You probably recognize him. Maybe it’s that slightly mischievous grin or the way he always seems to be playing someone with a massive secret. Whether you grew up watching him cause chaos for the Davenports or caught him in a gritty prestige drama, the list of Mateus Ward movies and tv shows is a lot more diverse than most people realize. He isn't just another former child star trying to stay relevant; he’s a guy who has consistently picked roles that are, frankly, a bit uncomfortable.
Honestly, it’s rare to see an actor transition from Disney XD villainy to playing a school shooter or an opioid addict without it feeling forced. But Mateus has done it. He’s got this range that moves from "teen heartthrob" to "psychological mess" pretty effortlessly. If you’re trying to figure out where you know him from—or what you should actually watch—let’s break it down.
The Disney Days: Marcus Davenport and the "Evil" Arc
Let’s start with the one everyone knows. Lab Rats. If you were a kid (or had kids) between 2012 and 2016, Marcus Davenport was the character you loved to hate. He wasn’t just a bully; he was a bionic sociopath.
What’s interesting about his time on Disney XD is that he didn't play Marcus like a cartoon villain. He played him with this weird, calm intensity. He appeared in about eight episodes, but his impact on the show's lore was huge. Fans still talk about his "signature eyebrow raise" and that "Hook, line, and sinker" catchphrase. It was a solid paycheck, sure, but it also showed he could handle being the most disliked person in the room—a skill he’d use later for much darker projects.
Turning Point: Hostages and Murder in the First
In 2013, Mateus made a jump that most Disney actors struggle with. He landed a series regular role on the CBS thriller Hostages, playing Jake Sanders. This wasn't "bionic" nonsense; this was a high-stakes drama where he played the son of Toni Collette and Tate Donovan. Working alongside actors of that caliber is basically a masterclass in acting, and he held his own in a show about a family being held captive by a rogue FBI agent.
📖 Related: Isaiah Washington Movies and Shows: Why the Star Still Matters
But if you want to see where he really pushed the envelope, you have to look at Murder in the First.
In the second season of this TNT anthology series, Mateus played Dustin Maker. It’s a heavy role. He plays one of the two high schoolers who commit a mass shooting on a school bus. It’s localized, intense, and deeply disturbing.
- The Character: Dustin is captured by the SFPD and faces the death penalty.
- The Performance: He doesn't play it for sympathy, which is a bold choice. He plays it with a chilling sort of detachment.
- The Impact: It moved him firmly out of the "teen actor" category and into the "serious dramatic actor" conversation.
The Indie Scene: Relish and The Meanest Man in Texas
If you’re looking for Mateus Ward movies and tv shows that feel a bit more personal, you have to check out his collaborations with his father, director Justin Ward.
Relish (2019) is a movie that flies under the radar but deserves more eyes. Think of it like a modern-day Breakfast Club but with way higher stakes. Mateus plays Levi, a high school football player who is secretly addicted to opioids.
👉 See also: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
He’s admitted in interviews that he’s "the least athletic person you’ll ever meet," so playing a jock was a stretch for him. But the movie isn't about football; it’s about the vulnerability underneath the "toxic masculinity" armor. He also co-produced this one, which shows he’s interested in the business side of things, too. It was shot in just nine days—a crazy-short schedule that requires everyone to be 100% on their game.
Then there’s The Meanest Man in Texas. This is a biographical film where he plays Clyde Thompson, a man who went from being a convicted murderer on death row to a preacher. It’s a heavy, transformational role that won him a fair share of awards on the film festival circuit.
A Quick Cheat Sheet of His Filmography
If you’re just here for the "what was he in again?" list, here’s a messy, non-alphabetical rundown of his notable appearances:
- Weeds: He played the older version of Stevie Botwin in the series finale. It was a huge moment for fans of the show.
- NCIS: He was in the episode "Shabbat Shalom" as a kid who finds a dead body. Classic procedural guest spot.
- Parenthood: A guest role as Carl.
- Criminal Minds: This was actually his TV debut back in 2010.
- The Loud House: Did you know he does voices? He’s voiced characters like Hank and "Big Kid."
- Lonely Boy: He played a teenager with schizophrenia in this indie drama.
Why He’s Not Your Average Young Actor
The thing about Mateus Ward is that he doesn't seem to chase the "blockbuster" fame. A lot of actors his age would be clawing for a Marvel role or a Netflix rom-com. Instead, he’s doing things like There Is No Antimemetics Division or small, gritty indies.
✨ Don't miss: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
He grew up in Hawaii, surfing and riding motorcycles, which maybe gives him a bit of a grounded perspective. He’s also a pianist and a dancer. That "theatre kid" background usually translates to an actor who cares more about the craft than the red carpet.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume he's just "that guy from the Disney show." If you only know him as Marcus, you're missing about 80% of what he can do. His best work is usually in the stuff that’s hardest to watch—like the courtroom scenes in Murder in the First or the withdrawal scenes in Relish.
Your Next Steps: What to Watch First
If you want to see the full evolution of his career, don't just binge-watch old Disney clips. Here is how I’d suggest diving into his work to see the real range:
- Start with Hostages. It’s the perfect middle ground between his early work and his darker stuff.
- Watch Relish. It’s probably his most "human" performance. It’s available on most streaming platforms (check Amazon or Apple TV).
- Check out the Weeds finale. Even if you haven't seen the whole show, his performance as Stevie is a great "where are they now" moment for the series.
- Look for The Meanest Man in Texas. If you like period pieces and true stories, this is his most "prestige" acting role.
Keep an eye on what he does next. He’s reaching that age where actors either fade out or become the next big character actors. Given his track record for picking projects that actually say something, he's probably not going anywhere.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of independent cinema, check out the production company "Ward Studios." It's the family-run shop behind many of his projects, and it gives a good look at how they're trying to tell stories outside the standard Hollywood machine.