Trainspotting cast now and one actor who no one would recognise now in huge role

Trainspotting was a ground-breaking film that came out of Scotland and made a huge impact on the film scene when it was released in 1996, and the stars have gone on to enjoy huge successThe ground-breaking film is one of the most famous movies ever to come out of Scotland

The revolutionary film is one of the most renowned flicks ever to emerge from Scotland, making waves in the cinema world back in 1996. From the unforgettable ‘choose life’ slogan to the notorious toilet cubicle scene, the antics of Mark Renton and his band of heroin addicts in Edinburgh have become legendary in film history.

However, nearly three decades later, many of the cast members have achieved astronomical success. Since the film’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 launched the group into significant Hollywood stardom, reports the Daily Record.

Here’s a rundown of what happened to the Trainspotting cast since the movie hit the screens:

Mark Renton – Ewan McGregorEwan McGregor (Image: Getty Images)

The film centres around Ewan McGregor as the charismatic and conflicted Mark Renton, who battles 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 post-Trainspotting, Ewan would ascend to a whole new level of international fame.

Continuing his stellar rise, the Scottish actor landed a massive role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels and also garnered an even larger fan base for his performances 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 BremnerEwan Bremner has gone on to appear in serveal more films after Trainspotting(Image: Christie Goodwin/Redferns)

Daniel “Spud” Murphy, portrayed by Ewan Bremner, was relatively fresh on the acting scene before his breakthrough as Spud. Post-‘Trainspotting’, the Edinburgh native landed roles in some of the noughties’ biggest blockbusters.

He teamed up with Ewan McGregor once more in ‘Black Hawk Down’, and shared the screen with A-listers Ben Affleck and Kate Beckinsale in the 2001 war epic ‘Pearl Harbour’. Daniel returned to his iconic role in ‘Trainspotting T2’, delivering a memorable performance as Spud, who continues to grapple with the heroin addiction that dominates his existence.

Simon “Sick Boy” Williamson – Jonny Lee MillerJonny Lee Miller played Sick Boy in the 1996 cult classic before reprising the role in 2017s sequel(Image: Daily Record)

Jonny Lee Miller, known for his role in ‘Hackers’ just prior to ‘Trainspotting’, would find love with co-star Angelina Jolie, tying the knot after a whirlwind six-month romance. The marriage was short-lived, however, with the couple parting ways and filing for divorce in September 1997.

Beyond his romantic endeavours, Jonny has worked with Val Kilmer in ‘Mind Hunters’ and secured recurring roles in the TV series ‘Dexter’ and as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes in ‘Elementary’. ‘The Crown’ enthusiasts might also spot Jonny portraying former Prime Minister John Major, a portrayal the politician himself dubbed “a barrel-load of nonsense”.

Diane Coulston – Kelly MacdonaldKelly Macdonald (L) may now be best known from her role in Line of Duty(Image: BBC/World Productions/ Steffan Hill)

Kelly Macdonald was just 19 when she bagged her debut role as Diane, after spotting an audition flyer while working in a pub. Her breakthrough in Trainspotting paved the way for a successful career, including starring alongside Billy Connolly as the lead Merida in Pixar’s Brave.

She also earned roles in the Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men and 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 CarlyleRobert Carlyle: I’ve turned down superhero movies – I don’t fancy the tights
(Image: PA)

After his portrayal of the tough guy in Trainspotting, Glaswegian actor Robert Carlyle has become a familiar face, featuring in major shows like Cobra, The War of the Worlds, Once Upon a Time and more.

He teamed up again with Danny Boyle for Trainspotting T2 and played John Lennon in Danny Boyle’s Beatles film Yesterday.

Tommy – Kevin McKiddKevin McKidd may be best known for his role in Grey’s Anatomy(Image: Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Image)

Post his role as Tommy in Trainspotting and a special appearance as Father Deegan in a Christmas episode of Father Ted, Kevin McKidd is now most recognised for his role as Owen Hunt in the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. However, he has maintained his presence in the film industry, working with Kelly Macdonald in Brave and playing Poseidon in the Percy Jackson films.