You’ve probably seen that face. Maybe it was the intense, guarded eyes of Reb Keane in Wentworth, or perhaps you caught them in the breakout horror hit Talk to Me, looking terrified as a supernatural hand took over the room.
Zoe Terakes isn't just another name on a call sheet. At 25, the Sydney-born actor has managed to bypass the usual "struggling artist" phase and land directly into the center of some of the most talked-about projects of the 2020s. But if you're just looking at a list of Zoe Terakes movies and TV shows, you're missing the bigger picture. This isn't just a filmography; it’s a blueprint for how the industry is changing.
The Roles That Changed Everything
Most people first really "met" Zoe during the later seasons of the Australian prison powerhouse Wentworth. Playing Reb Keane wasn't just a gig; it was a statement. Terakes, who identifies as non-binary and trans masculine, fought hard for that role. They actually emailed the producers to insist that a trans person needed to tell that story.
It worked.
The performance was raw. It was vulnerable. It also paved the way for what came next: a seat at the table with Nicole Kidman.
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In Nine Perfect Strangers, Terakes played Glory, a wellness retreat worker. It was a massive leap from the gritty corridors of a fictional prison to a high-budget Hulu miniseries. Honestly, watching them hold their own alongside heavyweights like Melissa McCarthy and Kidman showed that the "newcomer" label was quickly becoming outdated.
A Quick Reality Check on the Credits
If you're keeping score at home, here is how the major projects shake out so far:
- Janet King (2017): The debut. Playing a homeless teenager named Pearl. Small role, big impact.
- Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) (2020): A rom-com with a ghost aunt? It sounds weird, but it’s actually a sweet, queer coming-of-age story where Terakes plays the lead, Abbie.
- Talk to Me (2022): The A24 horror flick that went nuclear. Terakes plays Hayley. It’s the movie that made everyone realize Australian horror is currently having a massive "moment."
- The Office Australia (2024): They play Stevie in this Aussie spin on the Scranton/Slough classic.
- Ironheart (2025): The Marvel Cinematic Universe entry. This is the one that officially made history, as Terakes became the first trans actor cast in a major MCU role.
Why Talk to Me Was a Turning Point
It’s impossible to talk about Zoe Terakes movies and TV shows without mentioning the controversy surrounding Talk to Me. While the film was a darling at Sundance and a box office smash for A24, it hit a major wall in the Middle East.
Kuwait banned the film entirely.
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The weird part? The ban wasn't because of the plot or any "sensitive" themes in the movie itself. It was reportedly because of Zoe’s presence as a trans actor. Zoe didn't stay quiet about it, either. They called the move "dehumanizing," sparking a global conversation about how art is censored based on who is on screen rather than what the story says. It turned a horror movie into a human rights talking point overnight.
Making Marvel History
When the news broke that Zoe was joining Ironheart, the internet did what the internet does. Some people cheered; some people argued. But for the industry, it was a massive shift. Playing Jeri Blood in a six-episode arc isn't just about wearing a cool costume or being part of a franchise.
For Zoe, it’s about visibility.
They’ve been very vocal about the "weight of the community" on their shoulders. It’s a lot for a 25-year-old. But somehow, they carry it without letting it swallow their performance. In Ironheart, they aren't just a "diversity hire"—they are a central part of the narrative machinery of the MCU’s next phase.
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Beyond the Screen: The "Eros" Era
Kinda surprisingly, Zoe didn't stop at acting. In 2025, they released a book called Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers.
It’s a retelling of ancient Greek myths through a queer lens. Why does this matter for their film career? Because it shows the "why" behind the roles they choose. Whether it's a sea captain in Creamerie or a warehouse worker in The Office, there’s a consistent thread of reclaiming identity and autonomy.
What’s Actually Next?
If you’re looking for what to watch right now, The Office (Australia) is the most recent "human" role to dive into. It’s a different vibe—less "supernatural hand" and more "office supplies and awkward silences." But the big one on the horizon is the feature film Pickpockets, which is currently in post-production.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Creators
If you're following Zoe’s career or looking to break into the industry yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Advocate for your voice. Zoe didn't just wait for Wentworth to call; they reached out and explained why they were the right person for the job.
- Diverse genres matter. Don't get pigeonholed. Zoe has done legal dramas (Janet King), prison thrillers, indie rom-coms, A24 horror, and Marvel blockbusters.
- Watch the indies. While Ironheart is the big name, Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) is where you see the range that got them there in the first place.
Start by catching Talk to Me if you have the stomach for it—it’s arguably the best showcase of the tension Zoe can bring to a scene. Then, jump into the Australian Office to see the comedic timing. It's a wild ride, and honestly, they're just getting started.