If you’ve spent any time on Disney+ or Peacock lately, you’ve probably seen Saylor Bell Curda. She’s got that rare kind of screen presence that makes you go, "Wait, where do I know her from?" Honestly, she's kind of becoming the industry's go-to for characters who are equal parts sharp-witted and grounded.
Whether she’s navigating the high-stakes drama of a theater camp or surviving a literal post-apocalyptic wasteland in a car, Saylor has been putting in the work for years. Most people think she just "popped up" recently. Nope. She’s been building this resume since she was a kid, and the variety of Saylor Curda movies and tv shows is actually way more diverse than her Disney roots might suggest.
The Disney Era and the Breakout Role as Maddox
Let's talk about the big one first. For a lot of fans, Saylor is Maddox from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Joining a massive franchise in its third season is basically like being the new kid at a school where everyone is already best friends. It’s intimidating. But Saylor’s portrayal of Maddox—the "techie" who is obsessed with rules but has a massive heart—stole the show. What’s cool is that she actually auditioned for the lead role of Nini (which went to Olivia Rodrigo) years prior. Fate is funny like that; she ended up playing a character that felt much more nuanced and allowed her to show off her dry comedic timing.
She didn't just show up for the songs. She brought a specific kind of awkward, relatable energy that resonated with anyone who felt like an outsider.
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Earlier Disney and Nickelodeon Stints
Before she was running the tech booth at Camp Shallow Lake, she was a frequent flyer on other major kid networks. You might spot her in:
- I Didn’t Do It: This one is a family affair. Her older sister, Piper Curda, was a lead, but Saylor appeared in several episodes as "Young Jasmine."
- Sydney to the Max: She played Mia in a guest spot that showcased her early sitcom chops.
- Side Hustle: On Nickelodeon, she had a recurring role as Kelsey. It was classic Nick—loud, funny, and high energy—but it proved she could handle a multi-cam setup with ease.
Transitioning to Gritty Roles: Twisted Metal and Walker
If you think she’s strictly a "Disney kid," her recent work will prove you wrong. In 2025, she joined the cast of Twisted Metal for its second season on Peacock.
Playing a character named Mayhem, she’s trading in musical theater for high-octane violence and desert survival. It’s a total 180. The show is based on the legendary PlayStation game, and seeing Saylor thrive in that chaotic, R-rated world is a testament to her range. It’s gritty. It’s dirty. It’s definitely not East High.
Then there’s her time on Walker on The CW. She played Sadie Yoo, a character wrapped up in a mystery involving a missing brother. This wasn't a "guest star of the week" role; she was in eight episodes, holding her own against veteran actors like Jared Padalecki. It was a more mature, dramatic turn that likely helped her land the bigger action roles she's working on now.
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Beyond the Small Screen: Iké Boys
While most of her credits are on the small screen, her film work is starting to pick up steam. The standout so far is Iké Boys (2021).
It’s this weird, wonderful indie flick about two Japan-obsessed teenagers in Oklahoma who accidentally gain superpowers from a magical anime. Saylor plays Bethany, a character who gets caught up in the supernatural chaos. It’s a cult favorite for a reason—it’s creative, low-budget in a charming way, and allows Saylor to play someone a bit more "alt" than her usual TV roles.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career
People often confuse Saylor with her sister Piper. While they look alike and both got their start in the Disney machine, their career trajectories are starting to look very different. Saylor is leaning heavily into the genre-bending stuff—horror, action, and post-apocalyptic comedy.
She’s also a singer, though she doesn't lead with it as much as other Disney alums. In HSMTMTS, her vocals were solid, but you can tell her primary focus is the craft of acting. She isn't trying to be the next pop princess; she's trying to be the next character actress you can't live without.
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A Quick Look at the Credits (The Highlights)
- Twisted Metal (2025–Present): Mayhem. This is her biggest "adult" breakout.
- Walker (2023–2024): Sadie Yoo. Serious, grounded drama.
- HSMTMTS (2022–2023): Maddox. The fan favorite.
- The Big Show Show (2020): Alex. A fun Netflix comedy stint.
- New Girl (2017): Ramona. A tiny but memorable guest spot.
What's Next for Saylor Curda?
As of 2026, Saylor is in a "sweet spot" in Hollywood. She has the massive fanbase from the Disney years, but she’s successfully transitioned into projects that older audiences actually watch. With Twisted Metal Season 2 gaining traction and her name being floated for more indie features, she's no longer just "the younger sister" or "the tech girl."
If you’re looking to dive into her filmography, the best path is to start with HSMTMTS Season 3 to see her heart, then jump straight into Twisted Metal to see her grit. It’s a wild ride, but that’s exactly why she’s one of the most interesting young actors to watch right now.
Keep an eye on Peacock and The CW listings. Her roles are getting bigger, and the characters are getting weirder—which is exactly where a talent like hers belongs. Check out Iké Boys on streaming if you want to see her in something truly unique before she hits the A-list for good.