From queer prince to post-apocalyptic soldier: Edvin Ryding’s rise was something we saw coming since his first interview with Xmag.
Who is Erik Sundqvist in ‘28 Years Later’? The new film by Danny Boyle marks a major leap for Edvin Ryding, one of Sweden’s brightest young actors. As audiences discover his role as the last surviving soldier washed ashore in a quarantined Britain, here at Xmag, we remember when his promise was already impossible to ignore.
In our 2021 cover feature, Edvin was just 18 and Young Royals had only begun its global journey. Yet his words stuck with us: “I want to try new things, take risks, and let the career surprise me.” He wasn’t playing it safe then, and he certainly isn’t now.
From ‘Young Royals’ to cult cinema
Ryding first captured global attention as Prince Wilhelm in the queer Netflix series Young Royals, a role that earned him critical acclaim and the devotion of Gen Z. In December 2022, he and co-star Omar Rudberg made their U.S. late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a moment that introduced the duo to an even wider audience.
In ‘28 Years Later’, Ryding plays Erik Sundqvist, a Swedish NATO soldier who crosses paths with Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a desperate survival mission. Critics have praised Edvin’s nuanced performance, adding emotional weight to the high-stakes action of Boyle’s dystopian universe.
2025: the year of his international breakout
In March 2025, Edvin walked the Oscars red carpet for the first time, attending the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Dressed in a cream jacket, a brooch-detailed sash, and a look that quietly nodded to Swedish craftsmanship, he became one of the most talked-about guests of the night.
He publicly credited his look to Norwegian stylist Paul Edwards and his partner Adam Lukacs, showcasing not just talent but loyalty to the creative team behind the scenes.
Ryding’s trajectory feels less like a surprise and more like the fulfilment of something long foreseen. Back in 2021, we sensed it — now the world sees it too.
28 Years Later is now showing in cinemas.
