You probably recognize that smirk. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Prime Video lately, you’ve likely seen Zac Burgess leaning against a mahogany doorframe, looking like he’s about to dismantle someone’s life with a single text message. He is the face of the new Cruel Intentions, but if you think he just appeared out of thin air to play a rich kid with a god complex, you’re missing the best parts of the story.
Honestly, the "overnight success" label is usually a lie. With Burgess, it’s more of a rapid-fire ascent from prestigious Australian acting schools to the global stage. He didn't just stumble into Hollywood; he brought a specific, raw Australian energy that actually makes the "pretty boy" archetype feel dangerous again.
The Cruel Intentions Gamble: How Zac Burgess Movies and TV Shows Changed in 2024
When Amazon announced a Cruel Intentions TV reboot, the internet did what it does best: it groaned. Comparisons to Ryan Phillippe were inevitable and, frankly, terrifying for any young actor. But Burgess did something gutsy. He didn't watch the original movie. Not once.
He played Lucien Belmont (the series' version of Sebastian Valmont) as a chaotic, unpredictable free spirit rather than a 90s throwback. In the 2024 series, Burgess navigates the cutthroat Greek Life at Manchester College in Washington, D.C. It’s messy. It’s scandalous. But Zac brings a layer of vulnerability to Lucien that keeps him from being a total caricature. He’s not just a manipulator; he’s a guy whose past is catching up to him, and Burgess plays that "cracks in the armor" vibe perfectly across all eight episodes.
From Brisbane Underworld to Global Streaming
Before he was ruining lives in D.C., Zac was proving he could handle much heavier, grounded material. If you haven't seen Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix, go watch it. Now.
Zac plays the older version of Eli Bell. While Felix Cameron handles the younger years, Burgess takes over to show us an Eli who is 17, hardened, and trying to find his way out of a world filled with drug dealers and domestic trauma. It’s a complete 180 from the polished world of Cruel Intentions.
He’s worked alongside heavy hitters like Simon Baker and Bryan Brown, and he didn't get swallowed up by their screen presence. That’s rare. Most young actors get overshadowed when they share a scene with The Mentalist, but Zac held his own by leaning into the "wholesome but damaged" energy that the character of Eli demands.
The Australian Roots You Might Have Missed
Burgess is a graduate of WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts). If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same place that produced Hugh Jackman and Dacre Montgomery. You can see that formal training in the way he moves. He’s very deliberate.
Before the big global breaks, he was putting in the work in local Australian productions:
- One Night (2023): He played Jason in this mystery drama. It’s a five-episode slow burn that deals with the aftermath of a traumatic night, and it’s where a lot of casting directors first started circling his name.
- Totally, Completely Fine: A dark comedy where he played a character named John. It’s quirky, weird, and showed he had comedic timing before he became a dramatic lead.
- Short Films: He cut his teeth on projects like Bring Me Back (2018) and Flightless Boy.
What’s Actually Happening with Zac Burgess in 2026?
As of early 2026, the trajectory is pointing toward prestige TV and high-concept drama. There has been a lot of chatter about his involvement in period pieces—specifically his role as Phineas Golden in a new project that's been making waves in casting circles.
He’s also been linked to Inspector Henry Boxer-adjacent storylines in upcoming dramas, moving away from the "teen" roles and into "leading man" territory. The jump from 24 to 26 is a big one for an actor’s "look," and Burgess is leaning into more authoritative, mature roles.
People often get wrong that he’s just a "reboot actor." They see Cruel Intentions and think he’s a placeholder for nostalgia. He’s not. He’s using these platforms to showcase a range that most people didn't expect. He can do the "rich guy" thing, sure. But his work in Boy Swallows Universe proves he’s got the grit for the indie circuit, too.
The "E-E-A-T" Factor: Why the Critics are Biting
Critics have noted that Burgess has a "magnetic but dangerous" quality. Variety and Hollywood Reporter have both tapped him as a "one to watch," not because of his follower count, but because of his technical skill. He doesn't just deliver lines; he uses silence. In Cruel Intentions, some of his best moments aren't his witty barbs—it's the way he looks at Sarah Catherine Hook (who plays his step-sister, Caroline) when the cameras aren't the focus of the room.
There’s a nuance there. He knows how to play the "villain" you actually want to see win, which is a very difficult needle to thread.
Where to start with Zac Burgess movies and tv shows:
If you’re new to his filmography, don’t just watch the trailers. Start with Boy Swallows Universe to see his acting chops, then pivot to Cruel Intentions for the style and charisma.
- Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix): Essential viewing for the emotional depth.
- Cruel Intentions (Prime Video): For the "it-factor" and modern social commentary.
- One Night: If you can find it on Paramount+ or local Australian streamers, it’s a masterclass in tension.
The next step for any fan is to keep an eye on his move into feature films. While TV has been his playground for the last three years, the whispers of a major studio film lead in 2026 are getting louder. Whether he stays in the "dark drama" lane or tries a romantic lead role remains to be seen, but the foundation is solid.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of his work, look for his early short films like Call (2022) on independent platforms. They provide a raw look at his development before the big-budget polish of Amazon and Netflix took over. Keep an eye on the 2026 festival circuits, as he is expected to transition into more "prestige" film roles this year.
