If you’ve watched a major streaming platform in the last three years, you have definitely seen his face. Honestly, it’s hard to miss him. Whether he’s sprinting across a football field or going toe-to-toe with legends like Eddie Murphy, Thaddeus J. Mixson is becoming one of those actors who just fits everywhere. He’s got this weirdly perfect balance of "kid next door" energy and serious dramatic chops.
Most people first caught wind of him during the pandemic when Disney+ dropped Safety. It was one of those feel-good movies everyone needed at the time. He played Fahmarr, the little brother who basically stole every scene from the actual football players. Since then, the Thaddeus J. Mixson movies and tv shows list has grown into a wildly diverse resume that most adult actors would kill for.
He isn't just "the kid" in the background anymore.
The Heavy Hitters: Thaddeus J. Mixson Movies and TV Shows You Can't Miss
You can’t talk about his career without mentioning Creed III. Seriously. Playing a young Adonis Creed is a massive responsibility. You aren't just playing a character; you’re playing the childhood version of Michael B. Jordan. That requires a specific kind of intensity. Mixson nailed the 15-year-old version of Donnie, showing us the roots of that trademark Creed chip-on-the-shoulder attitude.
Then there’s Candy Cane Lane.
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He played Nick Carver, Eddie Murphy’s son. Think about that for a second. Being a teenager and having to keep up with Eddie Murphy’s comedic timing sounds terrifying. But he held his own. It’s a holiday movie, sure, but it proved he could handle big-budget studio comedies just as well as gritty dramas.
Breaking Down the Resume
If you're trying to binge his work, here is the roadmap:
- Safety (2020): His breakout. He plays Fahmarr McElrathbey. It's based on a true story about a Clemson safety who had to secretly raise his younger brother on campus. If you don't cry during this, check your pulse.
- South of Heaven (2021): A much darker vibe. He plays Tommy Price alongside Jason Sudeikis. It's a crime thriller that shows he can handle more "grown-up" themes without breaking a sweat.
- Reasonable Doubt (2022–Present): This is where he really gets to settle in. As Spenser Stewart, the teenage son of Jax (Emayatzy Corinealdi), he deals with the messy reality of a high-powered family falling apart. He’s been a staple through the first few seasons, and the fans love him.
- The Madness (2024): This Netflix conspiracy thriller is arguably his most "prestige" role yet. Starring Colman Domingo, the show follows a media pundit framed for murder. Mixson’s performance here actually earned him some serious buzz during the 2025 awards season.
Why He's Actually Different
Most child actors feel like they’re reciting lines they don't understand. Mixson doesn't do that. There’s a naturalism to his voice. In Reasonable Doubt, when he’s talking to his TV parents, it doesn't feel like a script. It feels like a kid who is genuinely annoyed or genuinely hurt.
He’s also a dancer and a singer.
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Before the movies, he was known as "Papa Jay." That background in performance gives him a physical presence that a lot of young actors lack. He knows how to move. He knows how to take up space on a screen.
The Netflix Factor
Recently, The Madness has introduced him to a much wider, international audience. Working with someone like Colman Domingo is like going to acting grad school while you're still in high school. The show is tense, fast-paced, and requires a lot of emotional heavy lifting. Mixson plays a pivotal role that connects the protagonist's personal life to the larger conspiracy.
It’s a far cry from the Disney+ days.
What’s Next for Thaddeus?
It is now 2026, and the industry is looking at him as a leading man in the making. He’s successfully transitioned from "the cute kid" to a legitimate teenage actor who can carry a subplot.
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There have been rumors about him joining a major superhero franchise, but nothing is set in stone yet. What is confirmed is that he’s continuing his work on Reasonable Doubt, which has become a cult favorite on Hulu. The chemistry he has with the rest of the Stewart family is a huge reason why the show works.
If you want to keep up with his career, the move is to watch Safety first to see where he started, then jump straight into The Madness. You’ll see the evolution of an actor who is clearly in it for the long haul.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the upcoming 2026 pilot season announcements. Given his trajectory, he's likely to headline a series of his own soon. Also, if you haven't seen his early dance videos as Papa Jay, go find them on YouTube; they explain a lot about why he’s so comfortable in front of a camera.