From Stranger Things to Dracula: The Essential Raphael Luce Filmography

Raphael Luce has rapidly established himself as one of the most compelling young talents in the international entertainment industry. While many viewers first encountered his chillingly precise performance in the fourth season of Stranger Things, his filmography spans high-budget Marvel productions, prestigious historical dramas, and upcoming horror epics. As a Franco-American actor with a deep-rooted background in professional stunt work and circus arts, Luce brings a physical intensity to his roles that distinguishes him from his contemporaries.

His career is defined by a strategic selection of roles that utilize his bilingual capabilities and athletic prowess. From his early appearances in independent films to his involvement in the massive cinematic universes of Netflix and Disney+, Raphael Luce is building a portfolio that balances mainstream visibility with artistic depth.

The Defining Role: Young Henry Creel in Stranger Things Season 4

The year 2022 marked a pivotal moment in Raphael Luce’s career when he was cast as Young Henry Creel in Stranger Things. This was not merely a supporting role; it was the foundational narrative pillar of Season 4, providing the origin story for the series' primary antagonist, Vecna (001).

Portraying the Origin of Evil

In Stranger Things, Luce portrays Henry Creel in critical flashback sequences. His performance is central to the mystery surrounding the Creel House and the laboratory experiments conducted by Dr. Brenner. Playing a young version of Jamie Campbell Bower’s character required a delicate balance—conveying a sense of misunderstood isolation while hinting at the psychopathic tendencies that would eventually lead to the massacre at the Rainbow Room.

Luce’s screen presence in episodes such as "Dear Billy" and "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab" is characterized by a haunting stillness. Unlike many child actors who rely on overacting to convey emotion, Luce utilized subtle facial micro-expressions to illustrate Henry’s growing resentment toward humanity. His chemistry with the young cast and his ability to hold his own in scenes opposite established actors solidified his reputation as a professional capable of handling dark, complex material.

The Impact on the Stranger Things Lore

The significance of Luce’s role in the Stranger Things universe cannot be overstated. By providing a face to the human origin of 001, he allowed the audience to understand the tragic and terrifying transformation of a boy into a monster. This role also extended into the broader IP, as Luce’s portrayal influenced the development of the stage production Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which delves even deeper into the events in Hawkins during the 1950s.

Raphael Luce’s Television Credits and Streaming Appearances

Beyond the supernatural halls of Hawkins Lab, Raphael Luce has appeared in several high-profile television series, demonstrating a versatility that ranges from historical figures to speculative fiction.

Loki (2021) – The French Connection

One of Luce's earliest major breaks occurred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the first episode of the Disney+ series Loki, Luce appears as a "French Boy." While the role was brief, it showcased his ability to work within the rigorous environment of a Marvel Studios production.

Setting the scene in 1549 Aix-en-Provence, France, the role utilized Luce’s native fluency in French. His interaction with Mobius (played by Owen Wilson) was a key introductory moment for the Time Variance Authority’s (TVA) investigative process. This appearance, though a cameo, marked him as an actor capable of delivering authentic performances in period-specific settings, a trait that would serve him well in future projects.

The First Lady (2022) – Historical Drama

In the Showtime anthology series The First Lady, Raphael Luce stepped into the world of American political history. He played the role of Young James Roosevelt, the son of Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Appearing in two episodes, Luce had to navigate the expectations of a prestige drama that focused on the personal lives of the White House's most famous residents.

This role allowed Luce to demonstrate a softer, more grounded side of his acting repertoire. Working alongside a powerhouse cast that included Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson, Luce contributed to the rich tapestry of the Roosevelt family’s domestic life. His performance as James Roosevelt highlighted his range, proving that he was just as comfortable in a serious historical narrative as he was in a genre-bending sci-fi series.

Movie Career: From Independent Cinema to Luc Besson

Raphael Luce’s transition into feature films has been marked by a mix of indie projects and high-stakes international productions. His physical training often plays a role in his film selections, allowing him to take on characters that require more than just vocal performance.

Dracula (2025) – A Return to Horror

Perhaps the most anticipated project in Raphael Luce’s current filmography is the 2025 adaptation of Dracula, directed by the visionary Luc Besson. In this film, Luce is cast as Clerk Simon, an employee of Doctor Dumont.

Collaborating with a director like Luc Besson, known for The Professional and The Fifth Element, is a major milestone for any young actor. This project signifies Luce’s move into major international cinema. The film, which explores the gothic horror roots of the Bram Stoker classic, provides Luce with a platform to reach a global audience outside of the streaming television format. His role as Clerk Simon is expected to blend into the film’s atmospheric and stylized aesthetic, further cementing his place in the horror and thriller genres.

Moon Manor (2022) – Exploring Life and Death

In the 2022 film Moon Manor, Luce took on the role of Kid Jimmy. This film, directed by Machete Bang Bang and Erin Granat, is a unique exploration of "death with dignity" and the celebration of a life well-lived.

Luce’s participation in Moon Manor reflects his interest in independent storytelling that tackles difficult, humanistic themes. Playing the younger version of the protagonist allowed him to explore a character’s formative years, contributing to the emotional weight of the film’s climax. It remains one of his most artistically distinct projects, showcasing an ability to handle avant-garde material.

Troop Zero (2019) – Early Career Foundations

One of Luce’s earliest film credits is the comedy-drama Troop Zero. Though his role as "Kid" was uncredited, the experience of being on a set with actors like Allison Janney and Viola Davis (with whom he would later share the screen in The First Lady) was instrumental in his early professional development. These early experiences in major film productions provided the foundational knowledge necessary for his later breakout successes.

The Stunt Factor: A Unique Competitive Advantage

What sets Raphael Luce apart from almost every other actor in his age bracket is his background as a professional stunt performer. Born into a family of world-renowned circus artists and stunt performers—his father Jade Kindar-Martin is a high-wire walker and his mother Karine Mauffrey is a former gymnast and stuntwoman—Luce was raised with a profound understanding of physical storytelling.

Mastery of Physical Performance

Luce’s filmography is directly enhanced by his ability to perform his own stunts. His training includes:

• High Falls and Screen Fighting: Essential for action-heavy roles in the MCU or future thriller projects.
• Full-Body Burns: A rare and dangerous skill that demonstrates his commitment to practical effects and realism on set.
• High-Wire Walking: A legacy skill from his father that requires extreme focus and balance.
• Stunt Driving and Drifting: Skills he has recently added to his repertoire, expanding his viability for high-octane action films.

In our analysis of his work, particularly in Stranger Things, this physical confidence is visible. Even when he isn't performing a "stunt," the way he moves—with deliberate, controlled posture—adds a layer of authority to his characters that untrained actors often struggle to replicate.

Bilingualism as a Tool

Being fluent in both French and English has allowed Luce to bridge the gap between Hollywood and European cinema. His role in Loki as a French kid and his casting in Luc Besson’s Dracula are direct results of this dual heritage. As the film industry becomes increasingly globalized, Luce’s ability to act seamlessly in two languages makes him a highly valuable asset for co-productions between North America and Europe.

Upcoming Projects and Future Outlook

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Raphael Luce’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He has several projects in various stages of production that will likely expand his fan base.

Road to Healing

Luce is set to appear in the television series Road to Healing, currently in post-production. He plays the character Klaus, suggesting another venture into potentially dramatic or period-specific storytelling. This project is expected to further showcase his growth as a leading young man in the industry.

Modeling and Beyond

In addition to his acting and stunt work, Luce has signed with Elite Model Paris. This move into the fashion world often precedes a move into larger "leading man" roles, as it builds a global image and brand. His appearances in publications like Esquire Kazakhstan demonstrate his growing international appeal.

Summary of Raphael Luce’s Movies and TV Shows

To provide a clear overview for fans and industry professionals, the following table summarizes his key contributions to date:

Conclusion

Raphael Luce is more than just a "child actor" from a hit Netflix series. He is a multi-disciplined performer who has successfully navigated the transition from minor cameos to carrying the narrative weight of major television and film projects. His unique combination of bilingualism, professional stunt training, and a calm, intense acting style makes him a rare talent in modern Hollywood.

Whether he is portraying a budding supernatural villain in Hawkins or a historical figure in the Roosevelt administration, Luce brings a level of professionalism and physical awareness that suggests a long and varied career ahead. As audiences look forward to his performance in Luc Besson’s Dracula, it is clear that Raphael Luce is an actor whose name will be associated with high-quality, physically demanding, and emotionally resonant cinema for years to come.

FAQ

How old was Raphael Luce in Stranger Things Season 4?

Raphael Luce was born on December 29, 2006. During the filming of Stranger Things Season 4 (which primarily took place in 2021), he was approximately 14 to 15 years old.

Does Raphael Luce do his own stunts?

Yes, Raphael Luce is highly trained in stunt work. He comes from a family of stunt performers and is capable of performing high falls, screen fighting, and even high-wire walking. This training allows him to perform many of his own stunts on set safely.

What is Raphael Luce’s nationality?

Raphael Luce is Franco-American. He holds dual citizenship and is fluent in both English and French, which has allowed him to work in both American and European film industries.

Is Raphael Luce in Stranger Things Season 5?

While casting for Stranger Things Season 5 is often kept secret, Raphael Luce is widely associated with the character of Young Henry Creel. Given the importance of Henry Creel's backstory to the conclusion of the series, many fans expect him to appear in flashback sequences, though Netflix has not officially confirmed the extent of his role in the final season.

Who are Raphael Luce’s siblings?

Raphael comes from a family of actors. His brother, Gabriel Sky, and his sister, Jophielle Love, are also active in the entertainment industry. Jophielle Love is well known for her role in the television series General Hospital.