The Best Cleopatra Coleman Roles That Defined Her Career
Before Cleopatra Coleman became a well-known face in Hollywood and American TV, she was just another dreamer chasing her passion for acting. What makes her story so inspiring is how she built her career step by step — no overnight fame, no shortcuts, just pure talent and hustle.
Cleopatra Coleman made her screen debut back in 2004, and since then, she’s been grinding her way through the entertainment world — from TV dramas to blockbuster films. Like many Aussie stars before her, she started out in Australian television before making her big move to the U.S.
Now, with a career that’s been going strong for over two decades, Cleopatra Coleman has become a name to remember in Hollywood. From sci-fi hits to Netflix originals, she’s done it all. Her journey shows that persistence, passion, and a bit of Aussie grit can take you far in the entertainment industry.
Let’s dive into every standout role that shaped Cleopatra Coleman’s acting career — from her early Australian TV days to becoming a Hollywood favorite.
1. Silversun
Cleopatra Coleman landed her very first big break in 2004 on the Australian kids’ sci-fi show Silversun. She played Zandie Brokow, one of the teenage crew members aboard the spaceship Star Runner. Fun fact — Cleopatra was only 16 when the show premiered on June 28, 2004.
Silversun was all about a group of young space explorers on a mission to colonize a new planet — kind of like Star Trek meets Degrassi. For Cleopatra, this wasn’t just a debut role; it was the start of something huge.
Working on a long-running TV series at such a young age taught her the real grind of acting — discipline, consistency, and how to truly live inside a character. It also opened doors to more roles in Australian television, paving the way for her move to Hollywood later on.
Even though Silversun never blew up internationally, it was the launchpad that put Cleopatra Coleman on the map. It showed her range, built her confidence, and kickstarted her journey toward becoming a Hollywood actress known for her versatility in sci-fi shows, TV dramas, and Netflix originals.
2. Step Up Revolution
Long before Hollywood really noticed her, Cleopatra Coleman made her first splash on the international stage with Step Up Revolution (2012) — yep, the fourth movie in the wildly popular Step Up dance film series. This was her official big-screen debut, and it introduced her to audiences around the world.
In the movie, Cleopatra played DJ Penelope, a cool, creative member of the Miami dance crew known as The Mob. They weren’t just dancing for fame — their moves were a form of art and protest, bringing serious energy and meaning to the streets of Miami.
Even though her role wasn’t front and center, it was a major career milestone. Being part of a global franchise like Step Up gave Cleopatra the kind of exposure most new actors dream about. It opened doors to Hollywood opportunities, new film and TV projects, and helped her step confidently into the international spotlight.
From Step Up Revolution to major Netflix shows, sci-fi films, and Hollywood dramas, Cleopatra Coleman proved that every role — no matter how small — can be a stepping stone to something bigger.
3. The Last Man on Earth
For a lot of American TV fans, Cleopatra Coleman really became a familiar face when she showed up as Erica Dundee on the hit Fox comedy series The Last Man on Earth. Starring alongside Will Forte, the show imagined a wild, post-apocalyptic world where most of humanity had been wiped out — leaving just a handful of quirky survivors trying to figure out life after the end of the world.
Cleopatra’s character, Erica, was an Australian political staffer who managed to survive the deadly virus that wiped everyone else out. Smart, witty, and full of heart, she quickly became a fan favorite.
The show ran for four seasons, earning tons of praise from critics and viewers alike. It wasn’t just a funny apocalypse show — it was clever, weird, and surprisingly emotional. And for Cleopatra, it was a total game-changer. The Last Man on Earth didn’t just give her a platform on American television; it introduced her to a much wider international audience and proved she could hold her own in an ensemble cast full of comedy heavyweights.
This role helped cement her rep as a versatile Hollywood actress — one who can shift effortlessly between comedy, drama, and sci-fi, while bringing her own charm and authenticity to every role.
4. In the Shadow of the Moon
By the late 2010s, Cleopatra Coleman’s career was seriously leveling up. She landed a major role in the Netflix sci-fi thriller In the Shadow of the Moon, playing the mysterious and powerful Rya.
The movie follows Thomas Lockhart (played by Boyd Holbrook), a Philly police officer obsessed with catching a strange killer who seems to reappear every nine years. The twist? Rya — Cleopatra’s character — is actually a time-traveling assassin, and her existence becomes the key to unlocking the film’s mind-bending mystery.
Even though the movie itself got mixed reviews, Cleopatra Coleman’s performance stood out big time. Critics and fans alike praised her for bringing depth, emotion, and a quiet intensity to a complex role. Her presence added real weight to the story — proving she could carry a major Netflix sci-fi film with confidence and charisma.
Sharing the screen with stars like Bokeem Woodbine and Michael C. Hall only boosted her credibility in Hollywood. For Cleopatra, In the Shadow of the Moon wasn’t just another role — it was a major step in her rise as a Hollywood actress, showing she could shine in darker, more layered storytelling.
5. Infinity Pool
In Brandon Cronenberg’s 2023 sci-fi body horror film Infinity Pool, Cleopatra Coleman takes on the role of Em Foster, the elegant yet emotionally distant wife of Alexander Skarsgård’s character. Em starts out composed and grounded, but as the story unfolds, you see her unravel in ways that are both chilling and deeply human.
This film was another bold move for Cleopatra — proof that she’s never afraid to dive into edgy indie projects that push creative boundaries. Infinity Pool isn’t your average horror flick; it’s a wild mix of psychological tension, sci-fi elements, and dark social commentary, all wrapped up in Cronenberg’s signature unsettling style.
Even though this wasn’t Cleopatra’s first time in the horror genre, her performance showed serious growth. She held her own alongside heavy hitters like Skarsgård and Mia Goth, two actors known for their intense and fearless performances.
With Infinity Pool, Cleopatra Coleman once again proved she’s not just another Hollywood actress chasing safe roles — she’s an artist who loves taking risks, exploring complex characters, and keeping audiences guessing.
6. Cobweb
After turning heads in Infinity Pool, Cleopatra Coleman kept her horror streak alive with another chilling project — the 2023 thriller Cobweb. In this creepy flick, she plays Miss Devine, a substitute teacher who starts getting seriously worried about one of her students, Peter (played by Woody Norman), after he begins hearing strange noises coming from inside his house.
Cleopatra’s performance as Miss Devine was subtle yet powerful — the kind of role that proves she’s got the makings of a future “Scream Queen.” She brought heart, empathy, and a real sense of unease to the story, balancing fear with warmth in a way that stuck with audiences.
Now, Cobweb wasn’t exactly a box office hit, but that didn’t matter. The film helped cement Cleopatra’s place as one of the most versatile and fearless actresses in Hollywood horror. Between her work in indie thrillers, sci-fi dramas, and Netflix originals, she’s showing the world she’s here to stay — and she’s not afraid to take creative risks along the way.
7. Rebel Moon Films
In Zack Snyder’s epic sci-fi saga Rebel Moon, Cleopatra Coleman steps into one of her biggest roles yet — Devra Bloodaxe, a fierce and strategic leader in the rebellion against the ruthless Imperium. Devra isn’t just another fighter; she’s the brains and the political heart of the insurgency, guiding the rebel army with sharp intellect and quiet authority.
Teaming up with her on-screen brother Darrian Bloodaxe (played by Ray Fisher), Cleopatra brings real depth and humanity to a world filled with chaos, war, and cosmic rebellion. Her performance stands out as a blend of strength, intelligence, and emotion — exactly what you’d expect from a character leading a galactic uprising.
This role marks a huge milestone in Cleopatra Coleman’s career — her first major studio film under the direction of Zack Snyder, known for visual powerhouses like Justice League and 300. With a shared $166 million budget, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire (2023) and Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024) aren’t just movies — they’re massive cinematic events streamed globally on Netflix.
For Cleopatra, Rebel Moon represents her evolution from indie darling to Hollywood blockbuster star — showing that she can command the screen in both big-budget sci-fi films and intimate, character-driven stories.
8. Black Rabbit
In Netflix’s crime thriller Black Rabbit, Cleopatra Coleman takes on the role of Estelle, a stylish and sharp interior designer who’s more than just the woman behind the venue’s sleek look. The “Black Rabbit” is an upscale New York City hotspot, and Estelle isn’t simply hired for her design eye — she’s deeply woven into the drama that unfolds inside those luxe walls.
Estelle is part of Jake Friedken’s (played by Jude Law) inner circle, making her presence essential to the story’s high-society tension. On top of that, she’s romantically involved with Wes (played by Sope Dirisu), one of the club’s key investors, which adds even more complexity to her character and relationships.
Black Rabbit is Cleopatra’s latest power move — a sleek, suspense-filled project that has her sharing the screen with heavyweights like Jude Law and Jason Bateman. Even though she hasn’t bagged a major award nomination yet, her performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. Critics and fans alike have praised her poise, charisma, and ability to light up every scene she’s in.
At this point, Cleopatra Coleman’s star is shining brighter than ever. From indie horror to Netflix blockbusters, she’s proving she’s a serious force in the Hollywood entertainment industry — one who’s only getting started.
