I Used to Be Famous (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
I Used to Be Famous is a 2022 comedy drama directed by Eddie Sternberg, starring Ed Skrein as Vince, Leo Long and Eoin Macken. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and earned $171,756 worldwide. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 44m (104 min)
- Director
- Eddie Sternberg
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is I Used to Be Famous About?
The premise of I Used to Be Famous without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Former popstar Vince, now struggling with obscurity, unexpectedly connects with Stevie, a gifted but autistic drummer, in Peckham. Their shared passion for music sparks an unlikely friendship, offering both men a chance at redemption. As they navigate personal challenges and troubled histories, the bond they forge demonstrates the transformative power of music and the possibility of new beginnings, even when facing isolation.
I Used to Be Famous Themes & Keywords
· 43 tags- based on short film
- dramedy
- friendship
- pop star
- life
- piano
- drum
- city
- song
- friend
- buddy comedy
- autism
+31 more Show fewer
- autistic man
- young
- 18 year old man
- 19 year old man
- 15 year old boy
- year 2002
- year 2022
- 20 years later
- 19th birthday
- birthday
- boy band
- concert
- reference to tiktok
- reference to john lennon
- reference to paul mccartney
- reference to dave grohl
- reference to chad smith
- reference to jack dejohnette
- reference to keith jarrett
- reference to johann sebastian bach
- smoothie
- taking a selfie
- jammie dodgers
- music therapy
- drummer
- keyboard
- cemetery
- funeral
- ironing board
- fistfight
- bar fight
I Used to Be Famous Cast & Characters
Ed Skrein leads the cast as Vince, with Leo Long as Stevie and Eoin Macken as Austin. Directed by Eddie Sternberg; 12 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Eddie Sternberg
-
Ed Skrein as Vince -
Leo Long as Stevie -
Eoin Macken as Austin -
Eleanor Matsuura as Amber
Also Starring in I Used to Be Famous
· 8 more- Neil Stuke Dennis
- Lorraine Ashbourne Cheryl
- Kurt Egyiawan Dia
- Rachel Kwok
- Stanley Morgan Vince (19)
- Zara Flynn
- Jamie Wannell Ted (14)
- Richard Sutar
I Used to Be Famous Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave I Used to Be Famous 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).
I Used to Be Famous Echo Score Breakdown
I Used to Be Famous delivers a modestly engaging experience that leans more toward pleasant than groundbreaking. Critics and users alike note the film's predictable narrative, yet many appreciate its heartfelt tone and Ed Skrein's committed performance. While the direction and musical elements receive mixed reactions, the overall impression is that the movie succeeds as an agreeable, feel‑good drama without challenging conventions. Consequently, its appeal rests on audience willingness to embrace its sincerity despite structural shortcomings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 60
In terms of direction and craft, the film exhibits a steady but unremarkable visual style. Critics point to a predictable staging and missed opportunities, while some acknowledge a sweet handling of scenes. The cinematography and editing serve the story without notable flourish, resulting in a competent yet conventional execution. Overall, the artistic elements are adequate but lack distinctive flair.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are the film's strongest asset. Ed Skrein's nuanced portrayal receives consistent praise from both critics and users, with many citing his sensitive, committed acting. Supporting cast members are described as likable and believable, enhancing emotional resonance. Although a few reviewers question authenticity of certain depictions, the overall character work is well‑executed and engaging.
- Story & Flow 60
The story and pacing are dominated by predictability, a point repeatedly highlighted by reviewers. While the narrative is described as schematic and comfortingly familiar, some find the honesty of its arcs endearing. The plot moves forward without major holes, yet twists feel shallow to several viewers. Consequently, the storyline offers solid coherence but limited originality, positioning it in the middle of the rating spectrum.
- Sensory Experience 65
Sensory experience receives mixed feedback, particularly regarding the soundtrack. Some users enjoy the film's songs and deem them a highlight, while others criticize the original music as terrible. Sound design and visual style are generally noted as competent but not standout. The overall sensory impression is acceptable, offering occasional moments of appeal amid otherwise standard production values.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch factor is moderately high, driven by the film's feel‑good tone and uplifting moments. Several viewers describe it as pleasant, heart‑warming, and suitable for family viewing, suggesting repeat enjoyment. However, the predictability and occasional tonal missteps temper enthusiasm, preventing it from achieving a top‑tier replay value. Overall, it presents a solid, if not essential, reason to return.
-
IMDb 6.6 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 84%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.1 /5
10 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.4 /5
See on Movie Insider
I Used to Be Famous Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in I Used to Be Famous from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 16 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
While Vince (Ed Skrein) once basked in the glow of hedonistic fame and success, living the rock star life with his band Stereo Dreams, things have drastically changed after two decades. Now a struggling musician, he finds himself busking on the streets in hopes of reigniting his career. Despite his fervent attempts to secure gigs in local bars, he is continually met with rejection. In his quest for validation, he creates fresh tunes and pitches them to local music shops, only to face disappointment once again. Meanwhile, his former bandmate Austin (Eoin Macken) has garnered significant success in the music industry, set to release his final album and embark on a farewell tour.
Full summary
The whole story of I Used to Be Famous, scene by scene, with the ending explained
I Used to Be Famous Box Office
I Used to Be Famous grossed $171,756 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$171.8K
- US & Canada
- $171.8K
I Used to Be Famous Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 featurettes.
- Featurette Iconic '90s/'00s Popstars - What Happens When Fame Fades | I Used To Be Famous
- Featurette Life On Set As A Neurodivergent Actor | Netflix
How Well Do You Know I Used to Be Famous?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What was the name of Vince's former band?
Cars in I Used to Be Famous
15 cars on screen, including the 2016 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H and the 1998 Ford Escort Estate MkVI.
-
2016 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Minor role -
1998 Ford Escort Estate MkVI Minor role -
Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Background role -
2012 Ford Fiesta MkVI Background role
I Used to Be Famous Also Known As
21 alternative titles, including “คนเคยดัง” and “פעם הייתי מפורסם”.
- Also known as
-
- คนเคยดัง
- פעם הייתי מפורסם
- 아이 유스투 비 페이머스
- Já Fui Famoso
- 刹那的光辉
- Avant, j'étais célèbre
- Yo era famoso
- Bejval sem slavnej
- Ero una popstar
- Kiedyś byłem sławny
- كنت نجمًا
- Egykor híres voltam
+9 more Show fewer
- Я был знаменит
- Колись я був відомим
- Bir Zamanlar Ünlüydüm
- Am fost cândva celebru
- 剎那的光輝
- あの頃輝いていたけれど
- Kažkada buvau garsus
- Някога бях известен
- Κάποτε Ήμουν Διάσημος
Seen I Used to Be Famous?
Movies Like I Used to Be Famous
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including I Used to Be Funny, Almost Famous and England Is Mine.
I Used to Be Famous FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of I Used to Be Famous, each answered in a sentence.
How long is I Used to Be Famous?
I Used to Be Famous runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).
When was I Used to Be Famous released?
I Used to Be Famous was released on September 16, 2022.
Who directed I Used to Be Famous?
I Used to Be Famous was directed by Eddie Sternberg.
Who is in the cast of I Used to Be Famous?
I Used to Be Famous stars Ed Skrein as Vince, Leo Long as Stevie and Eoin Macken as Austin, among 12 credited actors.
How much did I Used to Be Famous make at the box office?
I Used to Be Famous grossed $171,756 worldwide.
How is I Used to Be Famous rated?
I Used to Be Famous has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70% on TMDB and 3.1/5 on Letterboxd.
Does I Used to Be Famous have a post-credit scene?
No. I Used to Be Famous has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
