In today’s entertainment industry, where young talents are reshaping the boundaries of storytelling, Ezekiel Goodman stands out as a force to watch. Actor, writer, and director, Goodman is the kind of multifaceted artist whose work spans across genres and mediums. Best known for his intense portrayal of Dylan in Amazon Prime’s I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021), Goodman has quietly built a career that reflects both thoughtful character work and a willingness to engage with complex material.
Born on February 11, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, Ezekiel Goodman is part of a new generation of actors who refuse to be typecast. His choices reveal a commitment to quality over quantity, favouring challenging roles and independent productions over the lure of mainstream projects — although his rising popularity suggests that larger projects are inevitable.
In this article, we will explore Ezekiel Goodman’s complete body of work in film and television and his emerging role behind the camera as a writer and director. Along the way, we’ll examine the characteristics that define his artistry and why he is poised for even greater success.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Los Angeles, the heart of America’s entertainment industry, Goodman was immersed in storytelling from an early age. However, unlike many who fall into the trap of chasing fame, Goodman approached acting as a serious craft.
After high school, he pursued a degree in English at the University of Southern California (USC), where he combined literary analysis with creative expression. Later, he studied acting at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, grounding himself in classical techniques that emphasize emotional truth and psychological depth.
This rigorous training has given Goodman’s performances a striking authenticity, even when the material veers into the fantastical or stylized.
Full Filmography Movies
Peacocking (2021) as Kip (also Writer, Director, Producer)
Goodman’s short film Peacocking showcases not only his acting skills but also his talents behind the camera. The story explores masculinity, insecurity, and emotional vulnerability in young men. Goodman’s portrayal of Kip, a young man struggling with how to present himself to others, is both raw and relatable.
In writing and directing the film, Goodman demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the pressures young men face in a social media-saturated world. Peacocking screened at several independent film festivals, establishing Goodman as a filmmaker with something urgent to say.
Dragonfly (2021) as Sid
In the short film Dragonfly, Goodman plays Sid, a young man grappling with loss and identity. The film was praised for its lyrical storytelling and sensitive performances. Goodman’s Sid is a deeply introspective figure, capturing the restlessness of youth caught between nostalgia and the unknown future.
Scotty’s Vag (2023)
While not much is publicly available about Scotty’s Vag, Goodman’s participation in this experimental indie project reflects his willingness to work in unconventional narratives. Early reviews noted the film’s surreal tone and dark humor.
Rent Free (2024) as Caleb
In Rent Free, Goodman takes on the role of Caleb, a struggling musician trying to find stability in an increasingly chaotic world. The film explores themes of gentrification, mental health, and friendship in Los Angeles. Goodman’s Caleb is an intensely human character, flawed and likable, whose journey resonates with millennial and Gen Z audiences alike.
Wherever You Are, There You Go (2024) as Baby Brother
In this ensemble film, Goodman portrays Baby Brother, a role that required both emotional vulnerability and an understated comic touch. The film is a meditation on displacement and belonging, set against the backdrop of the American Southwest.
Full Television Appearances
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021) as Dylan
Goodman’s breakout role came with Amazon Prime’s I Know What You Did Last Summer, a reimagining of the 1997 slasher classic. As Dylan, Goodman brought depth and nuance to what could have been a stock horror character.
Dylan is haunted by trauma and secrets, and Goodman’s performance layered the character with an unsettling sense of guilt and fragility. Critics praised his work, noting that his portrayal anchored the show’s emotional stakes even as the body count rose.
This role opened doors for Goodman and proved he could handle the demands of serialized storytelling in a major production.
Cruel Intentions (2024) as Brian Blandsman
In the much-anticipated TV adaptation of the cult classic Cruel Intentions, Goodman plays Brian Blandsman, a new character entangled in a web of seduction, manipulation, and betrayal. His casting was announced to significant buzz, signaling his growing reputation within Hollywood circles.
Cruel Intentions (2024) promises to introduce Goodman to an even wider audience, and early buzz indicates his performance is among the standouts.
The Hunting Party (2025)
Goodman appears in The Hunting Party, a mystery thriller series expected to premiere in late 2025. Though details remain under wraps, the series centers around a group of friends reunited under sinister circumstances. Goodman’s participation suggests a continued interest in psychological drama and suspense.
Behind the Camera Writing, Directing, and Producing
Goodman’s ambitions extend far beyond acting. His work as a writer, director, and producer for Peacocking demonstrates his understanding of cinematic language and his desire to shape stories from the ground up.
Future projects include
- A rumored full-length directorial debut
- Screenplays exploring coming-of-age themes and psychological horror
- Collaborations with independent production companies in Los Angeles and New York
Goodman’s creative philosophy prioritizes authentic representation, psychological realism, and emotional complexity — values that are increasingly in demand among modern audiences.
Acting Style and Influences
Ezekiel Goodman’s performances are characterized by:
- Emotional Intelligence: He often conveys deep internal conflict with minimal dialogue.
- Understated Intensity: Rather than flashy dramatics, Goodman opts for realism, letting emotions simmer beneath the surface.
- Literary Sensibility: His background in English literature informs his choice of roles and his approach to storytelling.
Goodman has cited influences such as:
- Philip Seymour Hoffman: for his ability to humanize deeply flawed characters
- Jake Gyllenhaal: for his versatility across genres
- Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig: for their work in independent cinema, which emphasizes dialogue-driven character exploration
Career Highlights and Recognition
Though early in his career, Goodman has already achieved several significant milestones:
- Breakout success with I Know What You Did Last Summer (Amazon Prime, 2021)
- Festival acclaim for Peacocking (2021)
- Casting in major series like Cruel Intentions (2024)
- Building a dual career in acting and filmmaking
Critics frequently highlight his ability to bring depth to supporting characters and to elevate ensemble pieces with thoughtful, layered performances.
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Ezekiel Goodman is attached to several exciting ventures:
- Leading role in a yet-untitled independent feature about urban alienation
- Writer/director of an upcoming A24-style psychological drama
- Recurring role in a new Hulu limited series (rumored for 2026)
With his combination of talent, training, and creative ambition, Goodman is poised for a major breakout.
Personal Life and Interests
Ezekiel Goodman maintains a relatively low profile off-screen. He is known to be passionate about:
- Poetry and creative writing
- Mental health advocacy, particularly for young men
- Photography, often sharing moody, atmospheric photos on his Instagram
- Environmental sustainability
He currently lives in Los Angeles but frequently spends time in New York, citing the city’s independent film community as a major inspiration.
Conclusion
Ezekiel Goodman is a rare kind of actor: intellectually rigorous, emotionally raw, and genuinely passionate about storytelling. As he continues to explore different roles and step behind the camera, his influence within the entertainment industry is bound to grow.
For audiences and critics alike, watching his career unfold will be one of the more rewarding experiences of this new era of television and film.
In a time when authenticityhttps://odeplay.com and nuance are more valued than ever, Ezekiel Goodman is not just ready — he’s necessary.