Trainspotting cast now from Star Wars to Line of Duty and unrecognisable huge US role

Edinburgh Live

21-05-2025

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The revolutionary film is one of the most renowned movies to ever emerge from Scotland, making a significant impact on the cinema scene in 1996. From the memorable 'choose life' slogan to the notorious toilet cubicle scene, the antics of Mark Renton and his group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh have become cinematic legend.
However, nearly three decades later, many of the cast members have achieved astronomical success.
Since Trainspotting's debut almost 30 years ago, the cast have embarked on major projects. From a short-lived marriage to Angelina Jolie to a role in Harry Potter, and even a standout appearance in Star Wars, the film propelled the group into substantial Hollywood success, reports the Daily Record.
Here's what has happened to the Trainspotting cast since the film's release:
Mark Renton - Ewan McGregor
(Image: Getty Images)
The film features Ewan McGregor as the charismatic and conflicted Mark Renton, who struggles with his heroin addiction and multiple attempts at sobriety. Ewan was already a familiar face for British viewers, having starred in the Danny Boyle film Shallow Grave and Channel 4's Lipstick on Your Collar - but after Trainspotting, Ewan would achieve a whole new level of international fame.
Continuing his rapid ascent, the Scottish actor landed a massive role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels and also gained an even larger following for his roles in Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge!, Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down and Disney's Winnie the Pooh reboot Christopher Robin.
Daniel "Spud" Murphy - Ewan Bremner
(Image: Christie Goodwin/Redferns)
Ewan Bremner, the Edinburgh-native better known as Daniel "Spud" Murphy, had only a few acting gigs before his breakout Trainspotting role. He soared to fame in the early 2000s, starring alongside Ewan McGregor in Black Hawk Down and sharing the screen with Hollywood stars Ben Affleck and Kate Beckinsale in Pearl Harbour.
Spud's return in Trainspotting T2 saw Ewan delivering an unforgettable performance, depicting a man still ensnared by heroin addiction.
Simon "Sick Boy" Williamson - Jonny Lee Miller
(Image: Daily Record)
Jonny Lee Miller, who garnered attention as Simon "Sick Boy" Williamson, had already made waves with the film Hackers. His off-screen life was no less dramatic; after a whirlwind romance with Angelina Jolie, sparked on the Hackers set, the couple wed swiftly but parted ways two years later, in September 1997.
Beyond the tabloids, Jonny worked with Val Kilmer in Mind Hunters, made regular appearances in the series Dexter, and portrayed Sherlock Holmes in Elementary. The Crown fans might also spot him as John Major, a characterisation the real Major quipped was "a barrel-load of nonsense".
Kelly Macdonald captured hearts as Diane Coulston
(Image: BBC/World Productions/ Steffan Hill)
Kelly Macdonald was a mere 19 when she bagged her first role as Diane, after spotting an audition leaflet while working in a pub. Trainspotting set her on the path to a successful career, including a lead role alongside Billy Connolly as Merida in Pixar's Brave.
She also earned credits in the Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men and a part in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. More recently, viewers will recognise her as DCI Joanna Davidson from the popular BBC drama Line of Duty.
Begbie - Robert Carlyle
(Image: PA)
Robert Carlyle, known for his role as Begbie in Trainspotting, has become a familiar face on big shows such as Cobra, The War of the Worlds, and Once Upon a Time. He reunited with Danny Boyle for Trainspotting T2 and played John Lennon in Boyle's Beatles film Yesterday.
Tommy - Kevin McKidd
(Image: Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Image)
Kevin McKidd, who portrayed Tommy in Trainspotting and Father Deegan in a Father Ted Christmas special, is now best known for his role as Owen Hunt in Grey's Anatomy. However, he continues to work in films, appearing alongside Kelly Macdonald in Brave and as Poseidon in the Percy Jackson films.