You probably recognize that face. Maybe it was the intense, quiet gaze in the Underworld or that brief but memorable stint in a British medical drama. Honestly, Misia Butler is one of those actors who feels like they’ve been around forever because they just fit so perfectly into every world they inhabit. But the truth is, his rise has been a steady, deliberate climb through some of the most interesting projects in recent streaming history.
If you just finished binge-watching KAOS and found yourself frantically Googling "who is the guy playing Caeneus," you aren't alone. People are finally waking up to the fact that Misia Butler movies and tv shows are more than just background noise; they’re often at the center of how we’re redefining classic stories for a new generation.
The Breakthrough: Why KAOS Changed Everything
Let’s be real: KAOS was a massive swing for Netflix. A modern, dark-comedy retelling of Greek myths with Jeff Goldblum as a tracksuit-wearing Zeus? It shouldn't have worked as well as it did. But at the heart of that chaos (pun intended) was Misia Butler’s portrayal of Caeneus.
A lot of folks don't realize that Caeneus isn't just a character created for the show. He’s based on a real figure from Ovid's Metamorphoses. In the original myths, Caeneus was a woman named Caenis who was transformed into an invulnerable man. Butler brought a grounded, deeply human touch to this "world's first trans hero."
What’s wild is that Misia was actually a huge mythology nerd before he ever got the part. He almost went to university to study Classics. Imagine being obsessed with a specific obscure myth your whole life and then getting cast as that exact person in a multi-million dollar Netflix series. Kinda poetic, right?
📖 Related: Isaiah Washington Movies and Shows: Why the Star Still Matters
Before the Gods: Early Misia Butler Movies and TV Shows
Most actors start somewhere small, and Misia is no exception. If you’re a fan of British TV, you might have caught him way back in 2016.
- Casualty (2016): This was his first-ever professional gig at age 15. He played a character named Robert. It’s a rite of passage for British actors, really.
- Kiss Me First (2018): This was a weird, trippy thriller that mixed live-action with VR animation. Misia played Jocasta. If you haven't seen it, it’s worth a look just for the sheer "Black Mirror" vibes it gives off.
- The School for Good and Evil (2022): You might have blinked and missed him here, but he played Tarquin in this Paul Feig-directed fantasy flick.
- The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (2022): This show was cancelled way too soon. Misia played Niall, and honestly, the cult following for this series is still going strong for a reason.
It’s a varied list. He’s gone from gritty hospital halls to literal magical schools and the pits of the Underworld. That kind of range isn't an accident.
Navigating the Industry as a Trans Actor
One thing that makes Misia Butler movies and tv shows stand out is the authenticity he brings to his roles. He’s been very open about being a trans man and how that influences the characters he chooses.
In KAOS, his trans identity is part of the story, but it isn't the entire story. That’s the sweet spot for modern representation. He’s just a guy trying to navigate the afterlife and deal with a bunch of arrogant gods.
👉 See also: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
He often cites Elliot Page as a major role model. You can see that influence in his acting style—it’s very internal. He doesn't need to shout to get your attention. He just exists on screen with this weight that makes you want to know what he’s thinking.
What’s Actually Worth Watching Right Now?
If you’re trying to catch up on his filmography, don’t just randomly click stuff. Start with KAOS. It’s his most fully realized performance and gives him the most room to breathe. The chemistry he has with the rest of the ensemble is basically the glue holding the "Earth" and "Underworld" plotlines together.
After that, definitely track down The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself. It’s dark, it’s bloody, and it shows a different side of his acting capability.
A Quick Breakdown of Key Roles
- Caeneus (KAOS): The quiet heart of the Underworld. Essential viewing.
- Niall (The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself): A look at his ability to handle "young adult" fantasy with a darker edge.
- Jocasta (Kiss Me First): For those who like their sci-fi a bit experimental and unsettling.
The Future: What's Next for Misia?
As we move through 2026, the industry is keeping a close eye on what Misia does next. While he’s been somewhat quiet about his upcoming slate, rumors of new collaborations with Netflix and potentially some indie film projects are always swirling.
✨ Don't miss: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
He’s expressed interest in playing characters where his transness is just a footnote, or even totally irrelevant to the plot. That’s the next frontier for him—moving from "trans actor" to just "actor who happens to be trans." Based on the talent we've seen so far, he’s going to have no trouble making that jump.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re a fan looking to support his work, or maybe a creator looking for inspiration from his career path, here are a few takeaways:
- Watch the smaller shows: Series like The Bastard Son survived on word-of-mouth. Streaming numbers in the first 28 days matter, so if you like a project he's in, tell people early.
- Look for the "Classics" connection: Misia’s success in KAOS shows there’s a massive appetite for reimagined myths. If you’re a writer, look at how he grounded a legendary figure in modern emotion.
- Follow the casting directors: If you like Misia’s vibe, look up the casting directors for KAOS (like Dan Jackson). They usually have a "type" of actor they gravitate toward—performers who are naturalistic and slightly unconventional.
Whether he’s dodging lightning bolts from Zeus or navigating the halls of a British hospital, Misia Butler is proving that the best way to become a star is to just stay incredibly, stubbornly human. Keep an eye on his 2026 announcements; things are just getting started.