Skins star is 'totally unrecognisable' as horrifying villain in blood-soaked new thriller

Skins fans have only just realised a major star from the hit E4 series is starring in the biggest new horror film of 2025.

British actor Jack O'Connell is almost unrecognisable to viewers as he steps into a villainous role that sees him transform into a bloodthirsty entity throughout this historical supernatural thriller.

However, in the popular teen drama, which ran from 2007-2013, he landed one of his biggest breakout roles as the charming yet reckless James Cook, usually known simply as Cook.

Throughout the series, Cook's friendship with Freddie McClair (played by Luke Pasqualino) and JJ Jones (Ollie Barbieri) is tested by his womanising and dislike for authority.

Cook and Freddie are also both irresistibly drawn to the popular yet enigmatic Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario), the sister of Skins' first generation lead Tony Stonem (Nicholas Hoult).

More than 10 years after his stint on the iconic teen drama came to an end, O'Connell has since landed a role in Ryan Coogler's hit horror blockbuster Sinners.

In this fiendishly frightening flick, he portrays the villainous character Remmick, who haunts the opening of a new juke joint in 1930s Mississippi run by twin brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B Jordan).

Following the film's opening last Friday (18th April), fans have taken to social media after realising one of Skins' biggest breakout stars played a key role.

One latecomer to the movie admitted on X (formerly Twitter): "I haven't seen Sinners yet but omg no one told me Jack O'Connell aka Cook from Skins UK was in it."

Another applauded the star: "From #Skins to f***ing #Sinners I'm proud of the actor Jack O'Connell. That man should be classed as a National Treasure of my generation idc."

Someone else wrote: "It makes me so happy to see Jack O'Connell get the recognition he deserves for Sinners. He was my absolute favorite actor and character in Skins."

While another user said: "Jack O'Connell in @SinnersMovie adds to my case!

"Whoever the casting agent was for skins deserves some form of lifetime achievement award for their service. The most incredible actors and actresses!"

"Loved Jack O'Connell from Skins so him in Sinners was differenttt," one viewer said.

And a final fan wrote: "Real Skins fans know that Jack O'Connell has always been one of the ones to watch. Nice to see him get his flowers in Sinners."

With a cast that also includes Dev Patel, Daniel Kaluuya and Joe Dempsie, Skins still has a reputation for producing some of Britain's best on-screen talent in the past decade.

Some movie buffs are even calling for O'Connell to receive an Oscar nomination for Sinners.

Either way, expect to see a lot more of the Skins favourite after his stunning role in one of the year's best films.

Sinners is in cinemas now. Skins is available to stream on Channel 4.