If you’ve spent any time on a couch lately, you’ve probably seen Alex Tarrant. You might not have known his name at first, but his face is becoming impossible to miss. From the lush, high-stakes beaches of Hawaii to the high-fantasy world of Middle-earth, the guy is basically a chameleon. Honestly, it’s about time. For a while, he was one of those "hey, it's that guy" actors you’d see in New Zealand dramas, but the rest of the world has finally caught on.
Alex Tarrant movies and tv shows have a weird way of spanning every genre imaginable. One minute he’s a brooding special agent, and the next, he’s a Numenorean soldier. He’s of Māori, Samoan, and Niuean descent, and that heritage often informs the grounded, intense energy he brings to his roles. It isn't just luck. He’s been grinding since he graduated from New Zealand’s premier drama school, Toi Whakaari, back in 2012.
The Breakout: NCIS: Hawaiʻi and Global Fame
Most people recognize Alex as Kai Holman. He joined NCIS: Hawaiʻi in 2021, playing a local boy who returns to the islands to care for his father while taking down high-level criminals. It was a big deal. For three seasons, he was a core part of the team, bringing a specific "local" flavor to a massive American franchise. Fans were pretty gutted when CBS canceled the show in 2024, but it served its purpose: it proved he could carry a primetime U.S. drama without breaking a sweat.
But while he was filming in Hawaii, he was also popping up in something much bigger.
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Entering Middle-earth
In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Alex plays Valandil. If you’re a Tolkien nerd, you know that name carries some weight. He’s a friend of Isildur and a soldier of Númenor. He isn't some background extra, either; he’s been a recurring presence through the first two seasons. It’s a massive jump from the police procedurals of his early career. Going from a modern tactical vest to heavy plate armor shows just how much range the guy actually has.
The Roles You Probably Missed (But Should Watch)
Before the big Hollywood checks started rolling in, Tarrant was a staple of New Zealand television. If you want to see where he really honed his craft, you have to look at his earlier work.
- 800 Words: He played Ike, a character that helped make this trans-Tasman dramedy a hit. It ran for three seasons and is arguably one of the most charming things he’s ever done.
- Shortland Street: Every NZ actor eventually does a stint on "Shorty." Alex played Dr. Lincoln Kimiora, and let’s just say he wasn’t exactly a fan favorite at first—he was the "bad boy" doctor everyone loved to hate.
- When We Go to War: This was a heavy one. He played Manaaki Kōkiri, a Māori pacifist forced into the horrors of Gallipoli during WWI. It’s a somber, beautiful performance.
- Filthy Rich: A bit more scandalous. He played Joe Tamatoa in this soapy, high-gloss drama about a wealthy family’s secrets.
Night Raiders and the Indie Scene
In 2021, Tarrant starred in a Canadian-New Zealand sci-fi film called Night Raiders. It’s a dark, dystopian look at indigenous rights, and it made a huge splash at the Toronto International Film Festival. He played Leo, a rebel leader. This wasn't your typical popcorn flick; it was a gritty, political thriller that showed he’s just as comfortable in indie cinema as he is on a network set.
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What’s New for Alex Tarrant in 2026?
The hustle hasn't stopped. In late 2025, he moved into comedy—a bit of a pivot from his usual serious roles. He’s currently starring in the CBS workplace comedy DMV as Noa. If you've ever spent four hours waiting for a license renewal, you’ll find the show painfully relatable. It’s a different vibe for him, more affable and lighthearted, starring alongside vets like Tim Meadows.
He’s also back on NZ screens in A Remarkable Place to Die, playing Dr. Ihaka Cooper. It’s a detective series set in Queenstown, which, if you’ve seen photos of it, is basically the most beautiful place on Earth. It seems he’s keeping one foot in the global market and one foot firmly at home.
The Practical Watchlist
If you want to dive into the best of Alex Tarrant movies and tv shows, here is the order I'd suggest for the full experience:
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- NCIS: Hawaiʻi – For the classic "leading man" energy and great scenery.
- The Rings of Power – To see him handle the scale of a billion-dollar production.
- Night Raiders – If you want something deep, thought-provoking, and slightly uncomfortable.
- 800 Words – For a weekend binge when you just want to feel good.
- DMV – To see his comedic timing (and laugh at the bureaucracy we all hate).
Keep an eye on the 2026 release of Haane Manahi, where he’s slated to play the lead role of the legendary Māori soldier. It’s a project that’s been in the works for a while and looks to be his most personal and powerful film performance yet.
Check your local streaming services—most of his recent work is currently on Paramount+, Prime Video, or Hulu, depending on where you're located. Seeing his trajectory from a youth presenter on Totes Māori to a global star has been one of the coolest things to watch in the industry over the last decade. He’s not just a "rising star" anymore; he’s arrived.