The 5 Major Roles Defining Michiel Huisman's Career And His Newest 2025 Projects

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Michiel Huisman, the Dutch actor who seamlessly transitioned from the stages of Amsterdam to the global spotlight of Hollywood, is currently one of the busiest stars in the industry, with multiple high-profile projects slated for late 2024 and 2025. Known for his captivating performances in genre-defining series like *Game of Thrones* and *The Haunting of Hill House*, Huisman continues to diversify his portfolio, taking on roles that span from a rugged outlaw in a Western to a mysterious figure in an Anne Rice adaptation. As of this current date in late 2025, his career trajectory is showing no signs of slowing down, cementing his status as a versatile and in-demand leading man. His recent work, including the 2024 sci-fi epic *Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver*, has kept him firmly in the public eye, but it is his upcoming television roles that are generating the most buzz. From joining a beloved gothic horror franchise to starring in a highly anticipated Netflix Western, Huisman is expertly crafting a career built on complexity and intrigue, ensuring that fans are always eager to see his next move.

Michiel Huisman: A Complete Biography and Profile

Michiel Huisman has built a dynamic career that started in the Netherlands and evolved into international stardom, encompassing acting, music, and humanitarian work.
  • Full Name: Michiel Huisman
  • Date of Birth: July 18, 1981
  • Age: 44 (as of late 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Occupation: Actor, Musician, Singer-Songwriter
  • Years Active: 1995–Present
  • Spouse: Tara Elders (m. 2008)
  • Child: A daughter (born 2007)
  • Early Career: Began acting in Dutch television and films, notably in *Goede tijden, slechte tijden*.
  • Music Career: Was the singer and guitarist for the Dutch band Fontane. Released the solo album Luchtige Verhalen.
  • Breakout US Roles: Sonny in *Treme* (2010–2013), Liam McGuinnis in *Nashville* (2012–2014), and Daario Naharis in *Game of Thrones* (2014–2016).
  • Notable Film Roles: Ellis Jones in *The Age of Adaline*, Sam in *Wild*, and Alex Harrington in *The Invitation*.
  • Humanitarian Work: Has been involved as a celebrity cabinet member for the charitable organization Save the Children.

The New Era: Huisman’s Highly Anticipated 2025 TV Roles

Michiel Huisman has strategically chosen two new television projects that leverage his established on-screen intensity while pushing him into new genre territories. These roles confirm his shift toward prestige streaming and cable series, offering fans fresh and complex characters to explore.

Joining the Gothic Horror Universe: Mayfair Witches Season 3

The biggest recent news for Huisman’s fans is his addition to the cast of AMC’s *Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches* for its third season. This move places him squarely within the growing *Immortal Universe* based on Anne Rice’s iconic novels. He is set to play a character named Michael, who is described as a carpenter. This "Michael" is a practical, grounded character who built and runs an inn, providing a potential foil or anchor to the supernatural chaos that typically surrounds the Mayfair family. His casting alongside other new additions like Betsy Brandt signals a major expansion of the show's narrative scope, promising a season rich with new lore and character dynamics. The transition from the high fantasy of *Game of Thrones* to the gothic horror of the *Mayfair Witches* demonstrates Huisman's desire to continuously challenge his acting range.

The Outlaw in the Western: Netflix’s The Abandons

Huisman is also set to star in the upcoming Netflix Western series, *The Abandons*, created by Kurt Sutter, the mind behind *Sons of Anarchy*. The series is generating significant buzz, and Huisman’s role is one of the most intriguing. He will play the character Xavier Roache, who is described as an outlaw, a hired hand, and a wild card. Roache is a rogue figure hired by the series' protagonist, Constance, to track down a missing person. This role as a mysterious, morally ambiguous figure in a gritty, high-stakes Western environment is a perfect fit for Huisman’s rugged screen presence. His involvement in *The Abandons* is seen by many critics as an opportunity to cement his success on the streaming platform following his acclaimed performance in *The Haunting of Hill House*.

The Iconic Roles that Defined Michiel Huisman’s Global Stardom

While his upcoming projects are exciting, Huisman’s global recognition is rooted in a series of unforgettable roles that showcased his ability to handle complex characters across multiple genres. These roles are essential entities in understanding his topical authority.

1. Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones (2014–2016)

For many, Huisman is best known as Daario Naharis, the charismatic and skilled mercenary captain who becomes a lover and key advisor to Daenerys Targaryen. Huisman took over the role in Season 4, instantly injecting the character with a blend of rugged charm and intensity. His three-season tenure on the HBO mega-hit established him as a major international star, giving him the platform to pursue larger Hollywood roles.

2. Steven Crain in The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Huisman delivered one of his most critically acclaimed performances as Steven Crain in the Netflix horror series *The Haunting of Hill House*. Steven, the eldest Crain sibling, is a skeptical author who profits from his family’s traumatic experiences by writing about them, only to be forced to confront the haunting reality of his past. The emotional depth and psychological complexity Huisman brought to Steven Crain resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, defining him as a serious dramatic actor in the streaming age.

3. Gunnar in Rebel Moon (2023–2024)

In Zack Snyder’s ambitious sci-fi saga, *Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire* and *Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver*, Huisman played Gunnar, a simple farmer whose life is dramatically altered when he joins the rebellion. Gunnar’s journey from timid villager to courageous fighter provided a compelling emotional core to the visually stunning, action-packed films. The 2024 release of the second installment kept Huisman’s name prominent in the blockbuster landscape.

4. Ellis Jones in The Age of Adaline (2015)

In the romantic fantasy film *The Age of Adaline*, Huisman starred opposite Blake Lively, playing Ellis Jones. Ellis is the charming and determined man who finally captures the heart of Adaline Bowman, a woman who has remained 29 years old for decades. The film showcased Huisman's leading man capabilities in the romantic genre, highlighting his natural chemistry and warmth.

5. Sonny in Treme (2010–2013)

Before his *Game of Thrones* fame, Huisman spent four seasons on the critically praised HBO series *Treme*. He played Sonny, a Dutch street musician and pianist living in post-Katrina New Orleans. This role was instrumental in his transition to American television, allowing him to demonstrate his musical talent and dramatic chops in a nuanced, character-driven series.

From Dutch Rocker to Hollywood Leading Man

Huisman’s career is unique in that it began with a significant focus on music. As the lead singer and guitarist for the band Fontane, he released several singles and contributed to Dutch movie soundtracks. His solo album, *Luchtige Verhalen* (2005), further established him in the Dutch music scene before his acting career fully took off internationally. While his music career has largely taken a backseat to his acting commitments in recent years, this history as a singer-songwriter provides a deeper understanding of his artistic versatility. His ability to embody roles requiring musical performance, such as Sonny in *Treme* and Liam McGuinnis in *Nashville*, is a direct result of his early passion for music. Today, Michiel Huisman remains a committed family man, married to Dutch actress Tara Elders since 2008, with whom he shares a daughter. The family's decision to maintain a relatively private life allows Huisman to fully immerse himself in his diverse and demanding slate of projects, ensuring that his focus remains on delivering the fresh, compelling performances that his global audience has come to expect.
michael huisman
michael huisman

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