From Fantasy Heartthrob to Period Drama Lead: Why Danny Griffin’s Rise Resonates with Queer Audiences

For queer audiences, the allure of Danny Griffin isn’t just about sharp jawlines and on-screen charisma—it’s about evolution, visibility, and the kind of storytelling that challenges and connects. Griffin, who won hearts as Sky in Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga, is now making waves in the upcoming period drama The Forsytes, set to premiere in the US in 2026. His transition from fantasy heartthrob to leading man in a Victorian saga is more than a career milestone; it’s a moment that matters for LGBTQ+ fans craving layered, emotionally intelligent performances in genres historically short on queer nuance .

Let’s be honest: Fate: The Winx Saga didn’t just enchant with its magical premise and high-stakes drama. For many LGBTQ+ viewers, the show’s fantasy world was a safe haven—a place where difference was power and chosen family meant everything. Griffin’s portrayal of Sky, the “boyish but strong, silent type with a jawline sharp enough to cut glass,” became a touchstone for queer fans who saw themselves reflected in the series’ complex relationships and unapologetic individuality . When Netflix cancelled the series after two seasons, it wasn’t just the loss of a fantasy epic—it was the end of a space where queerness could flourish, even if not always explicitly.

But Griffin’s story didn’t stop there. His next chapter, starring as Jolyon Forsyte Jr. in The Forsytes, signals a promising shift. The series, described by production as an exploration of “the lives, loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian era stockbroking family,” sets the stage for drama that’s ripe for queer interpretation—pitting tradition against personal happiness, and obligation against the pursuit of love .

If you’re wondering why a period drama matters to LGBTQ+ audiences, consider the genre’s history: often coded, sometimes subversive, and increasingly ready for explicit representation. Griffin’s Jolyon is a character torn between duty and passion, a painter forced to abandon his art for family business—a dynamic that echoes queer experiences of negotiating authenticity in a world demanding conformity .

In a recent interview, Griffin explained, “Jolyon wants to make sure that his clients are respected and looked after, which clashes with his cousin Soames’ way of doing business. In his past, Jolyon was a big painter and loved to paint, but it’s something he’s had to give up to do the job that he was born to do, which is working at the firm.” . The tension between societal expectation and personal fulfillment is a narrative that resonates deeply with queer viewers—and the internet is already thirsting over Griffin’s take on the character.

With Griffin’s rising popularity—TikTok fan edits, Twitter stans, and meme culture in full swing—there’s anticipation that The Forsytes will provide space for exploring queer-coded relationships and emotional depth, even if the narrative isn’t overtly LGBTQ+ . The genre’s conventions, from longing glances to repressed desires, offer fertile ground for queer reading, and Griffin’s nuanced performance is already sparking discussion in online fan circles.

Griffin’s own background adds layers of relatability. Raised on a farm in Cornwall with four sisters, the actor has spoken about feeling “in the middle of nowhere” and finding escape in art, games, and storytelling—a narrative familiar to many LGBTQ+ people growing up outside urban queer hubs . His journey from small-town life to the global stage echoes the transformative power of representation: seeing someone rise, shift genres, and embrace multifaceted roles reminds viewers that possibility isn’t confined by geography or expectation.

Beyond acting, Griffin’s interests—whether gaming (he ranked number 442 in the world at Apex Legends) or horseback riding—underscore a modern masculinity that rejects rigid binaries. For fans, especially those who grew up with the constraints of “what boys can be,” Griffin’s openness about pursuing what he loves, from painting to gaming, is quietly revolutionary .

Ultimately, Danny Griffin’s rise is more than a Hollywood success story—it’s a cultural shift. Each role he takes on, from Sky’s earnest heroism to Jolyon’s conflicted artistry, challenges old stereotypes and opens doors for new forms of queer resonance. As The Forsytes prepares for its US debut, LGBTQ+ audiences are watching with hope—not just for romance or representation, but for storytelling that refuses to flatten or erase complexity.

In the words of Griffin himself: “With the Forsyte name comes a lot of responsibility.” . For queer viewers, that responsibility includes creating worlds where difference isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated, longed for, and loved.

Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, period drama, or simply rooting for actors who bring authenticity and vulnerability to the screen, Danny Griffin’s story is worth following. In a media landscape hungry for queer joy, struggle, and triumph, his journey feels like a promise: that the next chapter will be bolder, brighter, and more inclusive than ever.