You probably know the voice before you even see the face. It’s that high-pitched, slightly panicked, undeniably New Zealand warble that usually belongs to a man who is completely out of his depth. Whether he’s trying to manage a two-man folk parody band in New York or captaining a pirate ship with zero combat skills, Rhys Darby has carved out a niche as Hollywood’s favorite "well-meaning but incompetent" authority figure.
But honestly, if you only know him from one or two projects, you’re missing out on one of the most versatile physical comedians working today. From his early days in the NZ Army (yes, really) to his current status as a cult icon, the list of Rhys Darby movies and shows is a wild ride through absurdism and heart.
The Roles That Changed Everything
Most people’s introduction to Darby was Flight of the Conchords. He played Murray Hewitt, the Deputy Cultural Attaché at the New Zealand Consulate. Murray was the kind of guy who held "band meetings" in a tiny office and took attendance for a two-person group. He was iconic. "Murray, present!" became a catchphrase for a specific type of awkwardness.
Then came Our Flag Means Death.
This wasn’t just another supporting role. Playing Stede Bonnet—the "Gentleman Pirate"—gave Darby a chance to show real dramatic range. He wasn't just there for the gags; he was the emotional core of a story about midlife crises and finding queer joy on the high seas. The chemistry between him and Taika Waititi’s Blackbeard turned the show into a global phenomenon. Fans are still devastated about its cancellation, frequently taking to Reddit to "rehoist the flags" in hopes of a revival.
From the Kiwi Bush to Blockbusters
If you look closely at the biggest comedies of the last twenty years, Darby is everywhere. He’s like a comedic Waldo.
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The Taika Waititi Connection
Darby and Taika Waititi are basically a package deal at this point. They’ve been working together since the early 2000s, and Darby’s appearances in Waititi’s films are legendary:
- What We Do in the Shadows (2014): He plays Anton, the leader of a pack of polite werewolves. The line "We're werewolves, not swear-wolves" is arguably the most quoted bit in the whole movie.
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016): As "Psycho Sam," he plays a conspiracy theorist living in the bush. It’s a masterclass in manic energy.
- Next Goal Wins (2023): He pops up as Rhys Marlin, proving that even in a sports dramedy, there’s room for his specific brand of quirk.
Stepping into the Mainstream
It’s not just indie Kiwi films, though. Darby has held his own against some of the biggest stars in the world. In Yes Man (2008), he played Jim Carrey’s boss, Norman. It was a breakout moment that proved his physical comedy could translate to a massive Hollywood audience.
Then there’s the Jumanji franchise. In both Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level, he plays Nigel Billingsley, the non-player character (NPC) guide. It’s a brilliant bit of meta-casting; Darby is essentially playing a guy who only exists to give exposition, yet he makes the character feel oddly endearing. Word is he’s returning for the untitled Jumanji sequel filming in 2026, so Nigel isn't done with us yet.
The Voice You Hear Everywhere
You might not realize it, but if you have kids (or just like cartoons), you’ve probably heard Rhys Darby more often than you’ve seen him. His voice is a distinct tool he uses to great effect in animation.
He was Coran in Voltron: Legendary Defender, a role that let him lean into his "eccentric space uncle" energy for 27 episodes. He’s also voiced characters in Bob’s Burgers, The Simpsons, and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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One of his coolest recent gigs is in the animated series Curses! on Apple TV+, where he plays a character named Stanley. He also lent his voice to the 2024 holiday film That Christmas and is set to play a Lincoln Longwool sheep in the 2026 project The Sheep Detectives. The man stays busy.
Why 2025 and 2026 are Massive Years for Darby
If you think he’s slowing down, think again. Darby is currently in the middle of a massive creative second wind.
He recently launched a brand-new stand-up tour titled The Legend Returns. It’s his first time back on the live stage in nearly a decade. The show is kooky—basically a 80-minute non-sequitur about aging, AI, and how a "simple dad with slightly tight jeans" can survive a robot-filled future. He’s been selling out shows in Wellington, London, and Cardiff, proving that his live comedy chops are as sharp as ever.
On the film side, keep an eye out for:
- Love Hurts (2025): A project where he stars alongside Ke Huy Quan.
- The Lost Tiger (2025): He’s voicing a character named Plato.
- The Sheep Detectives (2026): Because who wouldn't want to hear Rhys Darby solve crimes as a sheep?
The "Underrated" Essentials
Beyond the big hits, there are a few Rhys Darby movies and shows that don't get enough love. If you’re a completionist, you need to track these down.
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- Wrecked (2016–2018): Imagine LOST, but everyone is an idiot. Darby plays Steve, a guy who genuinely thrives on being stranded on a desert island. It’s one of his best "regular" roles.
- Short Poppies (2014): This is a mockumentary series Darby created himself. He plays multiple characters in a small New Zealand town. It’s very much in the vein of Little Britain or The Chris Lilley shows, but with that gentle Kiwi soul.
- Relax, I’m From the Future (2022): This is a weird, charming sci-fi comedy where he plays a time traveler named Casper. It’s low-budget but has a huge heart, which is basically the Darby brand.
How to Get Your Rhys Darby Fix Today
Rhys Darby isn't just an actor; he’s a bit of a polymath. He’s written four books (including the Buttons and the Whale series) and co-hosts The Cryptid Factor, a podcast about monsters and aliens that has been running for years.
If you want to dive into his work, start with Flight of the Conchords for the nostalgia, then jump into Our Flag Means Death for the depth. If you’re in a city where The Legend Returns tour is stopping, buy a ticket. Seeing him do sound effects and mime live is a totally different experience than watching him on a screen.
The best way to keep up with his projects in 2026 is to follow his Substack or check his official tour dates. He’s one of those rare performers who feels like a friend you just haven't met yet, and whether he's playing a sheep, a pirate, or an NPC, he always brings that same infectious, slightly bewildered energy to the table.
To truly appreciate his range, try watching What We Do in the Shadows and Our Flag Means Death back-to-back. You’ll see how he moves from a high-energy "werewolf leader" to a vulnerable, romantic lead without losing that signature silliness that made him famous in the first place.