Rivals star Alex Hassell has become one of the breakout names of the hit Disney+ drama thanks to his unforgettable turn as notorious ladies’ man Rupert Campbell-Black.
The 45-year-old actor certainly doesn’t hold back in the racy Jilly Cooper adaptation, regularly stripping off as the scandalous aristocrat at the centre of Rutshire’s chaos. And judging by the reaction from viewers, it’s safe to say audiences have been completely won over by Rupert’s charm.
While some fans may only have discovered Alex through Rivals, he’s actually appeared in a string of major TV shows and films over the years.
From superhero dramas to Netflix thrillers and BBC fantasy series, here’s where you’ve seen Alex Hassell before – and where you can stream his biggest roles now.
Alex Hassell plays Rupert Campbell-Black in Rivals on Disney+
Vicar’s son Alex Hassell stars as Rupert Campbell-Black in the cast of Rivals. Rupert is a former Olympian, MP, notorious womaniser and effortlessly charismatic aristocrat who quickly becomes impossible to ignore.
The iconic Jilly Cooper character was famously “inspired” by Queen Camilla’s former husband Andrew Parker-Bowles.
Late author Jilly Cooper, who served as executive producer on the Disney+ adaptation, previously said: “The minute we met with Alex we knew he’d perfectly embody my all-time hero – the iconic, racy, ruthless, and devastatingly handsome, Rupert Campbell-Black. Viewers are in for a treat!”
Rivals series 1 is available to stream now on Disney+, with series 2 launching on Friday, May 15, 2026.
What else has Rivals star Alex Hassell been in?
Alex made his television debut back in 2001 in an episode of Queen of Swords. Years later, he landed his first Hollywood film role in George Clooney’s Suburbicon alongside Matt Damon and Julianne Moore.
Many viewers will also recognise him as Translucent in superhero drama The Boys.
Other TV credits include Vicious in Cowboy Bebop, Metatron in His Dark Materials, Felix Nash in Bonkers, Rick in Everything Now and Edmund Dettori in an episode of Miranda back in 2009.
On the big screen, he’s appeared in Cold Mountain, The Isle, Violent Night and Young Woman and the Sea, which is available on Disney+.
Away from television, Alex is also well known for his theatre work and recently played Hal in Henry IV Parts I and II for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 2023, he portrayed Doctor Lawrence in the Netflix thriller Locked In alongside Famke Janssen and Anna Friel.
Then in 2025, he took on the role of Paul in BAFTA-nominated prison drama Wasteman with Tom Blyth and David Jonsson. The hard-hitting film follows parolee Taylor, whose plans for a fresh start begin to unravel after the arrival of dangerous new cellmate Dee.
Alex Hassell starred in The Boys
Alex Hassell played invisible superhero Translucent in series 1 of The Boys, appearing in three episodes in 2019.
Translucent is a member of The Seven whose carbon metamaterial skin bends light and makes him bulletproof. His powers allow him to move around undetected and strike without warning.
During the series, Frenchy (Tomer Capone) captures Translucent and inserts a C-4 explosive inside him. Hughie later detonates the bomb, killing the Supe.
The Boys series 1 to 5 are available to stream on Prime Video, although Alex only appears in series 1.
Alex Hassell played Johannes in The Miniaturist
One of Alex’s first major TV roles came in 2017 when he starred as Johannes Brandt in the BBC adaptation of Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist.
He appeared alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, Romola Garai and Paapa Essiedu in the period drama.
Johannes was a wealthy 17th-century Dutch merchant who gifted his new wife Petronella Oortman a miniature replica of their home. The story then followed the mysterious gifts supplied by an elusive miniaturist.
The Miniaturist is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
He transformed into villain Vicious in Cowboy Bebop
Alex looked worlds away from Rupert Campbell-Black when he starred as Vicious in Netflix sci-fi series Cowboy Bebop in 2021.
Based on the anime series of the same name, the show followed a team of bounty hunters chasing dangerous criminals across the galaxy.
Vicious served as the show’s main antagonist, with Alex sporting a platinum blonde wig and taking on a far darker role than the flirtatious aristocrat Rivals fans know him for.
The actor also shared scenes with his real-life wife Emma King, who appeared as Dr Godard in episode eight.
Cowboy Bebop is currently streaming on Netflix.
Who did Alex Hassell play in His Dark Materials?
Alex portrayed the angel Metatron in the final season of BBC and HBO fantasy drama His Dark Materials.
Originally a human known as Enoch, Metatron eventually became more powerful than the Authority and seized control of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The character later met his end when Lord Asriel and Marisa Coulter dragged him into the Abyss.
His Dark Materials series 1 to 3 are available now on BBC iPlayer.
Alex Hassell also starred in Netflix drama Everything Now
In 2023, Alex appeared as Rick in the Netflix coming-of-age drama Everything Now.
The series follows Mia Polanco after she leaves hospital following treatment for anorexia and attempts to return to sixth form life.
Alex’s character Rick is Mia’s supportive father, who has played an active role in helping with her recovery and treatment.
Everything Now series 1 is available to stream on Netflix.
Alex Hassell took on dark role in prison drama Wasteman
Alex Hassell swapped Rutshire glamour for prison drama in Wasteman, playing inmate Paul in the gritty thriller.
Released in cinemas in February 2026, the film currently holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Calum Macdiarmid, the story centres on a parolee played by David Jonsson whose future is threatened by the arrival of volatile inmate Dee, played by Tom Blyth.
Alex plays a powerful prisoner involved in the jail’s drug trade. Described as a “parasitical predator”, Paul forms part of the prison hierarchy clashing with the newer inmates. The film was shot in 2024 at Shepton Mallet Prison.
Wasteman is currently available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Read more: Hallelujah! Disney + finally confirms start date for Rivals series 2 and it’s an extended series