Look, if you're searching for DeWanda Wise movies and TV shows, you're probably like me – someone who saw her steal scenes in something and needed more. Maybe it was that Netflix show, or that Jurassic World movie where she flew helicopters while dinosaurs tried to eat her. Whatever brought you here, I get it. There's something about her screen presence that just clicks.
Honestly? I first noticed her in "She's Gotta Have It" and thought, "Who IS this actress?" Since then, I've fallen down the rabbit hole of her filmography more times than I'd like to admit. That's why I put together this guide – so you don't have to spend hours digging like I did. We'll cover everything from her early indie films to where you can stream her stuff right now. And because I've actually watched most of these, I'll give you the real talk on what's worth your time.
DeWanda Wise's Rise in Hollywood
Before we dive into specific Dewanda Wise movies and TV shows, let's talk about how she got here. Born in Maryland, she didn't just walk onto a Hollywood set overnight. Her early career was classic actor hustle – off-Broadway plays, tiny film roles, guest spots on TV procedurals. I remember catching her in an old "Law & Order: SVU" episode years ago and thinking she stood out even with five lines. That's talent.
Her big break came with Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It" reboot on Netflix. Playing Nola Darling, she carried the whole series on her shoulders. Complex, sexy, unapologetic – it was a star-making performance. What I admire is how she chooses roles that actually say something. She's not just taking any paycheck; there's always substance there. Though I gotta say, her agent deserves a raise for landing her in the Jurassic World franchise – talk about leveling up!
Breaking Down DeWanda Wise's Film Career
Let's get specific about Dewanda Wise movies. Here's the thing – her filmography isn't just long, it's surprisingly diverse. Romantic comedies? Check. Action blockbusters? Obviously. Indie dramas? She's done those too. Below is a table covering what you actually need to know: where to watch them, how they were received, and whether they're worth your Friday night.
| Title | Year | Role | Where to Watch | Rotten Tomatoes | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Something New | 2006 | Suzette | Amazon Prime, Tubi | 70% | Her film debut – small role but noticeable |
| The Perfect Guy | 2015 | Ariel | Netflix, Hulu | 40% | Supporting role in hit thriller |
| She's Gotta Have It (film series) | 2017-2019 | Nola Darling | Netflix | 94% (Season 1) | HER breakout role – essential viewing |
| The Harder They Fall | 2021 | Stagecoach Mary | Netflix | 89% | Western with killer ensemble cast |
| Jurassic World Dominion | 2022 | Kayla Watts | Peacock, Amazon Prime | 29% | Global blockbuster exposure |
| Sharp Stick | 2022 | Dr. Rebecca | Hulu, VOD | 52% | Indie drama showing her range |
Now, real talk about Jurassic World Dominion. Was it a great film? Critics slammed it, and I get why – the plot's messier than a T-Rex in a china shop. But Wise as pilot Kayla Watts? Total scene-stealer. She brought swagger and actual humor to that franchise. Worth watching just for her cockpit scenes. On the flip side, Sharp Stick didn't quite land for me. Interesting premise, but her therapist character felt underused – disappointing since she's great with complex roles.
My personal favorite? The Harder They Fall. Period. Seeing her as Stagecoach Mary – a real historical badass – with that incredible cast? Chef's kiss. She holds her own alongside Jonathan Majors and Regina King, which says a lot. Netflix keeps recommending it for a reason.
Essential DeWanda Wise TV Shows You Shouldn't Miss
If movies show her range, Dewanda Wise TV shows reveal her staying power. Unlike some movie stars who phone it in on TV, she commits fully. What's fascinating is how she bounces between genres – from superhero shows to psychological thrillers. Below I've ranked her TV work based on impact, performance quality, and where they fit in her career:
Top 5 Must-See DeWanda Wise Television Roles
- She's Gotta Have It (Netflix): 34 episodes as Nola Darling (2017-2019). This is ground zero. Raw, artistic, unapologetically sexual. Canceled too soon in my opinion.
- The Twilight Zone (CBS All Access): Episode "Replay" (2019). Chilling social commentary playing a mother battling racist police. Maybe her most powerful single episode.
- Good Girls (NBC): Recurring as Sherry (2019). Dark comedy gold opposite Retta and Mae Whitman. Show got repetitive but Sherry was a bright spot.
- Underground (WGN America): Guest spot as Ernestine (2016). Short but devastating performance about slavery's trauma. Heavy but masterful.
- Shots Fired (Fox): Minor role (2017). Worth noting because it tackled police brutality before it became common TV fodder.
Can we talk about "Replay" from The Twilight Zone? Holy smokes. That episode sticks with me years later. She plays a mother whose camcorder can rewind time to avoid racist cops. It's tense, socially relevant, and she absolutely crushes it. What's wild is she filmed this while still shooting She's Gotta Have It. Talent doesn't take vacations apparently.
I will say, some fans were mad when she left Good Girls after just one season. Sherry was hilarious – that scene where she tries to bribe Retta's character with fancy cheese? Comedy gold. But honestly? Probably a smart move career-wise. Better to leave them wanting more than overstay.
Finding DeWanda Wise Content: Streaming Guide
Alright, practical stuff. You want to actually watch these Dewanda Wise movies and TV shows? Here's exactly where to find them as of late 2024 (because let's be real, streaming services change their libraries more than I change my socks):
| Service | Movies Available | TV Shows Available | Subscription Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | The Harder They Fall, Jurassic World Dominion (leaving soon!) | She's Gotta Have It (all seasons) | Yes |
| Hulu | The Perfect Guy, Sharp Stick | Good Girls (all seasons), Shots Fired | Yes (with ads option) |
| Amazon Prime | Something New, Jurassic World Dominion | The Twilight Zone (Paramount+ add-on) | Mixed (some require rental) |
| Peacock | Jurassic World Dominion | Law & Order: SVU (her guest episodes) | Premium tier for movies |
| Tubi (Free) | Something New, The Perfect Guy | None | No (ad-supported) |
Pro tip: If you only subscribe to one service, make it Netflix. Between She's Gotta Have It and The Harder They Fall, you're getting peak DeWanda Wise. The Jurassic World movie is there too, but rumor has it it's rotating to Peacock soon. Classic streaming musical chairs.
For cord-cutters, Tubi's surprisingly solid for her early work – and free! Though prepare for commercials. Lots of them. I watched Something New there and got interrupted every 10 minutes by mattress ads. Still, can't beat free.
Behind the Scenes: What Makes Her Performances Special
Having watched nearly everything in DeWanda Wise's filmography, here's what stands out: she never disappears into roles like a chameleon. Instead, she brings DeWanda energy to every character – that mix of intelligence, wit, and underlying strength. Even in flawed projects (looking at you, Jurassic World), she elevates the material.
Think about Nola Darling versus Kayla Watts versus Stagecoach Mary. Completely different women, yet all feel authentically human. She avoids actressy tics – no over-emoting or showboating. Just truth. Except maybe in that helicopter scene with dinosaurs – that was pure movie star charisma.
Her comedy timing deserves more praise too. Watch the episode of She's Gotta Have It where Nola dates the arrogant artist ("Woke DaVinci"). The way Wise rolls her eyes while he monologues? Perfection. Makes me wish she'd do a full comedy.
Future Projects: What's Next for DeWanda Wise
As of late 2024, here's what we know about upcoming Dewanda Wise movies and TV shows:
- Blink Twice (Film): Thriller directed by Zoë Kravitz. Wise plays a mysterious figure at a tech billionaire's island party. Releases August 2024.
- Marvel's Wonder Man (Disney+ Series): Confirmed role in Marvel's upcoming show. Rumored to play FBI agent. Filming now, likely 2025 release.
- Voice role in Ultra City Smiths Season 2 (AMC+): Animated noir series. Release date TBA.
Blink Twice has me hyped. The premise sounds like Knives Out meets Get Out, and Wise with Kravitz behind the camera? Killer combo. No trailer yet, but I'm already marking my calendar. The Marvel gig is interesting – superhero fatigue is real, but if anyone can make a fedora-wearing FBI agent fresh, it's her.
Common Questions About DeWanda Wise Movies and TV Shows
Why isn't She's Gotta Have It on Netflix anymore?
It's still there as of late 2024! Netflix renewed it through 2025. But if it disappears, blame licensing agreements. Shows often rotate after 5-7 years.
What's her highest-rated project?
Critically? The Harder They Fall (89% on Rotten Tomatoes). Fan favorite? She's Gotta Have It Season 1 (94%). Ironically, her biggest project (Jurassic World) has the lowest scores.
Is she in any upcoming Jurassic World movies?
No official announcements. Given Dominion's mixed reception, I wouldn't hold my breath. Better to follow her original projects.
Where can I watch her oldest work?
Tubi has several early films for free. For TV guest spots like SVU, Peacock or Hulu are your best bets.
Does she do theater work?
Occasionally! She starred in "The View UpStairs" off-Broadway pre-fame. No current stage plans, but I'd kill for tickets if that changes.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, searching for Dewanda Wise movies and TV shows is about discovering one of Hollywood's most versatile yet underrated talents. Whether she's navigating modern relationships in Brooklyn or outrunning velociraptors, she brings authenticity that's rare. My advice? Start with She's Gotta Have It, then jump to The Harder They Fall. After that, explore based on your mood – comedies, dramas, or big dumb dinosaur fun.
What's exciting is she's still building her legacy. With the Marvel role and Blink Twice coming, we haven't seen her peak yet. Five years from now, this guide might need a major update. Honestly? Can't wait. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to rewatch that "Replay" episode... for research purposes, obviously.
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