You know that thing where an actor just becomes a character? Like, to the point where if anyone else tried to play them, it would feel like a cheap knockoff? That’s basically what happened with Lyrica Okano and Nico Minoru. It’s rare, honestly. Usually, when a comic book character makes the jump to live-action, fans find something to nitpick—the hair is wrong, the vibe is off, whatever. But when Okano showed up in Marvel’s Runaways with the goth eyeliner and the Staff of One, it was game over.
She didn't just play a role. She sorta claimed it.
Even now, years after the Hulu series wrapped its third season, her name is the first one people search for when they think about the magical side of the MCU. But if you think her career starts and ends with a superhero staff, you’re missing out on some actually weird, cool, and surprisingly diverse projects. From time-traveling indie dramas to voice acting in massive RPGs, the list of Lyrica Okano movies and tv shows is a lot deeper than most people realize.
The Runaways Era: More Than Just Goth Aesthetic
Let’s be real. Most of us met Lyrica through Marvel’s Runaways. It ran from 2017 to 2019, and it was... a choice. While the rest of the Marvel shows on Netflix were getting gritty and dark, Runaways was this neon-soaked, teen-angst drama that felt very "Hulu." It worked because of the chemistry.
Okano played Nico, the reluctant leader who finds out her parents are basically cult leaders. What’s wild is that Lyrica is actually a black belt in karate. She’s been training since she was four or five because her parents wanted her to learn discipline. In Season 2, when you see her actually throwing down and doing stunts, that’s not just movie magic. That’s her. She’s actually capable of kicking your teeth in, which adds a layer of authenticity you don’t always get in teen dramas.
Also, can we talk about the representation? Nico was one of the first bisexual characters in a Marvel TV show. Her relationship with Karolina Dean (played by Virginia Gardner) wasn't just some background subplot; it was the heart of the show. People still talk about "Deanoru" on Twitter for a reason.
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Returning as Nico in Midnight Suns
Usually, when a show gets canceled, that’s the end of the road. The actors move on, the costumes go into a warehouse. But in 2022, Firaxis Games released Marvel’s Midnight Suns. It’s a tactical RPG where you play as "The Hunter" and hang out with the Avengers. And guess who showed up?
Nico Minoru.
But here’s the kicker: they actually brought Lyrica Okano back to voice her. This almost never happens. Usually, games hire professional voice actors like Laura Bailey or Yuri Lowenthal (both of whom are in the game, by the way). Bringing a live-action actor into a booth is risky because, frankly, some screen actors are terrible at voice work. They rely too much on their faces.
Lyrica nailed it. Her voice work in Midnight Suns is arguably more "Nico" than the show was. In the game, she’s a bit more of a "Sister Grimm" version—darker, a bit more sarcastic, and constantly clashing with the Avengers. She has this great line where she basically tells Tony Stark to shut up because he doesn't understand magic. It’s glorious. If you haven't played it, go listen to her dialogue. It’s some of the best character writing in modern Marvel games.
The Movies You Probably Missed (But Shouldn't)
Outside of the Marvel bubble, Okano has been doing some pretty interesting indie work. She doesn't just do the "dark magic girl" thing.
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- Press Play (2022): This one is a total vibe shift. It’s a romantic drama with a time-travel twist. It stars Clara Rugaard and Lewis Pullman, and Lyrica plays Chloe, the best friend. Basically, the main character uses a mixtape to travel back in time to save her boyfriend. Lyrica is the "anchor" character here. Because the timeline keeps changing, she has to play slightly different versions of Chloe depending on how the past was messed with. It’s a fun, heart-wrenching movie if you like stuff like About Time.
- Story Game (2020): If you like J-horror or anthology films, this is for you. It’s about three college students in Hawaii who start telling scary stories based on Japanese folklore to see who can come up with the best one. Lyrica plays Chika. It’s creepy, low-budget, and really leans into her Japanese-American heritage.
- Pimp (2018): This one is gritty. It’s a drama starring Keke Palmer about life on the streets of the Bronx. It’s a million miles away from the polished halls of a Marvel set. It shows her range—she can do the "urban drama" thing just as well as she can fly around on a magic staff.
Television Guest Spots: The "Oh, It's Her!" Moments
Before she was a series regular, she was doing the classic New York actor grind. You’ve probably seen her in the background of your favorite procedurals without realizing it.
- The Affair: She had a recurring role as Chrissy in the second season.
- Blue Bloods: She popped up in Season 9, Episode 16 ("Past Tense").
- The Michael J. Fox Show: An early role where she played a character named Madeline.
- Chicago P.D.: Another one of those "gritty crime" guest spots that every talented actor seems to have on their resume.
What’s She Doing Now? (2025-2026 Update)
If you’re looking for the latest on Lyrica, she’s actually branching out into some unexpected territory. She is currently hosting Morimoto’s Sushi Master on the W Network and other specialty channels for its 2025/2026 season. It’s a competition show where expert sushi chefs get tested on their technical skills.
Wait, what?
Yeah, it’s a total pivot. But it actually makes sense. She’s been very vocal about her culture and her roots. Watching her host a high-stakes cooking show alongside Chef Masaharu Morimoto is honestly refreshing. It’s a different side of her personality—less "brooding teen" and more "charismatic professional."
There are also constant rumors about her returning to the MCU. Now that the "Multiverse" is a thing and characters from the Netflix and Hulu eras (like Daredevil and Kingpin) are officially back, fans are screaming for Nico Minoru to show up in a Doctor Strange or Agatha spin-off. While nothing is "officially" confirmed for 2026 yet, the fact that she keeps voicing the character in games suggests she’s still very much on Marvel’s speed dial.
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Why Lyrica Okano Matters
The reason people keep track of Lyrica Okano movies and tv shows isn't just because she's a good actress. It's because she represents a very specific kind of cool. She’s an athlete, a martial artist, a voice actor, and a host. She didn't let the "Marvel Curse" trap her into only doing one thing.
Honestly, if you want to see her best work, go play Midnight Suns or track down a copy of Story Game. She’s got this weirdly magnetic screen presence that makes even the small roles feel important.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch: If you haven't seen Press Play, it's currently on digital platforms. It’s the best showcase of her "normal person" acting skills.
- Play: Marvel’s Midnight Suns is frequently on sale on Steam or PlayStation Store. It’s the definitive "Nico" performance.
- Track: Keep an eye on the 2026 lineup for the W Network or Hulu to catch her hosting gig—it's a fun departure from her usual dark roles.
The reality is that Lyrica Okano is just getting started. Whether she’s holding a staff or a microphone, she’s one of those actors who makes everything she's in just a little bit better.