Asa Butterfield is moving away from his Sex Education role. The British actor has landed a lead role in Gnomes, an Australian drama series that Disney+ UK and Ireland has acquired exclusive rights to, according to Deadline Hollywood.
Butterfield plays police officer Arnold Kipps in the six-part series, which also stars Australian actor Megan Smart. The show is a co-production between Total Fiction and Screen Invaders, with L.A.-based Happy Accidents handling international sales.
AMC Global Media has simultaneously acquired rights for Spain and Portugal, indicating confidence in the drama's cross-border appeal. Both Disney+ and AMC backing the series suggests it is positioned as prestige television.
For Butterfield, the move marks a shift from his Netflix breakout role as Otis Milburn in Sex Education. The actor has been selective about his next moves since wrapping the series, and landing a lead in an international co-production heading to one of the world's biggest streaming platforms represents a significant career step.
Details on the show's plot beyond the police procedural angle remain under wraps. Early reports suggest it is darker and grittier than typical streaming fare.
Smart brings substantial credentials to the ensemble. With her Australian roots and growing profile, pairing her with Butterfield creates a compelling cast dynamic.
No release date has been announced yet. Disney+ UK and Ireland will release the series once production wraps.
