bremner

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/ewen-bremner
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** ewen-bremner
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001971
- **TMDB ID:** 1125
- **Wikidata ID:** Q520651
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewen_Bremner, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q520651, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001971/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1125

Actor. Born 23 January 1972 in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 23 January 1972, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- **Active:** 1993–present
- **Also known as:** اون برمنر
- **Frequently works with:** [Ewan McGregor](https://film.one/person/ewan-mcgregor.md), [Jerry Bruckheimer](https://film.one/person/jerry-bruckheimer.md), [Jim Broadbent](https://film.one/person/jim-broadbent.md), [Josh Hartnett](https://film.one/person/josh-hartnett.md), [Kevin McKidd](https://film.one/person/kevin-mckidd.md), [Ralph Fiennes](https://film.one/person/ralph-fiennes.md), [Ridley Scott](https://film.one/person/ridley-scott.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 70, as actor, over 15 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 73 (3), 2000s 72 (5), 2010s 65 (5), 2020s 72 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 69 to 65 across 13 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 5 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 2 of 11 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 9, Comedy 6, Action 4, Adventure 2, Crime 2, Science Fiction 2
- **Screen time:** 26 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $801m across 11 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewen_Bremner, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q520651, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001971/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1125

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Snowpiercer*](https://film.one/film/snowpiercer.md) (80), [*Around the World in 80 Days*](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md) (56)
- **Tubi:** [*First Cow*](https://film.one/film/first-cow.md) (85)
- **The Criterion Channel:** [*Naked*](https://film.one/film/naked.md) (84)
- **Apple TV:** [*Black Hawk Down*](https://film.one/film/black-hawk-down.md) (73)
- **Pluto TV:** [*The Acid House*](https://film.one/film/the-acid-house.md) (48)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Ewen Bremner

> Ewen Bremner makes awkward, put-upon men funny without asking us to dismiss them. We value his warmth and comic timing; the danger is casting him for his oddness and stopping there.

Spud’s speed-fuelled job interview in *Trainspotting* (1996) is a good place to watch Ewen Bremner work. His comic timing makes the agitation funny, but he keeps the man’s vulnerability in view. Danny Boyle understands the value of that warmth among these Edinburgh addicts. Bremner gives us a reason to care about someone the film could easily have treated as a joke.

Boyle also lets Spud’s comedy sit uneasily beside Robert Carlyle’s Begbie, rather than asking the actors to produce the same sort of laugh. Ewan McGregor’s Renton makes the group easy to spend time with; Bremner helps make leaving it feel difficult. We laughed at their jokes, then felt uncomfortable because the actors had made their daily routine so easy to accept. Our reservation about *Trainspotting* is that its editing sometimes moves past suffering too quickly. Bremner’s attention to the person beneath the comic behaviour is one reason we want it to slow down.

He had already played Renton on stage in 1994, before taking Spud in the film. That change of part is worth remembering when the screen role threatens to account for an entire career. Mike Leigh’s *Naked* (1993), in which he plays Archie opposite David Thewlis, offered an earlier outlet for his intense, tic-ridden character work. Harmony Korine’s *Julien Donkey-Boy* (1999) later put him at the centre of an experimental film, working with an American accent and extended improvisation. There is more here than a dependable supporting eccentric, even if that remains the part he is often asked to supply.

The move into Hollywood action included Ridley Scott’s *Black Hawk Down* (2001), alongside McGregor. The appeal of that casting is plain, but so is the risk of using him only to supply a little oddness. A film can rely on those physical mannerisms and neglect to give him much else to play. Returning to Spud in *T2 Trainspotting* (2017) brought him back to a character with more than comic usefulness. Start with *Trainspotting*, then try *Julien Donkey-Boy* before deciding that Spud tells us everything.

## Biography

Ewen Bremner is a Scottish actor. He is best known for playing Daniel 'Spud' Murphy in Danny Boyle's *Trainspotting* (1996) and its sequel *T2 Trainspotting* (2017).

Born on 23 January 1972 in Edinburgh, the son of two art teachers, Bremner attended Davidson's Mains Primary School and Portobello High School. He made his screen debut in *Heavenly Pursuits* (1986) and originated the role of Mark Renton in a 1994 stage production of *Trainspotting*.

His other film credits include *Snatch* (2000), *Black Hawk Down* (2001), *Pearl Harbor* (2001), *Wonder Woman* (2017) and *Snowpiercer* (2013). He received the BAFTA Scotland award for Best Actor for *T2 Trainspotting*.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, themoviedb.org.*

## On Fi1m (15)

- *The Dog Stars* (2026), Fi1m 58, as Crossbow Hunter — [page](https://film.one/film/the-dog-stars.md)
- *First Cow* (2020), Fi1m 85, as Lloyd — [page](https://film.one/film/first-cow.md)
- *Exodus: Gods and Kings* (2014), Fi1m 52, as Expert — [page](https://film.one/film/exodus-gods-and-kings.md)
- *Get Santa* (2014), Fi1m 66, as PC Finkerton — [page](https://film.one/film/get-santa.md)
- *Snowpiercer* (2013), Fi1m 80, as Andrew — [page](https://film.one/film/snowpiercer.md)
- *Great Expectations* (2012), Fi1m 57, as Wemmick — [page](https://film.one/film/great-expectations-2012.md)
- *Page Eight* (2011), Fi1m 70, as Rollo Maverley — [page](https://film.one/film/page-eight.md)
- *The Virgin Queen* (2006), Fi1m 78, as Sir James Melville — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-virgin-queen.md)
- *My Name Is Earl* (2005), Fi1m 77, as Raynard — [page](https://film.one/tv/my-name-is-earl.md)
- *Around the World in 80 Days* (2004), Fi1m 56, as Inspector Fix — [page](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md)
- *Black Hawk Down* (2001), Fi1m 73, as Nelson — [page](https://film.one/film/black-hawk-down.md)
- *Snatch* (2000), Fi1m 74, as Mullet — [page](https://film.one/film/snatch.md)
- *The Acid House* (1998), Fi1m 48, as Coco Bryce — [page](https://film.one/film/the-acid-house.md)
- *Trainspotting* (1996), Fi1m 88, as Spud — [page](https://film.one/film/trainspotting.md)
- *Naked* (1993), Fi1m 84, as Archie — [page](https://film.one/film/naked.md)

## Complete filmography (103)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Dog Stars* (2026), as Crossbow Hunter — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-dog-stars.md)
- *Coldwater* (2025), series, as Tommy
- *Odd Socks* (2025), as Beng (voice)
- *Freedom's Path* (2023), as Silas
- *Off the Rails: The Making of “Trainspotting* (2023), Actor
- *Cavewoman* (2022), as Brother
- *Our Flag Means Death* (2022), series, as Buttons
- *American Sausage Standoff* (2021), as Edward Hofler
- *Creation Stories* (2021), as Alan McGee
- *First Cow* (2020), as Lloyd — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/first-cow.md)
- *Etta's Mission* (2017), as Charlie
- *Renegades* (2017), as Jim Rainey
- *Will* (2017), series, as Richard Topcliffe
- *Wonder Woman* (2017), as Charlie
- *T2 Trainspotting* (2017), as Spud
- *Houdini & Doyle* (2016), series, as Sherlock Holmes
- *Carousel* (2016), Actor
- *Banished* (2015), series, as Reverend Johnson
- *Get Santa* (2014), as PC Finkerton — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/get-santa.md)
- *Exodus: Gods and Kings* (2014), as Expert — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/exodus-gods-and-kings.md)
- *The Veil of Twilight* (2014), as Rabbi Dunbar
- *A Poet in New York* (2014), as John Malcolm Brinnin
- *Salting the Battlefield* (2014), as Rollo Madeley
- *Turks & Caicos* (2014), as Rollo Madeley
- *Exchange and Mart* (2014), as Mike
- *Snowpiercer* (2013), as Andrew — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/snowpiercer.md)
- *Drone* (2013), as Drone Operator
- *Jack the Giant Slayer* (2013), as Wicke
- *Great Expectations* (2012), as Wemmick — Fi1m 57, [page](https://film.one/film/great-expectations-2012.md)
- *Them From That Thing* (2012), series, as Various
- *Blackout* (2012), series, as Jerry Durrans
- *Perfect Sense* (2011), as James
- *Page Eight* (2011), as Rollo Maverley — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/page-eight.md)
- *Accused* (2010), series, as Frank Best — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/accused.md)
- *You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger* (2010), as Henry Strangler
- *Dive* (2010), series, as Stewart Wisley
- *One Night in Emergency* (2010), Actor
- *Wide Open Spaces* (2009), as Austin
- *The Zero Sum* (2009), as Leonard Paulson
- *Moving On* (2009), series, as Adam
- *Faintheart* (2009), as Julian
- *Marvelous* (2008), as Lars
- *Fool's Gold* (2008), as Alfonz
- *Mediator* (2008), as Steven
- *Hallam Foe* (2007), as Andy
- *Death at a Funeral* (2007), as Justin
- *Ian Rankin Investigates: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde* (2007), as R.L. Stevenson
- *The Lost Room* (2006), series, as Harold Stritzke
- *The Virgin Queen* (2006), series, as Sir James Melville — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-virgin-queen.md)
- *Match Point* (2005), as Inspector Dowd
- *Elizabeth I* (2005), series, as King James VI
- *My Name Is Earl* (2005), series, as Raynard — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/my-name-is-earl.md)
- *AVP: Alien vs. Predator* (2004), as Graeme Miller
- *Around the World in 80 Days* (2004), as Inspector Fix — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md)
- *The Reckoning* (2004), as Simon Damian
- *The Rundown* (2003), as Declan
- *16 Years of Alcohol* (2003), as Jake
- *Sweet Dreams* (2003), as Gabriel
- *Fancy Dancing* (2002), as Schiff
- *Spooks* (2002), series, as Ryan Baisley — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/spooks.md)
- *Surrealissimo: The Trial of Salvador Dali* (2002), as Salvador Dali
- *Black Hawk Down* (2001), as Nelson — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/black-hawk-down.md)
- *Pearl Harbor* (2001), as Red
- *Far from Las Vegas* (2001), series, as John Twain D'Wain
- *Paranoid* (2000), as Gordon
- *Snatch* (2000), as Mullet — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/snatch.md)
- *The Secret World of Michael Fry* (2000), series, as Michael Fry
- *The Secret World of Michael Fry* (2000), as Michael Fry
- *Julien Donkey-Boy* (1999), as Julien
- *Love Story* (1999), as Nick
- *The Acid House* (1998), as Coco Bryce — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/the-acid-house.md)
- *The Life of Stuff* (1997), as Fraser
- *Mojo* (1997), as Skinny
- *Deacon Brodie* (1997), as Louis the apprentice
- *Rhinoceros Hunting in Budapest* (1997), as Chaz
- *Dead London* (1996), as Paul
- *Masculine Mescaline* (1996), as Steve Carlisle
- *Trainspotting* (1996), as Spud — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/trainspotting.md)
- *The Phoenix and the Magic Carpet* (1995), as Joe
- *Skin* (1995), as Billy Boy
- *Ruffian Hearts* (1995), as Mick
- *Aristophanes: The Gods Are Laughing* (1995), Actor
- *Judge Dredd* (1995), as Junior Angel
- *Harry Enfield and Chums* (1994), series, as Jockey, Jim / Jockey
- *Prince of Jutland* (1994), as Frovin
- *Naked* (1993), as Archie — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/naked.md)
- *The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries* (1993), series, as Walter McNabb
- *A Touch of Frost* (1992), series, as Gordon Hicks — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-touch-of-frost.md)
- *Bye Bye Baby* (1992), as Galloway
- *As You Like It* (1992), as Silvius
- *Dreaming* (1991), as Sammy Nelson
- *The Fool* (1990), Actor
- *Forget About Me* (1990), as Broke
- *Meat* (1990), Actor
- *Conquest of the South Pole* (1989), as Penguin
- *The Riveter* (1988), as Slim
- *Heavenly Pursuits* (1986), as Stevie Deans
- *Screen Two* (1985), series, as Sammy Nelson
- *Taggart* (1983), series, Actor
- *A Girl Named Sooner* (1975), as Archie
- *A Chill*, Music
- *Killa Bee*, as Greg
- *As Deep As the Grave*, as Sylvanus G. Morley

## Gallery

- ![Ewen Bremner](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-c58e75671c54.jpg) Ewen Bremner — Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/MJK31286_Ewen_Bremner_%28T2_Trainspotting%2C_Berlinale_2017%29.jpg/1280px-MJK31286_Ewen_Bremner_%28T2_Trainspotting%2C_Berlinale_2017%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Ewen Bremner auf dem Roten Teppich zu T2 Trainspotting im Rahmen der Berlinale 2017](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-08b40f93790e.jpg) Ewen Bremner auf dem Roten Teppich zu T2 Trainspotting im Rahmen der Berlinale 2017 — Maximilian Bühn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/Ewen_Bremner_Red_Carpet_T2_Trainspotting_Berlinale_2017.jpg/1280px-Ewen_Bremner_Red_Carpet_T2_Trainspotting_Berlinale_2017.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Cropped version of the picture Ewen Bremner Red Carpet T2 Trainspotting Berlinale 2017.jpg by Maximilian Bühn](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-95b2c0f4e839.jpg) Cropped version of the picture Ewen Bremner Red Carpet T2 Trainspotting Berlinale 2017.jpg by Maximilian Bühn — Maximilian Bühn, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Ewen_Bremner_Red_Carpet_T2_Trainspotting_Berlinale_2017_cropped.jpg/1280px-Ewen_Bremner_Red_Carpet_T2_Trainspotting_Berlinale_2017_cropped.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![The film team of T2 Trainspotting at the Berlinale 2017](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-fbdf8b3726fe.jpg) The film team of T2 Trainspotting at the Berlinale 2017 — Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/MJK31249_T2_Trainspotting_%28Berlinale_2017%29.jpg/1280px-MJK31249_T2_Trainspotting_%28Berlinale_2017%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Ewen Bremner](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-162972f862f9.jpg) Ewen Bremner — Image via TMDB
- ![Ewen Bremner](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-cf55131dd837.jpg) Ewen Bremner — Image via TMDB
- ![Ewen Bremner](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-beace9d55dcf.jpg) Ewen Bremner — Image via TMDB
- ![The film team of T2 Trainspotting at the Berlinale 2017](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-10c5b70d347d.jpg) The film team of T2 Trainspotting at the Berlinale 2017 — Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/MJK31258_T2_Trainspotting_%28Berlinale_2017%29_crop.jpg/1280px-MJK31258_T2_Trainspotting_%28Berlinale_2017%29_crop.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jonny Lee Miller, Anjela Nedyalkova and Ewen Bremner, the actors of T2 Trainspotting at the Berlinale 2017](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-bb2409d186a6.jpg) Jonny Lee Miller, Anjela Nedyalkova and Ewen Bremner, the actors of T2 Trainspotting at the Berlinale 2017 — Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/MJK31260_T2_Trainspotting_%28Berlinale_2017%29.jpg/1280px-MJK31260_T2_Trainspotting_%28Berlinale_2017%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Ewen Bremner](https://film.one/media/person/59798/gallery-489934f113a2.jpg) Ewen Bremner — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/ewen-bremner