D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, the Emmy-nominated star of the critically acclaimed FX series “Reservation Dogs,” is heading to Netflix. The young actor has been cast as a series regular in “Breakers,” a new Australian-based drama, alongside Antony Starr (“The Boys,” “Banshee”). The casting adds another layer of intrigue to the project, which is currently in production in Western Australia and is slated to wrap in June 2026, according to Deadline.
Woon-A-Tai’s role as Elliot, a shy teenager from Rhode Island seeking a transformative surf trip before the responsibilities of adulthood set in, marks a significant step in his burgeoning career. He joins Oliver Edis (“Gnomes”) and Annabel Wolfe (“Surviving Summer”) as series regulars, completing the core cast alongside Starr, who will portray the enigmatic Brando. The series, penned by Pete Jackson (“Somewhere Boy,” “The Death of Bunny Munro”), centers on two American friends whose backpacking adventure in Australia leads them into a seemingly idyllic surfing community, led by Brando.
A Rising Star Joins an International Production
The casting of Woon-A-Tai is particularly noteworthy given his groundbreaking work on “Reservation Dogs.” He earned an Emmy nomination for his performance as Bear and made history as the first Indigenous actor to be nominated in a lead acting category, as noted in the source material. This recognition has positioned him as a prominent voice in contemporary television, and “Breakers” represents a compelling opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage.
Beyond Woon-A-Tai, Starr, and the newly announced series regulars, “Breakers” boasts a supporting cast that includes Asher Yasbincek (“Heartbreak High”) as Maggie, David Howell (“Run”) as Iggy, Tyroe Muhafidin (“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”) as Danno, Tom Dawson (“Tenzing”) as Don, Sherry-Lee Watson (“Heartbreak High”) as Astrid, Lu Miller (“Nansie”) as Amara, Eliza Learmonth (“Baby Shower”) as Clementine, and Brodie Townsend (“Heartbreak High”) as Kurt. The ensemble suggests a diverse and dynamic narrative, promising a rich tapestry of characters and relationships.
Behind the Scenes of the Australian Drama
The production of “Breakers” is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by writer and executive producer Pete Jackson. He’s joined by fellow executive producers Gavin O’Grady (“Somewhere Boy,” “This Way Up”), Petra Fried (“Baby Reindeer,” “Finish of the F***ing World”), and Wim De Greef (“Baby Reindeer,” “End of the F***ing World”). Mary Nighy (“Say Nothing,” “Industry”) and Ng Choon Ping (“What It Feels Like For A Girl,” “Femme”) are directing, with Nick Pitt (“Black Mirror – Hang The DJ”) serving as a producer.
Clerkenwell Films, a division of BBC Studios, is producing the series in partnership with BBC Studios Productions Australia. According to a statement from Wim De Greef, as reported by Deadline, filming in Western Australia was a deliberate choice. “Shooting ‘Breakers’ in Western Australia lets us tell this story in the way we imagined, partner with fantastic local crews in a truly unique location, and showcase this spectacular coastline on screen.”
Woon-A-Tai’s Expanding Filmography
Before “Breakers,” Woon-A-Tai quickly established himself as a versatile actor with roles in a variety of projects. His credits include Alex Garland’s “Warfare” and Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing,” demonstrating his ability to work with acclaimed directors. He also appeared in “Beans,” which won Best Motion Picture at the Canadian Screen Awards, and the coming-of-age film “Fitting In” alongside Emily Hampshire and Maddie Ziegler. Further adding to his diverse portfolio are the indie thriller “Only the Good Survive,” “Hell of a Summer” with Finn Wolfhard and Fred Hechinger, and the digital series “Normal Ain’t Normal.”
The logline for “Breakers” – “Two best friends go backpacking in Australia and are soon drawn into a seemingly perfect community of surfers led by a charismatic but mysterious figure” – hints at a story that blends adventure, mystery, and potentially, a darker undercurrent. The series promises to explore themes of friendship, identity, and the allure of escaping into a new world, all set against the backdrop of the Australian coastline.
Production on “Breakers” is currently underway, with a scheduled wrap in June 2026. Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the series. As production continues, fans can anticipate further updates on the show’s progress and a clearer picture of the world and characters that Woon-A-Tai and the rest of the cast will bring to life.
What are your thoughts on D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai joining the cast of “Breakers”? Share your excitement in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow television enthusiasts.
