A young actor from Maple Ridge is making his television debut on season two of the Netflix hit series 'The Recruit'.

Nicolas Pancine, better known as Nico, will be portraying a young Owen Hendricks - a character made famous by American actor Noah Centineo.

The 10-year-old expressed what an incredible opportunity this role is for him.

鈥淚 still can鈥檛 believe I got to play the younger version of Owen Hendricks. It鈥檚 a role I鈥檒l never forget," he said. 

Nico began acting in the summer of 2023 after hearing a radio ad for a competition to act in a movie. 

Although he had never had an interest in acting before, he wanted to try out.

鈥淚t was like something clicked in me - I knew I wanted to be part of a movie,鈥� he explained.
Encouraged by his parents, who share a background in acting and music, Nico entered the competition and placed second out of hundreds of participants. His impressive performance then led to an invitation to a competitive showcase in Los Angeles, where he stood out in nine categories, including: scene work, improvisation, and monologues.

Shortly after returning to Vancouver, Nico signed with Peak Talent Management, and only a week later, he booked his first audition - for 'The Recruit'.

鈥淚 think it was all meant to be,鈥� Nico said. 鈥淚f I hadn鈥檛 heard that ad, signed with my agency when I did, or auditioned that week, none of this would鈥檝e happened. It feels like a perfect puzzle.鈥�

In season two of 'The Recruit' Nico plays the character of the CIA lawyer, Owen Hendricks, as a child.

According to the production team, Nico's uncanny resemblance to Noah Centineo - both in appearance and personality - made him the perfect choice for the role.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the hair,鈥� Nico joked. 鈥淲e both have this specific look, and every time I get a haircut, my mom tells the stylist, 鈥楶lease keep it long! It鈥檚 important for his career.鈥欌��

Since booking his first role, Nico e has also appeared in a national Pillsbury commercial, two vertical short films by Sparkland Productions, and an upcoming movie called 'Slant', set to premiere in 2025.
Nico is grateful for the support of his family and the opportunities that have come his way.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned that talent, timing, and a little bit of luck can take you a long way. I feel really lucky to be on this path, and I know I have such a long way to go, but I鈥檓 going to work really hard to make it happen.鈥�

Season two of 'The Recruit' premieres globally on Netflix on January 30, 2025.

For more information about Nico Pancine, follow him on Instagram: @nicopancine.