If you’ve spent any time at all in the corner of the internet where people debate the best modern villains, you’ve probably seen Colby Strong. Most people know him as the smug, leather-jacket-wearing "Blaze" from Power Rangers Beast Morphers. But honestly, if that’s the only place you’ve seen him, you’re missing out on about 90% of what makes him an interesting actor to watch in 2026.
He isn't just a guy who does karate in a spandex suit.
Strong has been building this weirdly diverse resume for over a decade now. He’s gone from Disney Channel bit parts to post-apocalyptic dramas, and even dipped his toes into the prestigious indie world. He’s one of those "Oh, it's that guy!" actors who finally seems to be breaking out into lead territory.
The Power Rangers Breakout and the "Villain" Curse
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Power Rangers Beast Morphers. For a lot of actors, a role in this franchise is a career capstone or a fun weekend at a convention. For Colby, playing Blaze (and the viral "Robo-Blaze" version) was a masterclass in playing the guy everyone loves to hate.
He wasn’t just a generic bad guy. He brought this specific, arrogant energy to the role of a cadet who felt cheated out of his destiny. Fans actually stuck around for his performance because he made the "Avatar" version of Blaze feel genuinely dangerous, not just "Saturday morning cartoon" dangerous. It's the role that gave him his first action figure—something he’s admitted made his childhood self completely freak out.
✨ Don't miss: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
Breaking Down the Colby Strong Movies and TV Shows
If you look past the Morphin Grid, his filmography is actually a pretty wild ride through different genres. He’s worked with big streamers like HBO Max and Netflix, often playing characters that are a far cry from a sci-fi villain.
The Recent Pivot: Homestead (2024-2025)
Recently, Colby has been getting a lot of buzz for his role as Christian in Homestead. If you haven't seen it, it's this intense post-apocalyptic drama from Angel Studios. It’s a huge shift from his earlier work. Instead of high-kicking robots, he’s navigating a world that’s falling apart. The film did surprisingly well at the box office for an indie-leaning production, and it’s been a major platform for showing off his range as a dramatic actor.
The Streaming Hits: From Comedy to Thrillers
You might have blinked and missed him, but he’s popped up in some of the most popular shows of the last few years.
- The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max): He showed up here, proving he can handle the fast-paced, witty dialogue of a Mindy Kaling-produced show.
- Andi Mack (Disney Channel): Before he was a Ranger, he was doing the Disney circuit. It’s funny to see him in such a wholesome environment compared to his later roles.
- The Prank (2024): This is a dark comedy/thriller where he shares the screen with Hollywood legend Rita Moreno. Working with an EGOT winner is basically the ultimate "I’ve made it" badge.
The Indie Roots and Shorts
Strong didn’t just wake up and get cast in big shows. He’s been a workhorse. He’s done the "Sundance grind" with projects like Snatchers and H8RZ. Honestly, H8RZ is one of those movies that flew under the radar but deals with some pretty heavy themes like school bullying and digital privacy. It's worth a watch if you want to see his early development.
🔗 Read more: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
Why People Get Him Wrong
A common misconception is that Colby is "just an action guy." Because he’s 6 feet tall and in great shape, casting directors love to put a weapon in his hand. But if you listen to his interviews—like the ones he did back in 2019 when Beast Morphers was first taking off—he views himself more as a businessman who happens to act.
He’s very vocal about the "business of Colby Strong." He doesn't just wait for the phone to ring; he’s constantly taking classes, doing short films, and pushing into voiceover work. There was even talk in late 2021 about him potentially voicing Blaze in an animated project, showing he’s looking for ways to keep his characters alive in different mediums.
What’s Next for the "Business of Colby Strong"?
As we move through 2026, the trajectory for Strong seems to be moving away from "guest star" and toward "series regular." His involvement in the Homestead universe is likely to expand, especially with Angel Studios' tendency to turn their successful films into serialized content.
There’s also a lot of chatter in the "Ranger" fandom about whether he’ll ever return to the franchise for a reunion special. While nothing is set in stone, he’s always stayed close to the community, appearing at conventions and keeping that door open.
💡 You might also like: The Entire History of You: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grain
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Actors
If you're following Colby’s career or trying to emulate his path, here is what you can actually do:
- Watch "The Prank" first: If you want to see his best non-Ranger work, start there. The chemistry with the veteran cast is a huge level-up for him.
- Look for the "Sundance" Credits: Don't just stick to the big TV shows. His performances in indie shorts like Snatchers show a more experimental side of his acting.
- Follow the "Hardest Worker" Rule: Colby often says he wants to be the "hardest working person he knows." For actors, that means taking the small roles (like his bit part in Deidra & Laney Rob a Train) to build the network that leads to the big ones.
Colby Strong is basically the poster child for the "slow and steady" approach to Hollywood. He didn't become an overnight sensation with a massive blockbuster, but by 2026, he’s built a body of work that spans almost every genre imaginable. Whether he's playing a robot-vessel villain or a survivor in a collapsed society, he's definitely a name that’s going to keep popping up on your "Recommended for You" list.
Check out his performance in Homestead on streaming platforms to see the most recent evolution of his craft.