You probably recognize that jawline. If you grew up watching NBC in the mid-2010s, James Lastovic was likely the kid you saw causing absolute chaos in Salem. He has this specific energy—a mix of "sensitive soul" and "total wildcard"—that made him a standout even when he was surrounded by soap opera legends. But honestly, if you only know him from Days of Our Lives, you’re missing the weirdest and most interesting parts of his career.
James Lastovic movies and tv shows aren't just a list of credits; they’re a roadmap of an actor trying to break out of the "pretty boy" box. He started in a movie about a talking pony (yes, really) and eventually ended up getting bludgeoned with a crowbar in a dark Netflix comedy. He’s a graduate of the Ruskin School of Acting, and you can tell he’s got that theater-kid intensity. He doesn't just show up; he commits, even when the material is, well, a little out there.
The Joey Johnson Era: Breaking Hearts and Smothering Villains
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Most people searching for James Lastovic movies and tv shows are looking for Joey Johnson. He joined Days of Our Lives in 2015, and the showrunners put him through the wringer immediately.
For the uninitiated, Joey is the son of the iconic "supercouple" Steve "Patch" Johnson and Kayla Brady. When James took over the role, the character was "SORASed"—Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome. One day Joey’s a kid, the next day he’s a 16-year-old with a leather jacket and a lot of feelings.
James played Joey for about 147 episodes. He wasn't just a background character, either. He had this massive, dark storyline where he fell for the manipulative Ava Vitali (played by the brilliant Tamara Braun). It didn’t end well. In a fit of guilt and rage, Joey smothered Ava with a pillow. It was heavy stuff for a "teen" role, and James earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 2017. He eventually left the show when Joey went to prison, though he popped back up in 2020 once the character was released.
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Netflix and the Dark Side of Christian Keene
If Days was his introduction to the world, Insatiable was his attempt to burn the world down. In 2018, James landed the role of Christian Keene on the controversial Netflix series.
This wasn't a soap opera. It was a pitch-black satire about pageant culture and revenge. Christian was the "bad boy" love interest for Debby Ryan’s character, Patty. He was charming, slightly dangerous, and—spoiler alert—ended up meeting a very messy end.
Seeing him go from the earnest Joey Johnson to a character who gets murdered with a crowbar was a trip for fans. It showed that he could handle a different kind of timing. Comedy is hard, especially the mean-spirited, campy kind found in Insatiable, but James leaned into the absurdity.
The Weird and the Indie: A Talking Pony and Beyond
Before the fame and the Emmy nods, things were a bit... quirkier.
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- A Talking Pony!?! (2013): This is one of those credits that makes you love an actor’s journey. He played Wesley. It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s low-budget, it’s family-friendly, and it is worlds away from the murder plots of Salem.
- Musical Concierge (2015): A quick guest spot that preceded his big break.
- This Game’s Called Murder (2021): This is a neon-soaked, eccentric indie film where he played a character named Cane. It stars Ron Perlman, which should tell you everything you need to know about the vibe. It’s stylized, violent, and very "art-house."
He’s also been working on a project called The Doghouse, where he’s taking on roles behind the camera as a writer and producer. It’s a smart move. Actors who want longevity usually realize they have to create their own opportunities instead of just waiting for the phone to ring.
Real Life Drama: The Hawaii Incident
In late 2022, James made headlines for something that had nothing to do with a script. While on vacation in Kauai, Hawaii, he and his roommate, Nevin Dizdari, went missing. They had gone for a hike in Kōkeʻe State Park and didn't return to their resort.
For a couple of days, the internet was frantic. His mom was posting updates on social media, and the "Days" fan community was terrified. Luckily, they just got lost on a long trail and lost cell reception. They eventually made it back to their car and were safe, but it was a scary moment that reminded everyone just how much people care about the guy behind the characters.
Why James Lastovic Still Matters
The entertainment industry is brutal. Most soap actors stay in soaps forever, or they disappear after their "big" Netflix show gets canceled. James seems to be taking the path of a character actor. He isn't afraid of the "weird" roles.
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He has this ability to look like a classic leading man while acting like a guy who’s just seen something he shouldn't have. That range is why he’s survived the transition from daytime TV to streaming and indie film.
What to Watch Next
If you want to see the full spectrum of James Lastovic movies and tv shows, start with the Ava Vitali murder arc on Days of Our Lives (around 2016-2017). It’s the best showcase of his dramatic chops. Then, pivot to Season 1 of Insatiable on Netflix to see him play a completely different, more cynical archetype.
Keep an eye out for his independent work like This Game's Called Murder. It's not for everyone—it's pretty "out there"—but it shows an actor who is willing to take risks. He’s clearly moving toward a more creative, hands-on phase of his career with writing and producing, so don't be surprised if his next big project is something he built from the ground up.
Actionable Insight for Fans: Follow his journey through independent film festivals or smaller streaming platforms. While he might not be a household name in the "Marvel" sense, he’s a prime example of an actor building a "cult" filmography that values interesting choices over generic blockbusters. Check out his production credits on IMDb periodically to see when The Doghouse or his other writing projects finally drop.