Kris Thykier is a name that has become synonymous with high-quality British film and television production. As the founder of Archery Pictures, he has been the creative force behind some of the most talked-about series and films of recent years, including the hit Apple TV+ thriller Hijack starring Idris Elba, the lavish Sky Atlantic drama Riviera, and Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga . With a career spanning over two decades, Thykier has evolved from a public relations executive into one of the UK’s most respected and successful producers. His films have amassed over $400 million at the global box office, and he continues to shape the landscape of modern entertainment with a slate of ambitious new projects . This article delves into the life, career, and achievements of the man behind some of your favorite shows.
Quick Facts About Kris Thykier
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kris Thykier |
| Date of Birth | January 13, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | London, England, UK |
| Profession | Film and Television Producer |
| Known For | Hijack, Riviera, Fate: The Winx Saga, Operation Mincemeat, Kick-Ass, Stardust |
| Company | Founder of Archery Pictures (2014) |
| Spouse | Claudia Winkleman (m. 2000) |
| Children | Three |
| Awards & Nominations | Two-time BAFTA Nominee |
| Box Office | Over $400 Million |
Early Life and Background
Born on January 13, 1972, in London, England, Kris Thykier grew up with a blend of British and Danish heritage . Before his rise as a producer, his career began in the world of public relations. He worked for the renowned agency Freud Communications, where he honed his skills in communication and media strategy . However, the pull of the film industry proved too strong.
Thykier made the pivotal transition from PR to production in 2007 when he joined forces with director Matthew Vaughn to run Marv Films . This move marked the beginning of his journey as a producer, allowing him to work on a diverse range of films and learn the ropes of the business from the inside.
Career and Major Achievements
Kris Thykier’s career is a testament to his versatility and sharp eye for compelling stories. After his initial work with Marv Films, he founded his own production company, PeaPie Films, in 2009 . Under the PeaPie banner, he produced a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Woman in Gold starring Helen Mirren, the political thriller Miss Sloane with Jessica Chastain, and Burnt, starring Bradley Cooper .
Founding Archery Pictures
In 2014, Thykier took a significant step by founding Archery Pictures . His vision was to create a company focused on producing “international, commercial films and TV content” . The company quickly established itself as a major player in the television drama space.
Television Triumphs
Archery Pictures’ TV slate has been a huge success. Thykier developed and produced the hit fantasy series Fate: The Winx Saga for Netflix and the glamorous crime drama Riviera for Sky Atlantic . He also produced the powerful limited series The State, which earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Mini-Series .
One of his most notable recent successes is executive producing Hijack for Apple TV+ . The show, starring Idris Elba, was a massive global hit, cementing Thykier’s reputation as a producer of premium, high-stakes drama .
Film Production and Current Projects
Thykier has also continued to produce high-profile feature films. He produced John Madden’s war drama Operation Mincemeat, starring Colin Firth . He has also executive produced the Netflix film Luther: The Fallen Sun, another collaboration with Idris Elba, and the festive comedies Your Christmas or Mine? and its sequel for Amazon Prime .
Looking ahead, Thykier has an exciting slate of projects in the works. He is currently in pre-production for the feature film Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern . He is also the Executive Producer on MobLand for Showtime/Paramount+, which stars an all-star cast including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren . Additionally, he is collaborating with Fremantle on a new drama series titled Moriarty, a modern reinvention of the Sherlock Holmes villain .
Personal Life and Family
Away from the cameras and production studios, Kris Thykier leads a busy family life. He has been married to the popular television presenter Claudia Winkleman since June 24, 2000 . The couple, who married in a secret ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, are known for keeping their private life relatively out of the public eye . They have three children together: Jake (born 2003), Matilda (born 2006), and Arthur (born 2011) .
Winkleman has playfully described Thykier as a “feminist,” noting his Danish approach to family life where household duties are shared equally . The family resides in London .
Net Worth and Financial Success
While specific figures for Kris Thykier’s personal net worth are not publicly available, his financial success is evident. As a producer, his films have collectively grossed over $400 million at the global box office . This staggering sum does not include the revenue generated by his hugely successful television productions for major streamers and networks. His position as the founder and head of the highly active Archery Pictures, which is working with major studios like Apple, Netflix, and Paramount+, indicates a highly lucrative and successful career in the entertainment industry .
Interesting Facts
Here are a few more details about the acclaimed producer:
- BAFTA Recognized: Kris Thykier has been nominated for two BAFTA awards. The first was for the film Trash in the category of Best Film Not in the English Language, and the second was for the TV series The State for Best Mini-Series .
- Genre Agnostic: Thykier has stated that Archery Pictures is “genre agnostic,” meaning they are open to any genre except horror. He has a particular focus on what he calls “cerebral drama” .
- Pre-Production for Bradley Cooper: He is currently working closely with actor and director Bradley Cooper on the feature film Is This Thing On? .
Conclusion
Kris Thykier has successfully navigated the transition from public relations to becoming one of the UK’s most influential and prolific producers. Through his production companies, PeaPie Films and, more significantly, Archery Pictures, he has consistently delivered high-quality content that resonates with global audiences. From box office hits like Kick-Ass and Stardust to binge-worthy series like Hijack and Riviera, his work demonstrates a remarkable ability to identify and produce compelling stories across multiple genres . With an exciting pipeline of future projects featuring top-tier talent, Kris Thykier shows no signs of slowing down. He remains a visionary force, shaping the future of film and television production from his base in London.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Kris Thykier?
Kris Thykier is a British film and television producer. He is best known for founding the production company Archery Pictures and producing hit series like Hijack for Apple TV+, Riviera for Sky Atlantic, and Fate: The Winx Saga for Netflix .
Who is Kris Thykier’s wife?
Kris Thykier has been married to Claudia Winkleman, the famous English television presenter and journalist, since 2000 .
What is Kris Thykier’s most famous production?
While he has produced many successes, his most recent global hit is the tense thriller series Hijack for Apple TV+, starring Idris Elba . He is also well known for producing Kick-Ass, Stardust, and the series Riviera .
Has Kris Thykier won a BAFTA?
Kris Thykier has not won a BAFTA but has received two nominations. One for the film Trash and one for the limited series The State .
What is Kris Thykier’s new show?
Kris Thykier is currently executive producing MobLand for Showtime/Paramount+ and has a new drama series in development with Fremantle called Moriarty, based on the Sherlock Holmes villain .
