So long, Shortland Street... The NZ actors on the verge of Hollywood stardom

New Zealand has a new cohort of actors on the rise and ready to make their mark on Hollywood.

Castings in The White Lotus, Taika Waititi’s long-awaited Klara and the Sun and Netflix original Queenstown look set to put these familiar local faces on the global map.

But before Hollywood came calling, they all got their start locally, and, much like actors KJ Apa, Karl Urban, Frankie Adams and more, many began their careers on the local hospital drama Shortland Street.

So who is set to throw off the scrubs and tackle Hollywood head-on?

Here are five faces to watch, and where you can see them on the big screen.

Davida McKenzie has already worked alongside some Hollywood stars.

Davida McKenzie

This 19-year-old actor comes from one of New Zealand’s most famous acting families. She’s the granddaughter of Dame Kate Harcourt, daughter of Dame Miranda Harcourt and director Stuart McKenzie, and sister to Jojo Rabbit actor Thomasin McKenzie.

Fresh out of high school, the screen credits are already stacking up for the Wellington-born actor. She’s set to appear in Klara and the Sun, Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian fiction novel, which hits theatres on October 22, alongside Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. She also recently worked on Adam Kamien’s The Speedway Murders and featured in the ensemble cast of comedy horror Silent Night, alongside Keira Knightley and Lily-Rose Depp, available to stream on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Her latest role is another nail-biter, the Australian indie horror feature Leviticus. It premiered to strong reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival before being released on Apple TV in June, and signalled to the industry that she’s one to watch.

Lydia Peckham's credits range from blockbuster films to upcoming franchise projects. Photo / Getty Images

Lydia Peckham

Nelson-raised Peckham got her start in Aotearoa, including a very short stint on Shortland Street, and has become one of our most successful exports.

After roles in Cowboy Bebop and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the 30-year-old has landed major parts in international productions including Netflix’s Kennedy, an upcoming eight-episode historical drama series exploring the rise of the American political dynasty the Kennedys, where she plays Rosemary Kennedy. She also stars alongside Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista and other Kiwi actors Frankie Adams and Temuera Morrison in The Wrecking Crew, available now on Amazon Video and Apple TV.

With credits ranging from blockbuster films to upcoming franchise projects such as Legends of Zelda due to be released in 2027, and Sam Neill’s final screen appearance, Peckham could soon find herself cast as a Hollywood leading lady.

Caleb Jonte Edwards has been cast in the fourth season of HBO hit The White Lotus.

Caleb Jonte Edwards

After landing a role on Shortland Street as nurse Ash James, the 25-year-old has gone on to star in Stan original crime thrillers Black Snow and nabbed the leading role in short film The Man and the Woman.

But most excitement is building over his breakout international opportunity in HBO hit The White Lotus, joining Laura Dern, Steve Coogan and Alexander Ludwig as part of the cast of the Emmy-winning show’s upcoming fourth season, set in the south of France. HBO has not yet announced an official release date, but is expected to do so in 2027. It comes after Kiwi actor Morgana O’Reilly joined the cast of the third season as fan favourite Pam.

While Edwards grew up in Australia, he got his start in acting on Shortland Street.

The jump from Shorty to one of the world’s most talked-about dramas is the sort of career trajectory young actors dream of.

Tatum Warren-Ngata had a lengthy stint on Shortland Street.

Tatum Warren-Ngata

Loved by Kiwi audiences for her roles in Ahikāroa, The Panthers, Creamerie and Head Girl, as well as a lengthy stint as Stella Reihana on Shortland Street, Warren-Ngata (Ngāti Porou) is steadily building one of the strongest resumes of her generation.

The 34-year-old also starred in Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning film Power of the Dog, and her casting in Netflix’s upcoming global drama Queenstown could further introduce her to a much wider international audience and international opportunities.

Antonia Eaton starred in the acclaimed New Zealand film Tinā.

Antonia Eaton

She first drew attention in children’s fantasy series Mystic before winning over audiences as high school student Sophie in the acclaimed New Zealand film Tinā. Eaton also won best supporting actress in a feature film at the New Zealand Screen Awards for the role.

Now the 23-year-old, who recently got married to mechanical engineer Josh Eaton, has moved into international television with a role in the US Foxtel comedy-drama series Ms. X alongside Australian actor Melissa George, available to watch on Three Now.

Eaton’s fresh face, combined with growing screen experience and interest from overseas casting directors, suggests big Hollywood opportunities are on the horizon for the star.