If you’ve spent any time on the Isle of the Lost, you know the vibe. Leather, grime, and a whole lot of "wicked" energy. But let’s be real: one character absolutely stole the show the second he stepped off that pirate ship with a hook in his hand and a smudge of eyeliner that would make a rock star jealous. I’m talking about Harry Hook.
So, who plays Harry Hook in Descendants? That would be Thomas Doherty.
He didn't just play the role; he basically breathed a weird, manic, Scottish energy into Captain Hook’s son that fans are still obsessed with years later. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else bringing that specific mix of "scary pirate" and "I might burst into a dance number at any second."
The Man Behind the Hook
Thomas Doherty is the guy you’re looking for. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, he wasn't always a Disney star. Before he was swinging a hook around, he was actually working as a waiter in his hometown while trying to make it as an actor. Life comes at you fast. One minute you're clearing tables, and the next, you're on a plane to Vancouver to join the cast of Descendants 2.
He's a "triple threat." That’s the industry term for someone who can act, sing, and dance without breaking a sweat. He trained at the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh, which explains why his footwork in "It’s Goin’ Down" was so sharp.
Doherty first popped up in the franchise in Descendants 2 (2017) as the first mate to Uma (played by China Anne McClain). He returned for Descendants 3 in 2019. While he didn't physically appear in the 2024 film Descendants: The Rise of Red, his character's legacy—and those iconic portraits in Uma's office—kept the Harry Hook spirit alive.
Why Thomas Doherty Was Perfect for Harry
There’s something about the way Thomas played Harry that felt... different. Most Disney villains are sort of "pantomime" evil, but Harry Hook felt a little more dangerous. He had this twitchy, unpredictable energy.
- The Accent: If you noticed he sounded authentic, that's because he used his real Scottish accent. It gave Harry a rugged, seafaring edge that fit a pirate perfectly.
- The Eyeliner: Let’s talk about it. The heavy kohl under the eyes became a signature. It wasn't just a costume choice; it was a character choice that Thomas leaned into.
- The Chemistry: His chemistry with the rest of the cast was electric. Specifically, his off-screen relationship with Dove Cameron (who played Mal) became the stuff of legend for Disney Channel fans. They dated for about four years after meeting on set, though they eventually called it quits in late 2020.
Life After the Isle: What is Thomas Doherty Doing Now?
If you think he peaked at Disney, you haven't been paying attention. Thomas has been busy shedding that "Disney Kid" image in a big way.
He landed a major role in the HBO Max Gossip Girl reboot as Max Wolfe. If Harry Hook was a chaotic pirate, Max Wolfe was a chaotic, pansexual Manhattan socialite. It was a massive jump that proved he had serious range. He also starred in the 2022 horror flick The Invitation, playing a much darker, more seductive role as Walter De Ville.
As we move through 2026, Thomas is currently making waves in the theater world. He’s been starring as Seymour in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors in New York. Seeing a former pirate play a nerdy florist is a trip, but critics are loving it.
He’s also joined the cast of the Hulu series Paradise for its second season. For this role, he looks completely different—sporting a full beard and playing a character described as a "burly man." It’s a far cry from the lean, leather-clad pirate we met in 2017.
Surprising Facts About the Actor
Kinda wild how things work out. Thomas almost wasn't an actor at all; he was heavily into soccer (or football, as he'd call it) as a kid.
He’s also spoken quite openly about the "Disney bubble." While he's grateful for the hook that started it all, he’s been very intentional about picking roles that challenge him. Whether it’s playing a vampire-adjacent aristocrat or a post-apocalyptic survivor, he's clearly trying to avoid being pigeonholed.
Also, for the fans who follow his personal life—yes, he’s a huge dog person. He recently adopted a puppy named Daisy, who he apparently sings to while warming up for his Broadway shows.
Where to See Him Next
If you want to keep up with the man behind Harry Hook, keep an eye on Hulu in early 2026. Paradise Season 2 is expected to be his biggest TV project in years.
Honestly, the best way to appreciate what he did for the Descendants franchise is to go back and watch the "Chillin' Like a Villain" sequence. Pay attention to his face in the background. He’s always "on." He’s always in character. That’s why, even with a whole new generation of VKs coming up in The Rise of Red, people are still asking who played the original Harry Hook.
To see more of Thomas's range, you can check out his performance in The Lodge on Disney+ or dive into the more mature Tell Me Lies on Hulu. If you're in New York, catching him live at the Westside Theatre is probably the best way to see those musical theater skills he sharpened back in Scotland.