You probably recognize that face. Maybe it was the sharp, brooding intensity of a Renaissance prince, or perhaps the slightly disheveled look of a psychic in a dusty Texas town. Honestly, François Arnaud is one of those actors who just fits everywhere, yet he remains something of a well-kept secret to the general public. While some actors find a "lane" and stay in it for thirty years, Arnaud seems to treat genres like a rotating wardrobe.
He’s Canadian, he’s multilingual, and he’s currently having a massive moment thanks to the 2025 hit Heated Rivalry. But to understand why people are suddenly obsessed with him again, you’ve gotta look at the sheer range of François Arnaud movies and tv shows that led up to right now. He doesn't just play characters; he kind of disappears into them.
The Breakout: How Cesare Borgia Changed Everything
If you were watching Showtime back in 2011, you saw the birth of a star. Playing Cesare Borgia in The Borgias wasn't exactly an easy "entry-level" job. He was acting opposite Jeremy Irons, for starters. Arnaud has admitted in interviews that he basically lied about his horse-riding and sword-fighting skills just to get the part. He was 24, green, and suddenly thrust into a massive historical epic filmed in Budapest.
It worked. He brought this weirdly magnetic, dangerous energy to Cesare. It wasn't just "bad guy" stuff; it was a nuanced look at power and family loyalty. Most fans were devastated when the show was canceled after three seasons, but for Arnaud, it was the ultimate calling card. It proved he could carry a big-budget drama without breaking a sweat.
👉 See also: Nothing to Lose: Why the Martin Lawrence and Tim Robbins Movie is Still a 90s Classic
The Midnight, Texas Era
After the capes and swords, he pivoted. Hard. He went from 15th-century Italy to a supernatural drama on NBC called Midnight, Texas. Playing Manfred Bernardo—a psychic who talks to his dead grandmother—was a total 180.
To prepare, he actually met with real psychics in Albuquerque. He wanted to understand the "routine" of someone who sees things others don't. While the show only lasted two seasons (2017–2018), it developed a cult following. It showed a softer, more vulnerable side of him that the "Prince of Rome" roles didn't really allow for.
Why 2025 and 2026 Are Huge for Him
Fast forward to right now. If you haven't seen Heated Rivalry on Crave or HBO Max, you’re missing out on the role that has everyone talking. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a pro hockey player in a secret romance with his rival.
✨ Don't miss: How Old Is Paul Heyman? The Real Story of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind
The backstory here is wild. Arnaud recently revealed that his old management team actually refused to even read the script. They thought a "random miniseries" would hurt his chances at "big things." He ended up firing them, followed his gut, and the show became a massive critical success. It’s a huge departure from his usual dramatic fare, leaning into sports romance with a level of chemistry that’s frankly rare on TV.
Then there’s the film side of things. 2025 gave us Twinless, a dark comedy where he stars alongside Dylan O’Brien. The movie won the Audience Award at Sundance and just picked up an Astra Film Award win for Best Indie Feature earlier this month. It’s a weird, twisty movie that proves Arnaud is just as comfortable in "indie-weird" as he is in "prestige-drama."
A Quick Cheat Sheet: The Must-Watch List
If you’re trying to catch up on his filmography, don't just stick to the big hits. Here is the stuff that actually shows his range:
🔗 Read more: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
- I Killed My Mother (J’ai tué ma mère): This is where it started. A Xavier Dolan film that got an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes. Arnaud plays Antonin, the boyfriend of the lead. It’s raw and very "French-Canadian cinema."
- Blindspot: He played Oscar. If you like mysterious tattoos and secret organizations, this is your entry point. He appeared in about 18 episodes and was a fan favorite.
- Schitt’s Creek: Blink and you’ll miss him, but he plays Sebastien Raine (David’s pretentious photographer ex). It was a tiny role, but it showed he could do comedy.
- Surface: A 2022 Apple TV+ thriller where he plays Harrison. It’s sleek, high-end, and very different from his "psychic in a trailer" vibe.
- Norbourg (2022): A French-language film where he plays Vincent Lacroix. If you want to see him do intense financial drama, this is the one.
The "Quiet Chameleon" Factor
What makes Arnaud's career interesting is that he isn't chasing fame in the traditional sense. He speaks English, French, and Spanish fluently. He’s trained at the Conservatoire d'art dramatique in Montréal.
He’s also been incredibly open about his personal life to help others. In 2020, he came out as bisexual to fight the stigma in Hollywood. That authenticity seems to bleed into his work. Whether he’s playing a radio DJ trying to stay awake for a world record in Rapid Eye Movement or a man caught in a kidnapping plot in the upcoming Someone's Daughter, there’s a level of "truth" he brings to the screen.
What's Next?
So, where do you go from here? If you're a new fan, start with Heated Rivalry. It’s the most current version of him—polished, confident, and deeply charismatic. If you want the "classic" experience, you have to go back to The Borgias. It’s still one of the best-looking shows ever made.
Keep an eye out for In Transit and the psychological thriller Home (opposite Emily Hampshire), which are expected to make more noise on the festival circuit this year.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for his most underrated performance, track down the 2017 film Origami. He plays a man who can travel through time via his memories. He said the role was so exhausting he had to go live in a cabin in the woods for a month after filming. That’s the kind of dedication you’re getting with François Arnaud.