You probably know him as the guy who made everyone collectively hold their breath during the finale of Andi Mack. When Luke Mullen first stepped onto the screen as TJ Kippen, he was basically the "jock antagonist" archetype we've seen a thousand times. But then something happened. He turned a side character into one of the most discussed figures in Disney Channel history.
Honestly, tracking Luke Mullen movies and tv shows is a bit of a trip because he doesn't just stick to the "teen idol" script. He’s a filmmaker, an environmental activist, and a guy who isn't afraid to take weird, gritty roles in indie horror.
The Andi Mack Breakthrough and the "Tyrus" Phenomenon
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: TJ Kippen. In the beginning, TJ was just the captain of the basketball team with a bit of a mean streak. But Mullen played him with this specific kind of vulnerability that made fans realize there was a lot more going on under the surface.
The show eventually revealed TJ had dyscalculia—a learning disorder involving math—which added a layer of realism you don't usually see in sitcoms. But the real cultural reset was his relationship with Cyrus Goodman (played by Joshua Rush). The "Tyrus" ship wasn't just a fan theory; it became a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation on Disney. That final scene where they hold hands? It’s still a core memory for an entire generation of viewers.
Beyond the Mouse House: Horror and Indie Credits
If you only know him from Disney, his recent filmography might give you a bit of whiplash. Luke has a clear affinity for the darker side of things.
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In 2022, he appeared in V/H/S/99, which is about as far from a basketball court in Utah as you can get. It’s a found-footage horror anthology that is notoriously bloody and chaotic. He played a character in the segment "The Gawkers," which follows a group of teenage boys who get exactly what's coming to them after spying on a neighbor. It’s gross, it’s intense, and it showed that he’s got the range to handle more than just "coming-of-age" drama.
- Black Girl Missing (2023): He had a role in this Lifetime original movie, which tackled the very real-world issue of how media disparities affect the search for missing persons of color.
- Barbie (2023): Yes, that Barbie. If you blinked, you might have missed him, but he’s actually credited in the Greta Gerwig blockbuster.
- American Housewife: He did a guest stint here as Jason, proving he can pivot back to traditional sitcom energy whenever he wants.
The Secret Life of a Filmmaker
Most people don't realize that Luke Mullen was actually making movies before he was starring in them. He grew up in Santa Barbara and spent years driving back and forth to LA for auditions, but while he was waiting for his big break, he was behind the camera.
He wrote and directed a short film called Me, My Phone & I back in 2017. It’s a commentary on how Gen Z is glued to their devices—pretty meta for a guy who was about to become a social media sensation. He’s also worked on the production side for projects like Sweet Steel.
He’s gone on record saying his dad is a biologist, which explains why he’s so obsessed with the outdoors. When he’s not on a set, he’s usually working with organizations like the United Nations for their "Act Now" climate campaign. He’s not just posting a black square or a leaf emoji; he’s actually out there doing the work.
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Breaking Down the Filmography
Looking for a quick list of where to find him? Here is the breakdown of the most notable entries in the Luke Mullen movies and tv shows catalog:
Television Roles
- Andi Mack (2017–2019): His most iconic role as TJ Kippen.
- American Housewife (2016–2021): Guest appearance as Jason.
- Side Hustle (2020–2022): He popped up in the Nickelodeon world for a bit.
- American Horror Stories (2021): Part of the Ryan Murphy universe, continuing his trend toward the macabre.
Film Credits
- V/H/S/99 (2022): Playing "Troy" in a gritty horror setting.
- Black Girl Missing (2023): Playing the character of "Chris."
- Barbie (2023): A small but notable credit in one of the biggest movies ever made.
What's Next for Luke?
As of early 2026, Luke seems to be balancing his acting career with a lot of advocacy work. He’s become a prominent voice for the UN on environmental issues, specifically focusing on plastic pollution and collective action.
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He’s also been spotted at film festivals, not just as an actor but as someone interested in the "A24-style" of filmmaking. He’s clearly moving away from the "teen star" label and into a space where he can choose roles that have a bit more grit or social relevance.
If you’re looking to catch up on his work, start with the later seasons of Andi Mack to see the character work that put him on the map. Then, jump straight into V/H/S/99 if you want to see how much he’s grown since his Disney days. Just... maybe don't watch the horror stuff with the younger siblings.
How to follow his journey:
- Check out his shorts on YouTube if you're interested in his directing style.
- Follow his work with the UN's "Act Now" campaign for insight into his environmentalism.
- Keep an eye on indie horror credits, as that seems to be his current sweet spot.