The Brannings are back in business — and this time, the youngest of the clan is stepping into the limelight. After an eight-year absence, EastEnders fans are set to witness the return of Oscar Branning, the son of Max and Tanya, and younger brother to Lauren. But don’t expect the sweet child who once cried out from the stairs as his family imploded. This is a new Oscar — older, sharper, and carrying the full weight of the Branning legacy.

Cast as Oscar is Netflix rising star Pierre Moullier, a fresh face with a familiar look that fans can’t stop talking about. His uncanny resemblance to Jake Wood — who famously played Max Branning — has already sparked a frenzy across social media. Viewers have declared him a “mini Max,” a comment that surely has EastEnders producers grinning from ear to ear. In a soap where genetics and legacy mean everything, the physical likeness isn’t just a happy accident — it’s a storytelling weapon.

Oscar’s return marks a defining moment for EastEnders, and it comes at a time when the show is reviving some of its most iconic characters and stories. With executive producer Ben Wadey at the helm — who recently brought back Zoe Slater — the return of Oscar Branning feels like a statement: the past matters, and the new generation is about to pick up where their parents left off.

But who exactly is Oscar Branning now?

Born into chaos in 2007, Oscar was largely a background presence in his early years, rarely involved in front-line drama. Yet even in his silence, his existence tied him to some of the soap’s most turbulent moments. Who can forget the infamous Christmas Day episode when Max’s affair with Stacey Slater was exposed? Upstairs, Oscar cried as his mother Tanya packed her bags — a scene that encapsulated just how far the Branning family had fallen.

Now, with Pierre Moullier stepping into the role, Oscar is all grown up and ready to carve out his own identity. But this isn’t just a simple case of an old character returning for nostalgic value. According to Moullier, Oscar is “a complex guy” and “so much fun to play,” hinting at layers beneath the surface. Expect secrets. Expect trouble. And most of all, expect drama.

We already have a glimpse of what’s coming. Behind-the-scenes photos show Oscar on location with Lauren, Ian Beale, and Peter Beale — and the group appears to be running from three thugs wielding a cricket bat. That’s right — Oscar isn’t just walking into Walford; he’s running into danger. Could his arrival be the catalyst for a new family feud? Or is he bringing with him the kind of secrets that only a Branning could keep?

There’s also another important factor to consider: Max Branning himself. Jake Wood is heavily rumored to be reprising his role, and the timing couldn’t be more poetic. Imagine the impact of Max returning just as his son begins to walk the very same path he once trod — a path of charm, danger, betrayal, and heartbreak. Could Oscar repeat his father’s sins, or will he blaze a new trail in Albert Square?

One thing is clear — Oscar is not coming back as a background character. Ben Wadey, who has already shaken up EastEnders with his bold creative choices, is setting the stage for Oscar to become a key player in upcoming storylines. “He’s very much a Branning,” Wadey confirmed, “which means there’s going to be plenty of drama in store this summer.” That’s more than a tease — it’s a promise.

And viewers are here for it.

Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. The casting has been hailed as “unreal,” with many praising the choice of Pierre Moullier not just for his looks but for his acting credentials. After his appearance in Netflix dramas, Moullier brings a polished intensity that’s sure to mesh well with EastEnders’ signature blend of grit and emotion.

But will Oscar Branning be a hero or a villain? A peacemaker or a chaos magnet? That remains to be seen. What we do know is that his arrival opens the door to countless storylines. Will he reconnect with Lauren and confront the demons of their shared past? Could he clash with Ian and Peter Beale, caught in a new web of alliances and rivalries? Or might he be hiding something darker — secrets learned during his years away from Walford?

Whatever path the writers choose, one thing is for certain: the Brannings have always delivered unforgettable drama, and Oscar is about to take up that mantle. From the moment he steps back onto Albert Square, the ripples of his presence will be felt across the entire community.

So buckle up — because when a Branning returns, peace is the last thing you can expect.

Oscar’s back, and Walford will never be the same.