You probably recognize that face. Maybe it was the intense, wide-eyed stare of a young queen-to-be in Westeros, or perhaps the awkward, lovable charm of a teenage fashionista on Netflix. Either way, Emily Carey has basically mastered the art of being unforgettable in every frame.
Emily Carey movies and tv shows have become a bit of a roadmap for how to build a powerhouse career before even hitting 25. Honestly, it’s kind of wild to look at the range here. We aren't just talking about a "child star" who stayed in one lane. We're talking about an actor who has jumped from gritty medical dramas to massive DC blockbusters, and finally into the center of the biggest fantasy franchise on the planet.
As we move through 2026, the buzz isn't slowing down. If anything, it's getting louder.
The Early Days: From Casualty to Mount Olympus
Before the dragons showed up, Emily was already putting in the work. A lot of people forget they actually started out in the long-running British soap Casualty. They played Grace Beauchamp for years. If you’ve ever watched British TV, you know Casualty is basically the ultimate training ground. It’s high-stakes, it’s emotional, and it requires you to be "on" every single second.
Then came the big Hollywood pivot.
Imagine being 12 years old and landing the role of Young Diana in Wonder Woman (2017). That’s not just a "role"—that’s a cultural moment. Emily managed to capture that specific blend of innocence and fierce determination that Gal Gadot eventually carried through the rest of the film.
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Soon after, they pulled a similar move in Tomb Raider (2018), playing the 14-year-old version of Lara Croft. At that point, the industry had basically tagged them as the "go-to" for playing younger versions of iconic action heroines. It's a niche, sure, but Emily brought a level of nuance to those flashback scenes that most actors twice their age would struggle with.
The Breakthrough: House of the Dragon and Beyond
Let’s be real: House of the Dragon changed everything.
Playing Young Alicent Hightower wasn't just another gig. It was a masterclass in subtlety. While everyone else was screaming or riding dragons, Emily’s Alicent was navigating a political minefield with nothing but a few quiet glances and some seriously stressed-out fingernails.
The chemistry they had with Milly Alcock (who played young Rhaenyra) was the emotional spine of that first half-season. Even though they eventually handed the reigns over to Olivia Cooke as the character aged, Emily’s portrayal laid the foundation for everything Alicent became.
Recent Hits and the Netflix Era
Since leaving the Red Keep, Emily has been busy—like, really busy. If you haven't seen Geek Girl on Netflix yet, you're missing out on some of their best work.
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- Geek Girl (2024-Present): Playing Harriet Manners was a total 180 from the gloom of Westeros. It’s quirky, it’s funny, and it shows off Emily's comedic timing. Netflix actually renewed it for a second season in 2025, and with it hitting screens in 2026, it’s become a staple of their filmography.
- Platform 7: This was a darker, more psychological turn. It proved that Emily can handle adult, supernatural themes just as well as teen comedies.
- The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (2025): Emily branched out into voice acting here, playing Sh'eenaz. It’s a cool expansion of their "fantasy" resume, even if we don't see their face on screen.
What’s Coming Next in 2026?
So, what is the current state of Emily Carey movies and tv shows?
Right now, everyone is talking about Walk With Me, where Emily plays Ellie. It’s a bit more of an indie vibe compared to the massive HBO sets, but that’s exactly why people are excited. It shows a commitment to the craft rather than just chasing the biggest paycheck.
There's also been a ton of chatter about Lady Charon, a project that has been in the works for a minute. Fans are dying to see them return to a lead role in a high-concept series.
Why Their Approach Matters
Emily is also one of the few high-profile actors who is incredibly open about being neurodivergent. Being autistic in an industry that is notoriously loud, chaotic, and social is no small feat. They’ve spoken candidly about how this affects their process, which honestly makes their performances even more impressive. You can see that focus and that "hyper-awareness" in the characters they choose.
They also use they/them pronouns, representing a shift in how the next generation of Hollywood stars navigates identity and public life. It’s refreshing. It’s authentic. And it’s a big part of why fans feel such a strong connection to them.
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Watching the Evolution
If you want to do a "Carey Marathon," don't just stick to the hits.
Check out Get Even on BBC/Netflix. It’s a teen thriller where Emily plays Mika, and it’s got that sharp, Mean Girls meets Sherlock vibe. It’s a great example of their ability to lead an ensemble cast.
Then, jump to Where Is Anne Frank, the animated film where they voiced the titular role. It’s a heavy, beautiful piece of work that shows their range isn't limited to live-action.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're trying to stay updated on everything Emily Carey, here’s what you actually need to do:
- Watch the Geek Girl Season 2 premiere: It's the best way to see their growth as a lead actor in a comedy-drama setting.
- Track the "Sirens of the Deep" release: If you’re a Witcher fan, this voice role is a must-hear.
- Keep an eye on the indie circuit: Walk With Me is likely to hit festivals or smaller streaming platforms this year—don't let it slide under your radar just because it doesn't have a dragon in the trailer.
- Follow their social media (@TheEmilyCarey): Honestly, they are one of the more genuine follows out there. No corporate filter, just real thoughts on the industry and life.
Emily Carey is no longer just "the girl who played young Wonder Woman." They are a lead actor with a distinct voice, a massive following, and a slate of projects that would make most veterans jealous. 2026 is looking like the year they transition from "rising star" to a permanent fixture in the Hollywood A-list.