Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts, known internationally for his performances in The Old Guard, Rust and Bone, and the upcoming DC Studios’ Supergirl film, has been sentenced to six months in prison following multiple driving offences. The sentencing comes after Schoenaerts, 47, failed to appear in a Belgian courtroom, leading to a ruling in absentia, according to Belgian news agency Belga.
Authorities confirmed that Schoenaerts was stopped twice by police in April 2024 while riding a motorcycle without a valid driving licence. His licence had previously been revoked in 2021 after an alleged driving-under-the-influence incident.
Court Issues Prison Term, Fine, and New Driving Ban
Alongside the six-month prison sentence, the court imposed a €4,000 (£3,500) fine and a one-year driving ban. To regain his licence in the future, Schoenaerts will need to pass theoretical and practical driving tests, as well as medical and psychological evaluations.
However, despite the severity of the sentence, court spokesperson Luc De Cleir told Belga that the likelihood of Schoenaerts actually serving time behind bars is “almost nonexistent.” The actor may still file an appeal or challenge the decision through opposition proceedings.
Schoenaerts has a history of driving-related infractions, with 11 previous convictions reportedly on record. De Cleir said that after repeated violations, “a strict signal is necessary to protect society and prevent recidivism.”
More Legal Trouble Ahead?
Separate reports state that Schoenaerts was stopped again on 21 November, during which he allegedly refused a breathalyser test and acted aggressively while police attempted to tow his vehicle. That incident may lead to additional charges.
The actor’s representatives have not yet issued a public response.
Career Continues Amid Legal Issues
Despite his legal challenges, Schoenaerts remains one of Belgium’s most globally recognised actors and continues to be involved in several high-profile projects.
He is set to play Krem of the Yellow Hills, the main villain in DC Studios’ upcoming Supergirl film, starring Milly Alcock in the lead role and expected to release next year. He will also appear in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s French drama Changer l’eau des fleurs and Terrence Malick’s long-gestating biblical epic The Way of the Wind.
Schoenaerts rose to prominence after his award-winning performance in the 2011 Flemish crime drama Bullhead, which received an Oscar nomination and launched his international career. Since then, he has starred alongside Kate Winslet, Charlize Theron, and Tom Hardy, earning acclaim for his intense screen presence and emotional depth.
For now, the legal battle surrounding Schoenaerts adds pressure to an otherwise successful period in his acting career, as audiences await further court developments — and his major DC debut.
