You're Going to Be Seeing a Lot of Spike Fearn Soon.

      Spike Fearn is captivated by a feeling. The 25-year-old actor from Leicestershire, England, has just finished filming Sweetsick, directed by Alice Birch, before heading off to Los Angeles for a few days of promotion, leaving him understandably a bit overwhelmed. Speaking quickly, he frequently uses terms like "grateful," "excited," and "in awe" as he tries to convey the almost trance-like state he experienced just days prior to our conversation. Observing the brilliance around him during that project, Fearn mentions that he discovered a new sensation he knows he will pursue for the rest of his life. "All I can say is I'm so excited for people to see that movie," he states with a broad smile.

      People will soon be seeing a lot more of Fearn, with his striking blue eyes and messy brunette hair. With three films set to release in the coming months, his schedule resembles that of an established A-list actor. He's involved in a rom-com, an ensemble heist film, and a gripping drama—offering a little something for everyone. Everything kicks off this month with Ella McCay, a project from Oscar and Emmy-winning director James L. Brooks. This comedic drama centers on the title character, a hopeful 34-year-old politician who becomes the governor of her home state while managing a complicated family life that threatens to interfere. Fearn stars as Casey, Ella’s younger brother, alongside an impressive cast that includes Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, and Ayo Edebiri. "I think that was the best experience ever," Fearn reflects. "This whole experience feels like a real 'pinch me' moment." While he was familiar with some of Brooks's classic works, such as The Simpsons, Terms of Endearment, and As Good as It Gets, he only connected deeply with Brooks's film Broadcast News, which he watched right before receiving the Ella McCay script. "I was very, very excited," he shares.

      Fearn approached the audition without any expectations, but to his surprise, he received a callback and was invited to meet with Brooks. "I should back myself a little bit more," he admits, fidgeting with his hands. "I ended up meeting Jim and discussing the role, and I remember making him laugh." Fearn traveled to L.A., where he spent time with Brooks at his home, discussing emotions and his feelings following a recent project. He often struggles with the transition from shooting and felt particularly anxious about how he would handle this film. "It was a huge challenge for me," says Fearn. "I felt completely out of my depth. After landing the role, I crawled into a hole for a week, worried about how I would manage this."

      During that time, he was listening to a lot of the late English singer-songwriter Nick Drake, inspired by his tragic tale. "I was just feeling very sad and depressed," he recalls. "I remember discussing Nick Drake with [James], and he was like, 'That's it, man! That's the feeling, that downness.'" Fearn drew on that to portray Casey.

      In the film, Casey grapples with social anxiety rooted in traumatic childhood experiences—his father's affair and his mother's passing—which left him introverted. After a breakup with his girlfriend Susan and under the pressure of his dominating sister, he leads a reclusive life as a sports betting analyst. Like Fearn, Casey also speaks rapidly, but he's characterized by unique ticks and nervous energy, demanding a specific physicality and comedic timing that Fearn effectively delivers.

      A memorable scene involves Casey mustering the courage to confront his ex-girlfriend Susan (brilliantly portrayed by Edebiri). Their exchange is both painfully awkward and humorous, as they struggle to express their feelings before finally breaking through. This scene stood out for Fearn, who had thought about it extensively before filming. "Ayo is exceptional," he comments on working with Edebiri. "She grasps humor so well—much better than I do. I just went with what she was giving."

      Working on Ella McCay was an invaluable learning opportunity for Fearn. He absorbed everything on set, enhancing his professionalism and performance skills. His only formal acting training came from the Television Workshop in Nottingham after finishing high school. Unsure of his career path, he was encouraged to pursue acting by his parents and friends’ mothers because of his storytelling talent. "I thought they were just joking," he laughs. He took the plunge and applied to the Television Workshop, where he spent his initial year observing films, immersing himself in the works of actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Jack Nicholson. "I fell in love with the film and acting world, realizing that this is what I wanted to do, and now here I am speaking with you," he shares.

      Fearn's