You probably recognize him as the kid staring down a homicidal doll, but honestly, the list of Zackary Arthur movies and TV shows is a lot weirder and deeper than just "horror guy." Most people jumped on the bandwagon when Chucky premiered on Syfy and USA Network back in 2021. But if you’ve been paying attention, Zack has been a staple of prestige TV and weird indie cinema for over a decade. He’s one of those rare child actors who didn't just flame out; he actually got better as the stakes got higher.
Born in 2006, Zackary Arthur Herrera didn't take the traditional Disney Channel route. He went straight for the heavy hitters. We’re talking Amazon’s Transparent and big-budget sci-fi like The 5th Wave.
The Breakthrough: From Sam Sullivan to Jake Wheeler
A lot of fans first saw him in The 5th Wave (2016). He played Sammy Sullivan. It was a massive role for a nine-year-old. He spent most of the movie being the emotional anchor for Chloë Grace Moretz, which is a lot of pressure when you're literally just a kid. People often forget he beat out hundreds of other actors for that part. It wasn't just luck.
But then came Chucky.
This wasn’t just another reboot. Playing Jake Wheeler meant leading a legacy franchise. Jake is a gay teenager, an artist, and someone dealing with massive grief—all while a possessed Good Guy doll tries to make him a serial killer. It’s a lot. Honestly, his chemistry with Bjorgvin Arnarson (who plays Devon) is what kept the show grounded when the puppet violence got totally insane. It's rare to see a horror protagonist with that much interiority.
Zackary Arthur Movies You Might Have Missed
If you only know him from TV, you're missing the weird stuff. Zack has a knack for picking projects that are slightly off-kilter.
- Mom and Dad (2017): This movie is absolute chaos. Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair play parents who suddenly want to murder their children. Zack plays Josh Ryan. It’s a dark, frantic horror-comedy that really showed he could handle high-intensity physical acting.
- Don't Come Back from the Moon (2017): A total 180 from the Nic Cage madness. This is a quiet, moody indie film where the men in a small town just... disappear. Zack plays Kolya Smalley. It’s poetic and depressing in a way that proves he has serious dramatic range.
- Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat (2021): Okay, this one is for the younger crowd, but it shows he can do the "fun lead" thing too. He plays Bernie Dingledorf.
- Hero Dog: The Journey Home (2021): Another family-oriented flick. It’s basically a classic "boy and his dog" survival story, but Zack’s performance makes it feel less like a Hallmark cliché.
The TV Grind: Transparent and Beyond
Before the movies really took off, Zack was a regular on Transparent. He played Zack Novak for years. Growing up on a set like that—one that was constantly winning Emmys and pushing social boundaries—definitely shaped his approach to acting. He wasn't just a "prop kid." He was part of a complex, messy family dynamic.
A Quick Look at the Guest Spots
He’s popped up in more places than you realize.
- Grey’s Anatomy: He was in the episode "Trigger Happy." It was a heavy one about a kid accidentally shooting his friend.
- Kidding: He played the younger version of Jim Carrey’s character, Jeff Piccirillo. You have to be a specific kind of "expressive" to play a young Jim Carrey.
- Teachers: A few episodes as David.
- S.W.A.T.: A brief guest appearance that showed he could fit into the procedural world if he wanted to.
He’s even done the voice acting thing. Most fans don't realize he actually voiced Chucky in a specific episode (Final Destination) where the character’s soul was hopping around. Talk about a meta moment.
Why His Career Trajectory Is Different
Most child stars get stuck in one lane. Zackary Arthur didn't. He survived the transition from "cute kid in the background" to "leading man of a hit series." By 2024 and 2025, he’d already solidified himself as a horror icon, but he’s clearly looking to direct and produce. He’s mentioned in interviews that he looks up to people like James Franco for their literary interests and Robin Williams for his versatility.
He’s not just waiting for the phone to ring. He’s been training at Gray Acting Studios for years. That’s the thing about the Zackary Arthur movies and TV shows list—it reflects someone who actually likes the craft of acting, not just the fame.
He’s currently living in Southern California, keeping a relatively low profile when he’s not filming. He's into parkour, making hip-hop beats, and hiking. Basically, he’s a normal nineteen-year-old who just happens to be the face of one of the biggest horror franchises on TV.
What to Watch Next
If you’ve already finished Chucky Season 3 and you're waiting for news on the future of the franchise, go back and watch Transparent. It’s a completely different vibe, but it shows where he started. Or, if you want something fast-paced, Mom and Dad is a trip.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the indie film Mississippi Requiem if you can find it; it's a series of shorts based on William Faulkner stories where Zack gets to flex some serious period-piece muscles.
- Keep an eye on his production updates; he and his brother Aiden have been vocal about wanting to start their own production company.
- Follow his photography and art; he’s a visual artist in real life, which is why his portrayal of Jake Wheeler felt so authentic.
