Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to DeWanda Wise yet, you’re basically missing out on one of the most versatile runs in modern Hollywood. She’s that rare performer who can jump from a Spike Lee joint to a massive dinosaur franchise without breaking a sweat. It’s wild to think about. One minute she’s the quintessential Brooklyn "it-girl" Nola Darling, and the next she’s an ex-Air Force pilot named Kayla Watts punch-fighting prehistoric lizards.
You’ve probably seen her face popping up everywhere lately.
Whether it's the recent buzz around the soulful indie Love, Brooklyn or her terrifying turn in the Blumhouse horror Imaginary, Wise has this "it" factor that directors like Spike Lee and Jeymes Samuel have been shouting about for years. She doesn't just play characters; she inhabits them with this sort of lived-in grit that feels entirely human.
The Breakthrough: Why She's Gotta Have It Changed Everything
Most people really "met" DeWanda Wise through the Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It. It wasn't just a remake; it was a total reimagining. Playing Nola Darling is no small feat—it's an iconic role that originally put Spike Lee on the map in the 80s. But Wise didn't just copy the original. She made Nola a millennial icon: polyamorous, fiercely independent, and constantly grappling with the gentrification of her beloved Brooklyn.
The show only ran for two seasons, which—let’s be real—was way too short. But it served its purpose. It proved that Wise could carry a series on her back. She brought a specific ritualistic energy to the role. Did you know she actually suggested the different nose rings Nola wore depending on which lover she was with? It’s those tiny details that make her work stand out.
Jumping into the Blockbuster World
After She’s Gotta Have It, the industry basically realized she was ready for the big leagues. But here’s the thing: she almost missed her chance. She was actually cast in Captain Marvel but had to drop out because of scheduling conflicts with her Netflix show. Imagine that for a second. Most actors would be devastated, but she just kept moving.
Then came Jurassic World Dominion.
As Kayla Watts, she basically stole the movie from the legacy cast. It’s hard to stand next to Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill and be the person everyone is talking about afterward, but she did it. She brought this "Han Solo meets Indiana Jones" vibe to the screen that was desperately needed.
Recent Hits and The Genre Jumper Labels
If you look at the DeWanda Wise movies and TV shows list from the last couple of years, it’s a total rollercoaster:
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- Imaginary (2024): She didn't just star in this Blumhouse horror flick as Jessica; she executive produced it. It’s a creepy-as-hell story about a childhood teddy bear named Chauncey that isn't as cute as he looks.
- Poolman (2024): She worked with Chris Pine in his directorial debut. She’s gone on record saying she’s basically the president of the Chris Pine fan club now.
- Three Women (2023): A much more grounded, intense series where she played Sloane. If you want to see her range, watch this right after Jurassic World.
- Love, Brooklyn (2025/2026): This is her return to her roots. Starring alongside André Holland and Nicole Beharie, it’s a soulful meditation on Black love and grief in a changing neighborhood. It’s currently making waves on the festival circuit and in limited release.
What's Next for DeWanda Wise?
The momentum isn't slowing down. We're looking at a 2026 where she's firmly established as an A-lister who still does indie work because she loves it. She’s slated for the Murderbot TV series, playing a character named Nav 7, and there's the ongoing buzz about the film Killing Faith.
She once called herself an "indie darling," and honestly, even with the big paychecks from the franchises, she still feels like one. She chooses projects that have something to say about identity, body politics, or just the sheer exhaustion of being a person in the 21st century.
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If you’re looking to catch up on her filmography, don’t just stick to the blockbusters. Go back and find The Harder They Fall—her turn as Cathay Day is underrated—or the Netflix rom-com Someone Great. She’s got this way of making even a supporting role feel like the most interesting person in the room.
To see the full scope of her talent, start with She's Gotta Have It on Netflix to understand her roots, then pivot to Jurassic World Dominion to see her action chops, and finally, look for Love, Brooklyn in theaters or on VOD to see the "prestige" side of her craft.