Glenn Howerton Shines in Netflix's 'Blackberry' Drama

The 'It's Always Sunny' star delivers a standout performance in the story of the rise and fall of the iconic smartphone company.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:05pm

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Glenn Howerton, known for his role as Dennis Reynolds on the hit comedy series 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', has been earning praise for his dramatic turn in the new Netflix film 'Blackberry'. The movie, which is 'inspired by' the true story of the iconic smartphone company's rise and fall, features Howerton alongside Jay Baruchel and Matthew Johnson in the lead roles. Howerton's intense and nuanced performance as Jim Balsillie has been highlighted by critics, who say it showcases the actor's versatility beyond his comedic roots.

Why it matters

Howerton's performance in 'Blackberry' is significant because it demonstrates his ability to take on more serious, dramatic roles, potentially opening up new opportunities for the actor beyond his long-running stint on 'It's Always Sunny'. The film's exploration of the Blackberry saga also provides an intriguing look at the high-stakes world of tech innovation and the challenges faced by pioneering companies.

The details

In 'Blackberry', Howerton portrays Jim Balsillie, the co-CEO of Research in Motion (RIM), the company behind the iconic Blackberry smartphone. The film chronicles the rise of Blackberry as it became a dominant force in the mobile device market, as well as the internal power struggles and eventual downfall of the company in the face of competition from newer smartphone technologies. Howerton's performance has been praised for its nuance and complexity, as he navigates Balsillie's transition from ambitious entrepreneur to embattled executive.

  • The film 'Blackberry' was released on Netflix in mid-March 2026.
  • The events depicted in the film took place in the late 1990s and early 2000s, during the height of Blackberry's success and eventual decline.

The players

Glenn Howerton

An American actor best known for his role as Dennis Reynolds on the long-running FX/FXX comedy series 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. 'Blackberry' marks a dramatic departure for Howerton, showcasing his range as an actor.

Jim Balsillie

The co-CEO of Research in Motion (RIM), the company that developed the Blackberry smartphone. Balsillie is a central figure in the 'Blackberry' film, portrayed by Glenn Howerton.

Jay Baruchel

A Canadian actor who co-stars alongside Howerton in 'Blackberry', playing a key role in the film's exploration of RIM's rise and fall.

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What they’re saying

“I'm even more surprised he hasn't [taken off in Hollywood] after seeing his amazing performance in Blackberry, which I was finally able to enjoy with my Netflix subscription after a long wait.”

— Mick Joest, Writer

“Seeing Howerton bring the intensity of Dennis Reynolds to a serious role was intriguing, and it was just odd seeing him without a full head of hair.”

— Mick Joest, Writer

“If anyone, Hollywood producer or casual movie enjoyer, doubts Glenn Howerton as an actor, then they need to watch Blackberry. He crushes it in a role that makes you want to hate him as much as root for him, and it's fantastic.”

— Mick Joest, Writer

What’s next

Fans of Glenn Howerton and the 'Blackberry' film can look forward to seeing if the actor's acclaimed performance leads to more dramatic roles in the future, potentially expanding his range beyond the comedic work he's known for on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'.

The takeaway

Glenn Howerton's standout performance in the Netflix drama 'Blackberry' showcases his versatility as an actor and could open new doors for him in Hollywood, beyond his long-running role on the hit comedy series 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'.