Billy Magnussen is the kind of actor who thrives in the space between charm and chaos—a space that superhero movies, crime dramas, and dark comedies often fail to explore but one he navigates effortlessly. With his latest work in the teen psychosexual thriller Hot Ted and the sharp CBS crime procedural Elsbeth, Magnussen isn’t just working; he’s redefining what it means to be a scene-stealer in 2024.
‘Hot Ted’ Gives Magnussen a Lead Role in a Genre-Twisting Teen Comedy
Coming off a string of roles that toy with audience expectations, Magnussen is set to headline Hot Ted—a serial killer teen comedy that’s being billed as Mean Girls meets American Psycho. Directed by Saturday Night Live alum Hannah Levy in her feature debut, the film stars Magnussen alongside Ella Purnell and Ariana Greenblatt. And the buzz? It’s magnetic.
In Hot Ted, Magnussen plays Ted, a camp counselor with all the red flags of a stereotypical serial killer—but also with one major twist: he’s inexplicably attractive. The plot follows Greenblatt’s character Zoe, a true-crime-obsessed teen who, along with her friends, can’t help but investigate Ted’s creepy van and off-the-grid lifestyle. The twist? They’re not sure if he’s a murderer or just... too hot to be one.
It’s a tagline and premise that perfectly encapsulate Magnussen’s appeal: he plays into type—then flips it on its head. And as a producer on the film, Magnussen isn’t just in front of the camera; he’s shaping the kind of edgy, original storytelling that Hollywood desperately needs.
“We couldn’t be more fired up to back the razor-sharp voices of Grace McLeod and Hannah Levy in this refreshing project!” Magnussen said, echoing his excitement not just to star, but to champion bold new creators.Behind the Laughs and Suspense, ‘Hot Ted’ Is a Commentary on Modern Masculinity
Written by queer playwright Grace McLeod and described by Levy as “a reinvention of the camp comedy,” Hot Ted isn’t just a fun ride—it’s a cultural mirror. McLeod’s sharp script and Levy’s comedic instincts turn the film into a psychosexual thriller about perception, gender, and the cringe-worthy dance of teenage adulthood.
And Magnussen fits right into this thematic stew. His Ted isn’t just a potential killer; he’s a symbol of how image and silence are weaponized in the digital age. The fact that he's "not on social media" is one of the film's many clever jabs at how we profile people based on nothing more than online presence—or the lack thereof.
Magnussen’s Turn as Rod in ‘Elsbeth’ Shows He’s Equally Deadly in Procedural Drama
If Hot Ted lets Magnussen play with genre and teen angst, CBS’s Elsbeth lets him dive into the murky waters of adult crime with a smirk and a swagger. In Season 2, Episode 19 ("I’ve Got a Little List"), Magnussen stars as Rod, an entitled playboy with a taste for extreme thrills—and possibly murder.
In an exclusive sneak peek from Collider, Rod is seen loitering at a crime scene, probing the sharp-eyed detective Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) for info—clearly testing the waters. His behavior is off, his charm is calculated, and Elsbeth, as always, isn’t fooled. The question isn’t if Rod is involved, but how deep his games go.
It’s a small but explosive role in a show known for turning legal chaos into character studies. And Magnussen nails it—playing Rod not just as a suspect, but as a symbol of reckless privilege trying to buy its way out of suspicion. It's a performance that adds layers to a procedural episode and turns a one-off character into a memorable adversary.
From Camp Comedies to Crime Dramas, Magnussen Is Hollywood’s Genre Chameleon
What makes Billy Magnussen’s recent work so compelling is how seamlessly he jumps between tones. One week, he’s the unnervingly attractive camp counselor in a teen comedy with serial killer vibes. The next, he’s a creepy playboy pushing a detective into dangerous territory in a crime show that’s more Good Fight than Law & Order.
And he does it without breaking stride. There’s an optimism in Magnussen’s performances—a sense that he’s not just playing roles, but exploring what they say about us. Whether he’s poking fun at toxic masculinity in Hot Ted or exposing the hollowness of privilege in Elsbeth, Magnussen is engaged, energetic, and, crucially, having fun.
Why Billy Magnussen Is the Unsung Hero of 2024’s Most Interesting Projects
Magnussen may not be the guy with the cape or the laser eyes, but he’s filling a role that’s just as important in today’s media landscape: the actor who dares to play with genre, tone, and audience expectation. He’s not just supporting stories—he’s elevating them. And with Hot Ted premiering at Cannes and Elsbeth heating up its finale, there’s no better time to take notice.
In a world obsessed with franchises and formulas, Billy Magnussen is carving out a space for originality. He’s not just asking “Is this character a killer?” He’s asking, “What does it mean to be a character like this, right now?” And that kind of inquiry might just be the most heroic thing of all.