Heavy Lies the Crown: Woody Norman Suffered Set-Day Disasters on 'The Uprising'

Stepping into royal shoes isn't as glamorous as it looks on screen. Teen actor Woody Norman recently shared the painful reality of playing 14-year-old King Richard II in the historical drama *The Uprising*. While wearing the regal attire was an undeniable thrill, the physical reality on set was far less comfortable. The 17-year-old British star revealed in a new interview that playing a powerful monarch felt like a major thrill, but the royal headpiece delivered a literal headache throughout production. According to Norman, the wardrobe department only had a single crown prepared for his character when filming commenced. Unfortunately, the prop was damaged on the very first day of shooting. Because no backup piece was available, the damaged headpiece no longer fit properly, turning a symbol of sovereign power into a constant source of physical strain. Despite the tight squeeze and awkward fit, Norman pressed forward with his scenes as the young ruler. ## Why did Woody Norman stop eating meat? Beyond his wardrobe troubles on set, the young performer also reflected on how a legendary co-star permanently shifted his daily habits years before joining *The Uprising*. Norman decided to switch to a meatless diet when he was just ten years old following his experience working alongside Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix, a committed animal rights activist and long-time advocate for plant-based nutrition, made a significant impression on the impressionable young actor. Norman chose to eliminate meat from his meals after their time on set together, maintaining the dietary commitment ever since. ## Who is Woody Norman in The Uprising? In *The Uprising*, Norman portrays a teenage king navigating immense authority, civil unrest, and courtly politics. Commanding adult actors in elaborate period costumes provided a unique rush for the teenager, even if the costume department gave his head a punishing workout. The rising star continues to secure prominent roles across high-profile film and television releases. While his time as King Richard II required considerable stamina under a broken crown, Norman's commitment to his craft—and his personal choices off camera—demonstrate an actor maturing rapidly in the spotlight.