You remember the laugh. That high-pitched, mischievous "Mwah-ha-ha" that usually signaled trouble for Jackson Stewart at the surf shop. For years, Moisés Arias was synonymous with the pint-sized, suit-wearing menace known as Rico Suave. He was the kid we loved to hate, the corporate shark in a middle-schooler’s body. But if you haven’t checked in on rico from hannah montana now, you are in for a massive shock.
The transition from Disney kid to "serious actor" is a minefield. Most people expect the downward spiral or the permanent residence in "where are they now" listicles. Arias didn't do that. Honestly, he took a path that almost no one saw coming, trading the bright lights of the Disney Channel for gritty indie dramas, high-concept sci-fi, and a burgeoning career behind a Leica camera lens.
The Fallout of Being a Child Star
Right now, in 2026, the world is seeing a version of Moisés Arias that is light-years away from the beach-side concession stand. If you’ve been watching the massive Prime Video hit Fallout, you’ve seen him as Norm MacLean. He’s quiet. He’s observant. He’s arguably one of the most grounded characters in a show filled with mutated ghouls and power armor.
It's wild.
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He recently sat down for an interview reflecting on the "Rico" legacy, and he’s surprisingly chill about it. He told People magazine in late 2025 that he sees the "feel old yet?" memes every few years like clockwork. He’s 31 now. Let that sink in. While we were all busy quoting his old lines, he was quietly building a resume that includes working with legends like Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson.
Beyond the Surf Shop: A Filmography Shift
- The Indie Pivot: Most critics point to 2013's The Kings of Summer as the moment he broke the Disney mold. Playing Biaggio—a character so eccentric he made Rico look normal—Arias proved he had timing that wasn't reliant on a laugh track.
- Monos (2019): This is the one you probably missed but shouldn't have. He played "Bigfoot" in a Colombian war drama. It was intense, raw, and required him to undergo a physical transformation that left him looking completely unrecognizable.
- The Blockbuster Era: He didn't just stay in the indie world. From Ender's Game to The King of Staten Island, he’s been the guy directors call when they need "weird but soulful."
Why He’s Not Just "That Kid" Anymore
The thing about rico from hannah montana now is that he doesn't seem to be running away from his past. He’s still friends with the old crew. He actually had a reunion with Emily Osment recently that sent the internet into a tailspin. But he’s also his own person. He’s a photographer—specifically under the moniker 490tx—capturing candid, grainy, and often NSFW shots of his famous friends like Jaden Smith and the Hadid sisters.
He isn't chasing the spotlight; it feels like the spotlight finally caught up to his actual vibe.
In early 2026, he’s slated to appear in Here Comes the Flood, a heist thriller directed by Fernando Meirelles. Think about that for a second. The kid who used to charge Jackson Stewart for extra pickles is now sharing the screen with Denzel Washington. That's not just luck; it's a deliberate, decade-long pivot into high-art cinema.
The Physical Evolution
People are obsessed with how he looks now. He's ripped. He's got the facial hair. He's got a style that is "Los Angeles Art Scene" personified. When those shirtless gym selfies went viral last year, it wasn't just about the six-pack—it was the collective realization that the "kid" from our childhood is a fully grown man with a serious career.
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He basically skipped the awkward teen-star phase and went straight to "respected character actor."
What’s Next for Moisés Arias?
If you’re looking for the next chapter, keep your eyes on Fallout Season 2. His character, Norm, is moving into a much darker, more central role after that Season 1 cliffhanger. He’s also got a project called 52nd State in post-production.
Basically, the "Rico" era was just the prologue.
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If you want to keep up with his actual life, don't look at the tabloids. Follow his photography work. It gives a much better insight into who he is than any red carpet interview ever could. He’s clearly someone who values the process over the fame, which is probably why he’s one of the few Disney stars to make it out the other side with his sanity—and his career—intact.
Actionable Insight: If you only know him from Hannah Montana, go watch Monos or The Kings of Summer tonight. It will completely reframe how you see his talent. Also, if you're a fan of the Fallout universe, his performance in the upcoming 2026 episodes is reportedly his most nuanced work to date. Stop looking for the kid in the suit; he’s been gone for a long time.