You’ve probably seen her face and thought, "Wait, I know her from somewhere." Honestly, that’s the Matreya Scarrwener effect. She’s one of those actors who just blends into a role so seamlessly that you forget you’re watching a performance until the credits roll and you see her name pop up again.
Whether it’s a gritty Western, a high-concept ABC sitcom, or one of those addictive Lifetime thrillers that keep you up until 2 a.m., Scarrwener has been putting in the work for over a decade. Born in Vancouver back in 1998, she’s basically grown up on our screens. But unlike some child stars who burn out or stay stuck in one lane, she’s managed to jump between genres like it's nothing.
Let's break down the matreya scarrwener movies and tv shows that actually matter, from her early guest spots to the leading roles that have made her a staple of the North American filming scene.
The Big Breaks: From Dorothy Gale to Imaginary Mary
If you’re a fantasy nerd, you might remember her from Once Upon a Time. She played a young Dorothy Gale in the third season. It wasn't a huge, multi-season arc, but it was enough to put her on the radar. There’s something about her presence that feels very "old soul," which is probably why she gets cast in period pieces and intense dramas so often.
Then came Imaginary Mary in 2017. This was a weird one—in a good way. It was a live-action/CGI hybrid where Jenna Elfman had an imaginary friend. Matreya played Dora, one of the kids. Even though the show didn't last forever, it showed she could handle the timing of a network comedy.
Why Strange Empire Changed Everything
Honestly, if you want to see her actually act, you have to look at Strange Empire. This wasn't your typical dusty, male-driven Western. It was dark, it was Canadian, and it was focused on women surviving on the frontier. Matreya played Robin Slotter.
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The show was moody as heck.
She had to bring a lot of vulnerability to a very harsh setting. It’s one of those "if you know, you know" shows that critics loved even if it didn't become a global juggernaut. It proved she wasn't just a "child actor" anymore—she was a dramatic heavyweight in the making.
The Queen of the "Movie of the Week"
Look, we have to talk about the TV movies. Some people look down on them, but for a working actor, they are the bread and butter. Plus, they’re incredibly popular for a reason. Matreya has become a go-to for these high-stakes domestic thrillers and cozy romances.
Take No One Would Tell (2018). It’s a remake of a classic 90s movie about teen dating violence. It’s heavy stuff. She played Sarah, and she brought a groundedness to it that kept it from feeling like a caricature.
In 2024, she’s been everywhere in this space:
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- Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story (where she played Katie Fusco)
- When Mom Becomes a Murderer (playing Ellie)
- Killing for Extra Credit (playing Marybeth Morris)
There’s a pattern here. She often plays characters caught in these impossible, high-tension family situations. She’s got this "girl next door" vibe that makes it even more jarring when the plot takes a dark turn.
Matreya Scarrwener Movies and TV Shows: The Full Rundown
If you’re trying to binge her filmography, it’s a bit of a treasure hunt across different streaming platforms. She’s popped up in The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco, Van Helsing, and even did a guest spot on The Irrational recently.
One of her most interesting recent projects is Fakes on Netflix/CBC. She played Sally. The show is fast-paced, funny, and very Gen Z, which was a nice break from the heavy drama of her earlier work. It’s cool to see her leaning into her comedic side again after years of playing "the girl in peril."
Film Credits You Might Have Missed
While she’s a TV mainstay, her film work is pretty eclectic. She was in The Professor (also known as Richard Says Goodbye) alongside Johnny Depp. It’s a small role, but being on a set like that is a big deal.
Then you’ve got indie projects like Andie the Great (2021). Not only did she star as Andie Offerman, but she also jumped into the production side. That’s usually a sign that an actor is looking to take more control over their career path.
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Recent and Upcoming Highlights (2024-2026)
She isn't slowing down. In the last year or so, she’s been keeping the momentum going with:
- One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery – She plays Willa Sunquist in this Hallmark staple.
- Alert: Missing Persons Unit – She made an appearance as Jane Corrigan.
- Mid-Love Crisis – A more lighthearted Hallmark-style flick where she plays Emma.
Why She’s Actually Underestimated
The thing about Matreya is that she doesn't chase the "influencer" fame. You don't see her in the tabloids; you see her in the credits. She’s a "working actor" in the truest sense.
She has a range that spans from R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour (her early days) to playing complex, traumatized women in true-crime inspired dramas. Most actors get pigeonholed. If you’re a "Hallmark girl," you stay a Hallmark girl. If you’re a "horror kid," you stay there. She’s one of the few who moves between the CW, CBC, ABC, and Lifetime without any friction.
How to Follow Her Career Now
If you want to catch her latest work, your best bet is keeping an eye on the major Canadian networks (CBC, Global) and the US cable stalwarts like Hallmark and Lifetime.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check Netflix for Fakes: It’s probably her most accessible and modern role if you want to see her in something that isn't a "crime of the week" drama.
- Watch Strange Empire: If you can find it on a streaming service or VOD, it’s arguably her best performance to date. It’s gritty and deserves more eyes on it.
- Set a DVR for Hallmark Mysteries: She’s becoming a recurring face in the Hannah Swensen and Aurora Teagarden universes.
Matreya Scarrwener has been in the industry since 2012, and at just 27, she’s already racked up over 30 credits. She’s the definition of a slow-burn success. She isn't an overnight TikTok sensation; she’s a craft-focused actor who has built a massive resume by being reliable and, frankly, really good at her job.
Keep an eye on her in 2026—she’s reaching that age where child actors either fade away or transition into major leading roles. Based on her recent output in thrillers like Killing for Extra Credit, she’s leaning hard into the latter.