If you’ve spent any time on Netflix lately, you probably know Will McDonald as Douglas "Ca$h" Piggott. He’s the bleached-blonde, mulleted eshay with a heart of gold who managed to steal basically every scene in the Heartbreak High reboot. Honestly, it’s rare to see an actor balance "drug-dealing delivery guy" and "vulnerable asexual romantic lead" with that much nuance.
But here’s the thing: Will McDonald movies and tv shows didn't start with a viral Netflix hit.
Most people don't realize he’s actually a veteran of the Australian soap circuit. He spent years in Summer Bay before he ever stepped foot into Hartley High. If you’re trying to track down his full filmography or figure out where you’ve seen that face before, there's a bit more to the story than just a few viral TikTok clips of him and Darren.
From Summer Bay to Hartley High
Will's career kicked off back in 2012. He was just a kid when he landed the role of Jett James on Home and Away.
Jett was a bit of a troublemaker, a delinquent teenager who eventually found a home with John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers. It's funny looking back now because Jett was so earnest and clean-cut compared to the gritty roles Will takes on today. He stayed on the soap for a massive run, appearing in hundreds of episodes between 2012 and 2015, then popping back in for guest spots in 2017 and 2019.
Growing up on a soap is a specific kind of acting bootcamp. You learn to churn out pages of dialogue daily. You learn how to stay consistent. By the time he left the Bay, he was ready for something meatier.
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The Breakthrough as Ca$h
Then came Heartbreak High.
When Netflix announced they were rebooting the 90s classic, people were skeptical. But Will’s portrayal of Ca$h changed the conversation. Ca$h isn't a stereotype. He’s a "Child of an Addict" (CA) and a "Self Harmer" (SH)—that’s literally where the nickname comes from in the show’s lore.
Will’s chemistry with co-star James Majoos (who plays Darren) became the emotional anchor of the series. Representing asexuality on screen is tricky, and Will has spoken in interviews about how much he valued getting that right. It wasn't just about the plot; it was about the "looser" energy of the show compared to his soap opera days.
Will McDonald Movies and TV Shows You Might Have Missed
While Heartbreak High is the big one, his filmography has some interesting detours.
In 2018, he appeared in the TV movie Riot, which focused on the 1978 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. It was a pivotal moment in Australian LGBTQ+ history, and seeing Will in a project with that much weight showed he was moving away from teen soap territory.
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He also dipped his toes into the horror genre with The School (2018). He played a character named Zac. It’s a creepy, supernatural thriller set in an abandoned school—definitely a different vibe from the sunny beaches of Home and Away.
Then there’s Young Rock.
He had a guest appearance in season one, episode seven, titled "Johnson & Hopkins." He played Hopkins, a work partner to a young Dwayne Johnson at the University of Miami. It was a brief look at how his talent translates to international, US-backed productions.
Recent Projects: Thou Shalt Not Steal
If you haven’t seen Thou Shalt Not Steal yet, you’re missing out. This 2024 Stan original is a gritty crime comedy where Will stars alongside his Heartbreak High castmate Sherry-Lee Watson.
It's a road trip series set in the Northern Territory. Will plays a character that is worlds away from the high school drama of Hartley. It’s raw, it’s funny, and it proves he isn’t a one-hit wonder.
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What is Next for Will McDonald in 2025 and 2026?
The industry is clearly taking notice. In late 2024, Will was nominated for the Heath Ledger Scholarship. That’s a massive deal in Australia. It’s an award meant to help emerging actors break into Hollywood, and past winners include people like Bella Heathcote and Cody Fern.
He’s also taking his talents back to the stage.
For 2025, the Sydney Theatre Company announced him for a major adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley. He’s playing Tom Ripley himself. If you know the story, you know it requires an actor who can be charming, terrifying, and deeply manipulative all at once. It’s a huge "adult" career move that signals he’s ready to leave the "teen heartthrob" label behind.
And of course, there’s the final season of Heartbreak High. Production started in late 2024, which means we’ll likely see the conclusion of Ca$h’s story sometime in 2025.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to follow Will’s career properly, don't just wait for Netflix recommendations.
- Watch Thou Shalt Not Steal on Stan: If you’re outside Australia, you might need a VPN or wait for international distribution, but it’s his best work to date.
- Track the Sydney Theatre Company: If you’re in Australia, seeing him in The Talented Mr. Ripley is a must. Stage acting is where you see an actor's real range without the benefit of a second take.
- Follow the Heath Ledger Scholarship news: Winning this usually means an actor is about to be cast in a major Marvel or HBO project within the next 24 months.
Will McDonald is clearly in that "pre-superstar" phase. He’s moved from the safe world of soaps into the risky world of prestige streaming and high-concept theater. Whether he stays in Australia or heads to LA, his track record shows he’s more interested in complex characters than easy paychecks. Keep an eye on the STC credits—that's usually where the next big Hollywood export starts.