Rising Star Julie Cullen On Filming Her Breakout Role In Half Man

After the success of Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd’s next series was always going to generate buzz. But Half Man is a world away from that unsettlingly dark comedy-drama – and, in fact, Gadd wrote this one first. Set in Glasgow and drawing on Scottish stars, in the six-part Half Man, writer-actor Gadd spins a tale of memory, masculinity and the boundaries of family. 

Stretching from the 80s to the present day, one newcomer in the cast is Glasgow local Julie Cullen. Surely her breakout role, we sat down with the rising star to find out more about shooting the series.

Q&A: Julie Cullen On Half Man

Julie Cullen: ‘Half Man is completely different to Baby Reindeer.’

Hi Julie, how’s life going at the moment?

Life is good at the moment! Summer is around the corner which is my favourite season! The buzz of Half Man is still going on and I’m excited for the show to finally be out after a year of sitting on it – albeit very nervous, but very excited! 

Can you give us an elevator pitch for Half Man?

It’s a story of a troubled relationship between two stepbrothers throughout their life, starting from when they are 15 all the way through to their 40s. It starts in the present, and we are then propelled into the past to watch how their lives unfold and the decision they make which brings them to the present day. 

After the success of Baby Reindeer, there’s huge buzz around the series. What is that like to be a part of?

Honestly, it’s a bit mad. When people ask about the show the first thing they ask is if it’s the sequel to Baby Reindeer. The show is completely different to Baby Reindeer, but because of the major success of the show, it’s so exciting to be part of Richard’s new creation and the buzz around it all.

Did you watch Baby Reindeer when it came out? What did you think of the series?

I did, I remember it vividly! I watched it on my own one night and binged the whole thing. I don’t know how I managed that, as if you’ve seen it, you know it’s a very intense watch. Especially episode four, oh my days, that was a tough watch! It was amazing to see someone tell their story but not make themselves the hero, and show the very grey side of life, which I don’t think a lot of shows do.

Julie Cullen stars as Joanna opposite Mitchell Robertson as Niall in Half Man’s flashbacks to the 80s. (BBC)

How did it feel when you got the part in Half Man?

It was honestly surreal! I wasn’t actually feeling well the day my agent, Nadine, called me. She was crying and I thought she might have called the wrong Julie and was in need of help! When I asked her what was up, she told me I’d got the part! I then started crying and was pacing around my living room shouting ‘shut up’. I was no longer feeling unwell at all! I then called my mum and dad, and they were elated and couldn’t believe it. They were mostly buzzed that I would be home for a long period of time for filming.

Anything you can tease about your role in the series?

Ohhh, I’m not sure how much I am allowed to say! Joanna is young, free and finding herself. She loves all the new experiences she is having, and I think people can take advantage of that. She also has some real fire in her and has a good moral compass.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

Nothing more than I would ordinarily do for a character, however, I wanted to make sure that I was up to date with 80s music, as Joanna enters the story in the 80s and loves to be in the club. So, we would listen to 80s bangers on the way to set sometimes, which was fun. 

What was the cast dynamic on set?

I loved working with everyone on set, cast and crew! We were really all there for one another, which was lovely. I did the majority of my scenes with Mitchell [Robertson], who plays Niall [in the 80s], and it was wonderful having him there. If I was stressing about something in my performance, he was always there to help and vice versa. He is a real champion for everyone.

Julie Cullen: ‘Shooting one of the scenes I auditioned with felt like a real full circle moment for me.’ (BBC)

Who brought the best vibe to shooting?

It would have to be Nicole (Tulloch) who was our hair and makeup designer – and now friend! I’m actually back in Scotland next week to meet up with her. She always brought joy first thing in the morning. I don’t know how she did it! She created a quote wall for the day, where someone each day would have to write an inspirational quote on the board in the HMU trailer. It was really lovely as it brought everyone together and we would all talk about what day we were going to do.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

A standout moment for me was when we shot one of the scenes I auditioned with. It felt like a real full circle moment for me. And to be acting alongside Mitchell was very special; he is amazing and brought such vulnerability to the scene. When we did our rehearsal before we shot, we got some really lovely feedback as it hit home for some people, which is such a testament to how great Richard’s writing is!

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I am just auditioning at the moment… Life of an actor, I guess! But I’ve had some really exciting auditions with lovely panels and great projects, so fingers crossed I am able to land one of them this year.

Which actor have you learned the most from in the past?

I think I learn different things on every job. I was very fortunate to work with director and actor Daniel Evans, who was actually directing me at the time in the musical Local Hero in Chichester. His ability to make a whole room feel so comfortable is next to none. He never made anyone feel like a small part, really wanted to hear everyone’s thoughts, and treated us all as equals. I thought that was just such a wonderful talent. It enabled him to then get the best out of everyone!

What’s your dream role?

From a young age, I have always loved the Spider-Man films. My brother made sure I was very into superhero movies from the start, so to be in that universe somehow would be a real dream moment. And I think my brother would lose it! 

I’d also love to be in a Game of Thrones series – give me that blonde wig! Later down the line, I would love to play Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, what a part that is. I am always so gutted I never got to see Imelda Staunton play that part; she was incredible in Gypsy. 

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’d love to be in a sitcom. I’ve watched the US Office so many times and it never fails to cheer me up if I am feeling down. To be in something like that would be unreal. I’d also love to be in something where I get to do stunts and have to train for a role – I think I’d love that!

Julie Cullen: ‘I try to go home to Scotland as much as I can.’

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Stephen Graham has always been someone I have admired! It would be a dream to be in one of his projects. I loved Boiling Point and Adolescence and shooting in the one-shot format. It’s such a special way of shooting because it feels like theatre, which is what I grew up with, but it’s filmed. It’s the best part of both mediums. 

Do you get to spend much time at home? How do you like to spend your free time?

I try to go home to Scotland as much as I can, ideally every other month. I’m very close with my family and am now an aunty to my amazing little niece, so I want to make sure I am in her life as much as I can be. 

In my spare time, I love to cook. A full day off in the kitchen with the music on cooking up some tasty treats is just lovely to me. Also seeing my friends for a Sunday roast. I think a lot of my free time involves food to be honest. 

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I grew up somewhere in the middle: 20 minutes into Glasgow city centre and 15 minutes into the country. I love both. I live in London and love the convenience of everything here, and always having something to do. Summer in London is just the best! When I go home, I love going to Loch Lomond with mates and doing a nice hike – getting out in nature. 

What’s your interior design style?

I think my mum calls it shabby chic, but I think the best way to describe my interior style is Hygge. I don’t even know if that’s an interior style, but I love my home to feel cosy and welcoming, with a sort of Scandi feel to it.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

That’s a toughie… I am still trying to find it, if I’m honest. I think I am a bit of a workaholic sometimes and can really burn myself out, so that was part of my New Year’s resolution this year – to allow myself some more me time. 

How can we all live a little bit better?

Be kind. In a world that’s all a bit scary right now, I think the best thing we can do is be kind and show compassion to one another.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Not yet, but this industry is so mad, your world could change overnight. So we shall wait and see what 2026 has to offer! 

Julie Cullen: ‘It was part of my New Year’s resolution this year – to allow myself some more me time.’

What Julie Cullen Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – loving it!  

What I’m reading… The fifth book in the A Court of Thrones and Roses series

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… The Studio – a perfect series, I loved it so much.

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The new season of The Last of Us.

Favourite film of all time… The Parent Trap is a perfect film to me, and my childhood. 

Favourite song of all time… I listen to music depending on my mood, but ‘Gold’ from the musical Once I could listen to on repeat! If you haven’t heard it, get it on, it’s so beautiful. 

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Olivia Dean – all of her albums.

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Loch Lomond in the spring.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Owning Manhattan on Netflix – I just love to see inside all these crazy NY buildings!

Julie Cullen stars in Half Man. New episodes land on BBC iPlayer weekly on Fridays.

Team Credits

• Photographer: David Reiss
• Styling: Sarah Harrison
• Hair and makeup: Charlotte Yeomans

Fashion Credits

• Corset, Siobhan Mackenzie 
• Trousers, Theory 
• Platforms, Jimmy Choo