Elijah Rowen Embodies Grit and Complexity in the World of Vertical Drama Shorts

Elijah Rowen made his name in traditional television with roles in "Vikings" and "Curfew," but his recent move into vertical drama shorts marks a bold shift into one of the fastest-growing formats in digital entertainment.

Elijah Rowen, born in Ballinteer, County Dublin, Ireland, is carving a unique path in the growing world of vertical drama shorts. Trained at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Rowen graduated from its full-time program in 2014. Before acting, he began his career as a model, eventually signing with International Artists Management.

From "Vikings" to "Curfew": Building a Versatile Career

Rowen's entry into acting came with humor. He once joked that he got into the craft after walking past an acting school while down on his luck. "I saw lots of beautiful, talented women... Seemed to be the place for me," he said.

His breakthrough role came in 2016 when he landed the part of Asbjorn in the History Channel's hit series "Vikings." Rather than waiting for an opportunity, Rowen found the show's casting director Frank Moiselle's email and submitted a self-taped audition scene himself.

He later landed his first leading television role in Sky One's drama "Curfew," playing Zane, an intelligent yet young driver in an illegal street race. He starred alongside well-known actors including Sean Bean and Billy Zane.

Embracing the Rise of Vertical Dramas

More recently, Rowen has made a mark in the vertical drama format, a genre that exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially gaining popularity in China, these mobile-friendly dramas are now poised to become a $14 billion global industry by 2027.

Rowen's vertical drama work includes titles such as "Freeze Runaway Groom," "My Domineering Prince," and "Boss, Let Me Go," all on the popular app ReelShort.

Since its 2022 launch, ReelShort has been downloaded over 30 million times, surpassing TikTok as the most downloaded app in the United States.

Balancing Traditional Film with Digital Storytelling

While he has embraced this fast-growing format, Rowen continues to pursue traditional roles. His recent projects include "Rage of Stars," "My Drowning Man," "The Hook," and "Glitched."

Rowen stands out as a versatile actor ready to thrive in both traditional media and vertical storytelling. His career reflects both determination and adaptability, qualities well-suited to the rapidly evolving world of entertainment.