D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai Joins Antony Starr in Netflix’s Breakers

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, the Canadian actor who played Bear Smallhill in the FX series Reservation Dogs, has joined the cast of Netflix’s new Australian series Breakers. He will star opposite Antony Starr, known for his roles in The Boys and Banshee. The show, set in Australia, also welcomes Oliver Edis from Gnomes and Annabel Wolfe from Surviving Summer as series regulars. Antony Starr is already attached to the project as an executive producer.

Background

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai broke out with his role as Bear Smallhill, an Indigenous teenager navigating life on a reservation in Oklahoma. The series Reservation Dogs ran for three seasons from 2021 to 2023 on FX on Hulu. It followed a group of young Native American friends dealing with loss, dreams of leaving their small town, and everyday struggles. Woon-A-Tai’s performance earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2024. He became the first Indigenous actor to receive that nod. At the Emmy Awards, he wore a red handprint on his mouth to draw attention to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Before Reservation Dogs, Woon-A-Tai appeared in smaller roles. He played Chase Whaley in three episodes of the Family Channel series Holly Hobbie in 2018. In 2019, he had parts in Murdoch Mysteries as Tom Longboat, Creeped Out as Lucky, and Tribal as Mikey. His first film role came in 2020 with Beans, where he played Hank. The movie, directed by Tracey Deer, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won Best Motion Picture at the Canadian Screen Awards.

Since Reservation Dogs ended, Woon-A-Tai has stayed busy. In 2023, he starred in Fitting In as Adam and Only the Good Survive as Ry Coolidge. He also appeared in Hell of a Summer, the directorial debut of Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk. Looking ahead, he joined the cast of Warfare in 2024, playing Ray Mendoza alongside Noah Centineo, Charles Melton, Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, and Kit Connor. The film is directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland. Later that year, in September 2024, he signed on for Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing with Bad Bunny, Zoe Kravitz, Austin Butler, Regina King, and Matt Smith.

Antony Starr brings his own strong resume to Breakers. The New Zealand actor gained global fame as Homelander in The Boys on Prime Video. He first rose to notice in the crime series Banshee. Starr has worked steadily in Australian and New Zealand television and film. His move into executive producing with Breakers shows he is taking on bigger roles behind the camera too.

Netflix has been expanding its Australian content in recent years. Shows like Heartbreak High and Surviving Summer have found audiences. Breakers fits into this push, offering stories rooted in Australian settings and talent.

Key Details

Breakers is an Australian-based drama series for Netflix. Specific plot details remain under wraps, but it stars Woon-A-Tai opposite Starr. Oliver Edis, who appeared in Gnomes, and Annabel Wolfe, from Surviving Summer, join as series regulars. Starr’s involvement as an executive producer was announced earlier.

Cast Breakdown

• D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai: Fresh off his Emmy-nominated turn in Reservation Dogs, he brings experience playing complex young characters from tough backgrounds.
• Antony Starr: Leads the cast and produces. His intense screen presence from The Boys makes him a draw for action or drama roles.
• Oliver Edis: Known from Gnomes, a lesser-known project that highlights emerging Australian talent.
• Annabel Wolfe: Comes from Surviving Summer, a Netflix surf drama aimed at younger viewers.

Production details like filming locations, release date, and episode count have not been shared yet. The series is still in early stages, with casting announcements signaling active development.

"D’Pharaoh’s work in Reservation Dogs showed real depth. Pairing him with Antony Starr in an Australian setting opens up fresh stories." – Industry insider close to the production.

Woon-A-Tai, born September 19, 2001, is of Oji-Cree descent. His early career started with web series and guest spots, building to his breakout role. At 24 years old now, he has quickly become one of the most watched young actors from Canada.

What This Means

This casting brings together talents from different worlds. Woon-A-Tai represents rising Indigenous voices from North America. Starr anchors it with established star power from New Zealand. Edis and Wolfe add local Australian flavor. Netflix gains a mix that could appeal across regions.

For Woon-A-Tai, Breakers marks another step up. After indie films and high-profile movies like Caught Stealing and Warfare, a Netflix series boosts his profile. It puts him in a lead role next to a proven TV star, which could lead to more international work.

Starr’s dual role as actor and producer suggests Breakers has potential for multiple seasons. Australian Netflix shows often build loyal followings. If Breakers delivers strong writing, it could join the ranks of global hits from the platform.

The addition of young actors like Edis and Wolfe points to a story with multiple generations. Viewers might see themes of family, community, or conflict in an Australian context. Woon-A-Tai’s background in coming-of-age tales fits well for character-driven drama.

Netflix continues to invest in original series from Australia. This helps fill its library with local content that travels well. Breakers could draw fans of The Boys for Starr and Reservation Dogs followers seeking Woon-A-Tai’s next project.

Industry watchers see this as part of a trend. Streaming services pair breakout stars with veterans to create buzz. Woon-A-Tai’s quick rise mirrors other actors who went from niche acclaim to mainstream after one big role.

Fans of Reservation Dogs have waited for Woon-A-Tai’s follow-up. Breakers fills that gap while introducing him to new audiences. Starr’s fans get another chance to see him outside the superhero genre.

As casting wraps up, more news on directors, writers, and the full premise should come soon. For now, the lineup promises a solid ensemble for Netflix’s next Australian entry.