You’ve probably seen the face. Even if you aren't a die-hard basketball fan, Isaiah Hill has that kind of screen presence that makes you stop scrolling. He’s the kid who didn't just play a basketball prodigy on TV; he basically lived it. When Swagger first hit Apple TV+, people were asking, "Who is this guy?" Is he a hooper who can act, or an actor who can hoop? Honestly, it’s a bit of both, and that’s exactly why his career is starting to catch fire.
Finding a young actor who can carry a prestige drama while looking like a legitimate D1 prospect is like finding a needle in a haystack. But Hill did it. He stepped into the shoes of Jace Carson—a character loosely inspired by NBA legend Kevin Durant—and suddenly, he wasn't just another name in the credits. He was the heart of one of the best sports dramas in years.
The Swagger Phenomenon
If we’re talking about Isaiah Hill movies and tv shows, we have to start with the big one. Swagger wasn't just a gig; it was a cultural moment. Created by Reggie Rock Bythewood, the show dived deep into the "AAU industrial complex." It showed the grit, the grime, and the absolute pressure placed on kids before they’re even old enough to drive.
Hill plays Jace Carson. Jace is the best player in the DMV area, and he knows it. But the show isn't just about him dunking on people. It’s about his relationship with his coach, Ike (played by the incredible O’Shea Jackson Jr.), and the weight of his family’s expectations. Hill brought a vulnerability to Jace that felt real. You could see the fear in his eyes when he missed a shot, and the pure ego when he made one.
The chemistry between Hill and Jackson Jr. was the engine of the show. It felt like a real mentorship. When Apple TV+ unfortunately canceled the series after two seasons in late 2023, the internet went into a bit of a tailspin. Fans were gutted. Two seasons felt too short for a story that had so much more to give. But for Isaiah Hill, the damage—in a good way—was done. He had proven he could lead a major series.
💡 You might also like: Ebonie Smith Movies and TV Shows: The Child Star Who Actually Made It Out Okay
What's Next for Isaiah Hill?
So, where do you go after playing a basketball phenom? You go to the big screen.
Right now, the project everyone is buzzing about is One Spoon of Chocolate. This is a pivot for Hill. It moves him away from the court and into a more traditional narrative space. While details have been kept relatively under wraps during production, it’s the kind of role that defines the "next chapter" of a young actor's life. Transitioning from a TV lead to a film actor is a classic Hollywood hurdle, but Hill seems to have the temperament for it.
He’s also rumored to be attached to a few other upcoming projects that lean into his physical capabilities. There’s been chatter about high-stakes dramas and maybe even a venture into the thriller genre. Basically, he’s not just "the basketball guy" anymore.
Why His Background Matters
A lot of people don’t realize that Isaiah Hill actually has some serious basketball pedigree in his blood. He’s not just some guy they taught to dribble for a few weeks before filming. He grew up in South Orange, New Jersey, and played competitive ball. That authenticity is why the basketball scenes in Swagger didn't look like the typical, choreographed Hollywood mess. He actually has a jump shot.
📖 Related: Eazy-E: The Business Genius and Street Legend Most People Get Wrong
Then there’s the family connection. Did you know his aunt is the legendary Lauryn Hill? Yeah, that Lauryn Hill. It’s clear that creativity and performing are just part of the DNA. He’s mentioned in interviews how much he’s learned from her about staying grounded in an industry that tries to chew you up. That kind of mentorship is priceless when you’re 21 and the world is starting to recognize you at the grocery store.
Breaking Down the Filmography
Even though his career is still in its early stages, the Isaiah Hill movies and tv shows list is already looking pretty respectable. Here is the breakdown of what we've seen so far and what is coming down the pipeline:
- Swagger (2021–2023): This is the definitive Isaiah Hill performance. He played Jace Carson for 18 episodes. If you haven't seen it, go back and watch the "Juvenile Justice" episode in Season 2. His acting in that episode is heavy.
- One Spoon of Chocolate (2025/2026): His transition into feature films. This project is highly anticipated by fans who want to see his range outside of the sports world.
- ZMNY X King Cassius: Portland (2019): A short film/music video project that served as an early glimpse of his screen presence before the Apple TV+ fame.
It’s a short list for now, but it’s high quality. Hill seems to be choosing projects that mean something rather than just taking every script that land on his desk. That’s a veteran move for someone so young.
The "Actor Who Can Play" vs. "Player Who Can Act" Debate
Hollywood has a long history of casting athletes who can't act (sorry, Space Jam fans) or actors who can't play (sorry, Teen Wolf). Isaiah Hill sits in that rare middle ground. Reggie Rock Bythewood once said they looked at hundreds of kids for the role of Jace. They needed someone who could hold their own in a scene with Quvenzhané Wallis and then go out and look like a future NBA lottery pick.
👉 See also: Drunk on You Lyrics: What Luke Bryan Fans Still Get Wrong
Hill was that guy. He’s an actor who happens to be a hooper. He has this "it" factor—a mix of New Jersey toughness and a surprisingly soft, thoughtful side. It makes him relatable. You want him to win, both on the court and in the story.
What Users Are Asking
When people search for Isaiah Hill movies and tv shows, they usually want to know if Swagger is coming back. As of early 2026, there’s no official word on a revival, despite the massive fan campaigns. However, his rising profile in movies might actually make a Swagger movie or a special "where are they now" episode more likely in the future.
Another big question is about his height. For the record, he’s about 6'2". In the world of elite basketball, that’s a guard. In the world of Hollywood, that’s a leading man.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Isaiah Hill's career, there are a few things you should do to stay in the loop:
- Watch Swagger on Apple TV+: Don't just skip to the basketball scenes. Pay attention to the quiet moments between Jace and his mom (played by Shinelle Azoroh). That’s where you see the real acting.
- Keep an Eye on One Spoon of Chocolate: This is going to be the litmus test for his film career. If it hits, expect him to be everywhere.
- Follow the Boardroom Interviews: Hill has done some great stuff with Kevin Durant’s media company, Boardroom. It gives a lot of insight into his actual personality and his thoughts on the industry.
- Look for the Socials: He’s pretty active on Instagram, often sharing behind-the-scenes looks at his training and upcoming projects. It’s the best way to see what he’s filming before the trailers drop.
Isaiah Hill isn't just a flash in the pan. He’s got the talent, the work ethic, and the pedigree to be a major force in entertainment for a long time. Whether he's hitting a game-winner on screen or leading a gritty indie drama, he’s definitely someone you need to keep on your radar.
To get the most out of his current work, start by binge-watching both seasons of Swagger. It provides the necessary context for why he's being cast in major feature films now. Once you've finished the series, track the release dates for his upcoming indie projects, as these smaller roles often showcase the depth that big-budget productions sometimes overlook.