At just 14, Lox Pratt has snagged two roles that would make actors twice his age green with envy. But here’s where it gets controversial: is he already being typecast as the villain? The young Brit is not only starring as Jack in the BBC’s highly anticipated Lord of the Flies adaptation but is also stepping into the shoes of Draco Malfoy in HBO’s Harry Potter series. Talk about a one-two punch!
Sitting down with Pratt via Zoom, it’s impossible not to notice the striking resemblance to J.K. Rowling’s infamous Slytherin antagonist. With curly blond hair and piercing blue eyes, he’s a dead ringer for a young Tom Felton, who famously played Malfoy in the original films. But Pratt isn’t just resting on his looks; he’s bringing depth to these complex characters, from the power-hungry Jack to the privileged yet conflicted Draco.
And this is the part most people miss: Pratt’s journey into these roles wasn’t just about luck. It was about dedication, from studying Malcolm McDowell’s swagger in A Clockwork Orange to channeling Tommy Shelby’s commanding presence from Peaky Blinders. “I don’t know how I did that—in the space of two years,” Pratt admits, reflecting on his meteoric rise.
Let’s dive into Lord of the Flies. For those unfamiliar, William Golding’s classic novel follows a group of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island after a plane crash. What starts as an attempt at civilization quickly devolves into chaos, with Pratt’s Jack leading the charge. “When me and Marc [Munden, the director] started exploring the character, he said he really liked Malcolm McDowell’s intensity,” Pratt explains. “So I studied his physicality, the way he takes up space.”
But here’s the twist: Pratt doesn’t see Jack as purely evil. “Jack’s not a psychopath,” he insists. “He’s misunderstood, neglected, and doesn’t know how to show affection.” This nuanced take adds layers to a character often written off as a villain. Is this a controversial interpretation? Absolutely. But it’s one that invites us to question the nature of humanity and the circumstances that shape us.
Switching gears to Harry Potter, Pratt’s portrayal of Draco Malfoy is equally compelling. Working alongside Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Pratt is part of a star-studded cast that includes Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, and Janet McTeer. “The vibe on set is amazing,” he says. “Johnny’s a wonderful man, and I think we work well as a duo.”
But here’s the burning question: is Pratt already being typecast as the bad guy? He admits, “I like to think I’m in a good position. It’s better than being stuck as the nice guy the entire time, isn’t it?” Yet, he’s eager to explore a wider range of roles, even pitching a screenplay he’s written to Adolescence writer Jack Thorne.
Behind the scenes, Pratt’s life is as dynamic as his characters. Filming Lord of the Flies in Malaysia, he spent his days running wild with a spear and his nights unwinding in the warm sea. “It felt like a full stop at the end of the day,” he recalls. And yes, he’s made friends for life, particularly with David McKenna (Piggy) and Ike Talbut (Simon). “It’s nice to sit next to them at the premiere and go, ‘It’s all right, we’re mates,’” he says with a laugh.
As for what’s next, Pratt’s ambitions are sky-high. “I want to write, direct, and learn everything I can about the industry,” he declares. With roles in Lord of the Flies and Harry Potter under his belt, he’s already off to a remarkable start.
But here’s the final thought-provoking question for you: Can a 14-year-old actor truly understand the complexities of characters like Jack and Draco, or is he simply playing a part? Let us know in the comments!
Lord of the Flies premieres on BBC iPlayer on February 8, with weekly episodes airing on BBC One. Don’t miss it!
