You know that feeling when you're watching a massive show and a face pops up that feels incredibly familiar, but you just can't place it? That’s the Simone Kessell experience in a nutshell. Honestly, she’s been everywhere lately. From the chaotic wilderness of Yellowjackets to the sands of Tatooine, Kessell has quietly become one of the most reliable "chameleon" actors in the game.
She doesn't just play a character; she disappears into them.
The Lottie Matthews Effect
If you’re here, there’s a 90% chance you’ve been obsessed with simone kessell movies and tv shows ever since she stepped onto the screen as the adult Lottie Matthews. Stepping into a role already established by Courtney Eaton (who plays teen Lottie) is no small feat. Kessell brought this eerie, grounded serenity to the character that made you wonder if she was a savior or a complete psychopath.
Probably a bit of both, right?
But Yellowjackets wasn't some "overnight success" moment for her. Not even close. Kessell has been grinding in the industry since the early 90s. While most people are just catching on now, she’s been building a massive filmography across New Zealand, Australia, and Hollywood for decades.
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From Star Wars to the Spielberg Era
Before she was leading a cult in the woods, she was literally the mother of a princess. In the Obi-Wan Kenobi series (2022), Kessell played Breha Organa. It’s a short role, sure, but it’s foundational. She played the woman who raised Princess Leia. You don't get cast in a role like that unless you can command the screen with a certain level of grace.
Most people forget she was a series regular in Terra Nova. Remember that? The big-budget Steven Spielberg dinosaur show? She played Lt. Alicia Washington. It was one of those "gone too soon" sci-fi projects that had a ton of potential but got cut after one season.
Why You Should Revisit These
If you want to see her range, you’ve got to look past the blockbusters.
- Muru (2022): This is a heavy hitter. It’s a New Zealand film based on the 2007 police raids. Kessell is incredible here.
- 1% (aka Outlaws): She plays Hayley, and she earned an AACTA nomination for it. It's gritty, it’s raw, and it shows her "tough as nails" side.
- The Crossing: A weird, high-concept ABC show about refugees from the future. Kessell was a lead, and honestly, the show deserved better.
The 2026 Shift: Subversion and The Last Frontier
So, what is she doing now? As of early 2026, her career is hitting a massive second peak. She recently joined the cast of Subversion, an Amazon MGM Studios film starring Chris Hemsworth. Think high-stakes submarine thriller. She’s also starring in the Apple TV+ drama The Last Frontier as Sarah Remnick.
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She’s basically moved into that "prestige TV" bracket where everything she touches feels significant.
The Deep Cuts (For the True Fans)
If you really want to go down the rabbit hole of simone kessell movies and tv shows, you have to look at her early Australian and NZ work. We’re talking:
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (She played about four different characters across multiple episodes).
- Underbelly (The "A Tale of Two Cities" season).
- Wonderland (A classic Aussie drama).
- McLeod's Daughters (A staple of early 2000s TV).
Why Her Career Matters Right Now
There’s a lot of talk about "underrated" actors, but Kessell actually fits the bill. She’s Māori and European, and she’s spoken before about the complexities of identity in casting. She’s managed to navigate the industry without being boxed into a specific "type." One day she's a queen in the biblical drama Of Kings and Prophets, the next she's a detective in Critical Incident.
It’s rare to see an actress hit their stride this hard in their 40s and 50s. Usually, Hollywood is pretty cruel to women as they age, but Kessell is doing the opposite—she's getting more interesting, more complex roles as time goes on.
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What to watch next
If you've finished Yellowjackets and you're craving more, here is the move:
- Watch Muru first. It’s her best dramatic work.
- Then hit The Night Agent. She’s only in an episode, but she makes an impact.
- Keep an eye out for Subversion. It’s going to be huge.
Kessell’s filmography is a lesson in persistence. She didn't just wait for the big American break; she built a legacy in the Southern Hemisphere first.
Next Steps for Your Watchlist:
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, set a Google Alert for The Last Frontier. It’s her biggest lead role in a minute. Also, if you haven't seen her in the New Zealand crime thriller Critical Incident (2024), track it down. It’s a masterclass in tension.