Thea Sofie Loch Næss: 5 Must-Know Facts About The Star Of Sundance 2025's Darkest Film
Thea Sofie Loch Næss has cemented her status as one of Norway's most compelling international acting exports, and as of late 2024 and early 2025, her career trajectory is soaring. Known globally for her intense and memorable role as the seer Skade in Netflix's historical drama *The Last Kingdom*, Næss is now the center of attention for her leading role in a highly anticipated, dark cinematic project that premiered at a major film festival.
The current buzz surrounds her work in the twisted fairy tale adaptation, *The Ugly Stepsister*, which made its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. This new wave of projects, including an upcoming psychological thriller, proves that Næss is rapidly transitioning from a breakout star into a powerhouse leading actress, constantly seeking challenging and unconventional roles.
Complete Biography and Professional Profile (Updated December 2025)
Thea Sofie Loch Næss has built a career on playing complex, often challenging characters across Scandinavian and international productions. Her early start in film quickly paved the way for major television roles that introduced her to a global audience.
- Full Name: Thea Sofie Loch Næss (often credited as Thea Sofie Loch Naess)
- Date of Birth: November 26, 1996
- Age (as of December 2025): 29
- Place of Birth: Kristiansand, Agder, Norway
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Height: 5' 6½" (1.69m)
- Profession: Actress
- Active Years: 2014–Present
- Breakthrough Role: *One Night in Oslo* (2014)
- International Recognition: Skade in *The Last Kingdom* (Series 3, 2018)
- Upcoming Major Roles: Agnes in *The Ugly Stepsister* (2025), Lead in *CRCL9* (TBA)
The 2025 Sundance Sensation: The Ugly Stepsister
The biggest news surrounding Thea Sofie Loch Næss is her starring role in the 2025 feature film, *The Ugly Stepsister*. This project is far from a traditional family movie; it’s a darkly twisted, body-horror spin on the classic Cinderella motif that has generated significant critical buzz since its world premiere.
A Horror Reimagining of a Classic Tale
The film, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, premiered at the prestigious 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 23rd. It has been described as a chilling and visually stunning exploration of the original, darker Grimm Brothers’ tale, blending elements of dark comedy and body horror.
Næss takes on the pivotal role of Agnes, one of the titular stepsisters. The story focuses on the sister, Elvira (played by Lea Myren), and her quest for beauty and acceptance, with Agnes playing a complex and often cruel part in the twisted narrative. The film is a co-production between Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland, highlighting Næss’s continued work in high-quality Scandinavian cinema with international appeal.
The acquisition of the film by Shudder, the horror streaming service, underscores its intense and unconventional nature. Næss’s performance as Agnes has been singled out for its compelling portrayal, with some early reviews comparing her character’s energy to a "Regina George playing Cinderella."
From Viking Seer to Psychological Thriller Lead: Upcoming Projects
Beyond the festival circuit success of *The Ugly Stepsister*, Thea Sofie Loch Næss has secured another major leading role, confirming her move into the psychological thriller genre. This project, titled *CRCL9*, promises to be another intense and character-driven performance.
The Intrigue of *CRCL9*
Næss is set to star in the psychological thriller *CRCL9*, which is being helmed by filmmaker M. Axilleas and produced by Chris Weitz’s Depth of Field. Weitz is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, and his involvement signals a high-caliber production.
While specific plot details remain tightly under wraps, the genre and the production team suggest a tightly wound, suspenseful film that will allow Næss to showcase her range. Her ability to portray characters with a dark, unsettling edge—a skill she honed playing Skade—makes her a perfect fit for this kind of high-stakes thriller.
The Roles That Defined Her International Career
While her new projects are generating buzz, Thea Sofie Loch Næss is still best known to a global audience for her work on a major Netflix series. Her roles in historical epics and acclaimed Norwegian films established her reputation long before her 2025 successes.
Skade in *The Last Kingdom*
In 2018, Næss joined the third season of the popular historical drama *The Last Kingdom* as Skade. Skade was a powerful and mysterious Viking seer, or witch, who becomes entangled in the life of the show's hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg (played by Alexander Dreymon).
Her performance was a defining moment in her career, showcasing her ability to handle a complex, emotionally charged, and polarizing character. Skade was a memorable villain and a fan-favorite entity, whose storyline drove a significant part of the season’s narrative.
The Historical Epic: *The Last King*
Before her time as Skade, Næss starred in the 2016 Norwegian historical action film, *The Last King* (original title: *Birkebeinerne*). The film, directed by Nils Gaup, is set during the Norwegian Civil War in 1204.
In this film, she played the role of Kristin, a key figure in the dramatic story of two Birkebeiner warriors who must protect the infant heir to the throne. This role demonstrated her early talent for epic, period drama and her commitment to Norwegian cinema.
Early Career and Debut
Næss made her film debut in the 2014 Norwegian drama *One Night in Oslo* (*Natt til 17.*), where she played the lead role. This film was a critical success in Norway and marked her as an emerging talent. She also appeared in the comedy series *Costa del Kongsvik* in 2016.
Her diverse filmography also includes the 2022 mystery-thriller *Arctic Void*, which further solidified her experience in high-concept, genre-bending films, a path she continues to follow with *The Ugly Stepsister* and *CRCL9*.
Thea Sofie Loch Næss: A Star on the Rise
The trajectory of Thea Sofie Loch Næss’s career is a testament to her versatility and her preference for roles that challenge both herself and the audience. From the ancient, mystical power of Skade to the modern, dark complexity of Agnes, she has proven her ability to inhabit any character.
With a high-profile premiere at Sundance 2025 and a major psychological thriller on the horizon, Næss is no longer just a Norwegian actress; she is a significant international talent whose work in ambitious, genre-defying cinema is setting the tone for the coming years. Fans of her work in *The Last Kingdom* and Norwegian cinema have much to look forward to as her latest projects roll out globally.
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