Jordy Campbell visits Mackay after breakout role in ‘Boy Swallows Universe’

Boy Swallows Universe actor Jordy Campbell has returned home to visit his family and given us a taste of the bullying side featured in the hit Netflix series. Watch the video.

A young actor in an internationally successful TV series based off an Australian novel is back in Mackay visiting family, and shared what’s it like to be on screen.

Netflix has struck gold ‘down under’ with their latest Australian series Boy Swallows Universe.

Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by former Courier Mail reporter, Trent Dalton, the series has received almost universal acclaim.

The mini-series follows the life of Eli Bell, a precocious boy growing up in Brisbane, navigating the complexities of school life, family life and becoming caught up in criminal intrigue.

“It’s about (Eli) navigating school and the hardships of life in Brisbane,” said Jordy Campbell, the actor of Boy Swallows Universe bully, Bobby Linyette.

The 16 year old has been visiting his family in Mackay after the debut of the series on January 11 2024.

“I’ve been acting since I was 10,” said Jordy.

“I just got put down for a few things like ads, then I moved onto music videos and work as an extra.

“Now I’ve been cast for Netflix.”

Jordy initially auditioned for the role of Augustus Bell, Eli’s brother.

"Felix was great, really easy to work with." said Jordy, praising the star actors performance and professionalism.

Although he was unsuccessful in that audition, Jordy was invited back and secured the role one of of Eli’s tormentor, Bobby.

“My characters the bully, so whenever (Eli’s) going through some bad times I’m there to make it even worse for him,”

“It was something I could have fun with, step out of my own shoes and play the bad guy.

“I definitely enjoyed it.”

The role of Bobby Linyette was a step up from his previous role as an extra in Aquaman, which Jordy looks back on fondly.

“Aquaman was a great experience.”

“That was one of my first times as an extra, just to see the set and the camera.”

Felix Cameron, Jordy Campbell and Zachary Wan carpool on their way to set in their fictitious school uniforms.

In preparing for the role, Jordy read the Boy Swallows Universe book and recalled instances in his life where he’d experienced bullying.

“You see it all the time at schools and growing up, so it’s good to play it as real as possible in the scenarios I was given.”

The young actor is slated to appear in a new Godzilla movie in 2024 and is already planning his next career move.

Jordy suggested that he might try to audition for a role on the Australian actors institution of Home and Away orpursuea career in Hollywood.

In the meantime, he is taking it easy visiting his family in Mackay, watching 80s and 90s movies and playing footy with his brother Cody.

“I got a good role now,” he said excitedly.

“We’ll see where it leads.”