You probably recognize him. Maybe it was the yellow leather suit and the lightning bolt, or perhaps it was that incredibly sweet, secret-handshake reveal in a high school ferris wheel. Keiynan Lonsdale has this way of sticking in your brain. He doesn't just play a character; he kida just is the vibe.
When we talk about Keiynan Lonsdale movies and tv shows, most people immediately jump to the "CW era." And look, playing Wally West is a huge deal. But if you think that’s the beginning and end of his reel, you're missing the best parts. From the gritty streets of Melbourne to high-stakes sci-fi battlefields, Lonsdale has been quietly building one of the most eclectic resumes in the business.
Honestly, his journey is a bit of a whirlwind. He’s an Australian kid who danced his way into a medical drama, then hopped over to Hollywood to become a superhero, all while dropping R&B tracks that actually slap.
The Breakthrough: From Dance Academy to Central City
Before he was outrunning speedsters, Keiynan was Oliver Lloyd. If you grew up in Australia (or were a very specific type of teen drama fan in the US), Dance Academy was everything. This wasn't just some background role. Lonsdale played a queer ballet student with a lot of heart and even more attitude. It was arguably the first time we saw his ability to mix physicality with raw vulnerability.
Then came the "Big Break."
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In 2015, he joined the cast of The Flash. This wasn't just any casting; he was Wally West. For comic book fans, that name carries weight. He wasn't just a sidekick; he was a legacy. He spent years as a series regular across The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, bringing a much-needed grounded energy to a show about people who can phase through walls.
But here’s the thing—he eventually walked away from being a series regular. He needed to breathe. He needed to find himself. And that led to some of the most interesting work of his career.
Key TV Highlights You Might Have Missed
- Swift Street (2024): A recent Australian heist drama where he plays Tom. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and shows a much tougher side than his CW days.
- Eden (2021): A lush, dark mystery set in an idyllic Australian coastal town. He plays Cam, and the show deals with some pretty heavy themes regarding secrets and local power dynamics.
- All Saints (2008): A "blink and you'll miss it" debut. He played a character named Corey in a single episode called "Sons and Lovers." Everyone starts somewhere!
Why Love, Simon Changed Everything
If The Flash made him a household name, Love, Simon (2018) made him an icon. He played Bram Greenfeld. No spoilers if you’ve lived under a rock, but that role was pivotal. It wasn't just about the movie's success; it was about what happened behind the scenes.
Working on that set, seeing director Greg Berlanti live his truth with his family, inspired Keiynan to come out publicly. He posted a heartfelt message on Instagram during production. It changed the way he approached every role after that. You can see the shift in his performances—there’s a freedom there now.
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He even reprised the role of Bram in the Hulu spin-off Love, Victor, giving fans a glimpse of what a happy, healthy queer relationship looks like in the "Simonverse."
The Big Screen: Action, Sci-Fi, and Dance
When it comes to Keiynan Lonsdale movies and tv shows, his film work is surprisingly diverse. He’s done the big blockbuster thing, but he also pivots to indie projects and dance-centric films that let him use his original training.
- The Divergent Series: Insurgent & Allegiant: He played Uriah Pedrad. It was a massive franchise at the time, and while those movies had a bit of a rocky road toward the end, Lonsdale was a bright spot.
- Work It (2020): This is a Netflix dance-comedy that is pure joy. He plays Julliard Pembroke, the rival dance captain. It’s campy, high-energy, and reminds everyone that the man can move.
- The Finest Hours (2016): A historical disaster film where he played Eldon Hanon. It’s a very different vibe—lots of rain, grit, and 1950s period costumes.
- My Fake Boyfriend (2022): A chaotic rom-com where he stars as Drew. It’s messy and modern, exactly the kind of "post-coming-out" role that feels authentic to him.
What's Next? 2026 and Beyond
As of right now, Lonsdale isn't slowing down. He’s currently starring in the Foxtel/Binge series RUN (2026), playing Detective Gary Porter. It’s a pursuit thriller based on the real-life "Postcard Bandit," Brenden Abbott. Seeing him play a detective is a fun shift from his usual younger, more "coming-of-age" roles.
He’s also set to appear in War Machine, a big-budget sci-fi action film coming to Netflix in March 2026. He’s starring alongside Alan Ritchson (the Reacher guy) and Dennis Quaid. It sounds like a "special ops vs. aliens" situation, which basically means we get to see Keiynan in full-blown action hero mode again.
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The "Hidden" Music Career
You can't really talk about his filmography without mentioning his music. He often directs his own music videos, which are essentially short films. His debut album Rainbow Boy (2020) and the Heart Defence Mixtape (2023) are essential listening if you want to understand the artist behind the actor.
His music is R&B-heavy, heavily inspired by Michael Jackson and Prince. It’s personal. It’s queer. It’s unapologetic. He often uses his dance background to choreograph the visuals, making the "Keiynan Lonsdale experience" a true triple-threat situation.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into his work, don't just stick to the superhero stuff. Here is a solid roadmap to appreciate the full range of his talent:
- Watch for the heart: Start with Love, Simon and follow it up with his guest appearance in Love, Victor.
- Watch for the moves: Check out Work It on Netflix. The final dance sequence is worth the watch alone.
- Watch for the grit: Track down Swift Street or the new series RUN. It’s a side of him American audiences don't see often enough.
- Listen for the soul: Pull up the Rainbow Boy album on Spotify. It gives a lot of context to his "vibe" and why he chooses the roles he does.
Keiynan Lonsdale is one of those rare actors who seems to care more about the truth of a project than the size of the paycheck. Whether he's a detective in a 2026 thriller or a speedster in a red suit, he brings a specific, radiant energy that's hard to find elsewhere in Hollywood. Check out War Machine when it drops on Netflix this March—it’s looking like his biggest role in years.