Best known for playing Black Manta in Aquaman, Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen, and Bobby Hicks in The Trial of the Chicago 7.
Films
- Aquaman and the Lost KingdomDavid Kane / Black Manta2023
- AmbulanceWill Sharp2022
- The Matrix ResurrectionsMorpheus2021
- CandymanAnthony McCoy2021
- The Trial of the Chicago 7Bobby Seale2020
- AquamanDavid Kane / Black Manta2018
- First MatchDarrel2018
- The Greatest ShowmanW.D. Wheeler2017
- BaywatchGarner Ellerbee2017
- The Get DownClarence ‘Cadillac’ Caldwell2016
TV shows
- WatchmenCal Abar / Dr. Manhattan2019
- Black MirrorKarlos / Omar (episode ‘Black Museum’)2018
- The Handmaid’s TaleOmar (episode ‘The Last Ceremony’)2018
- The Get DownClarence ‘Cadillac’ Caldwell2016–2017
No matches — try another title.
About Yahya Abdul-mateen Ii
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an American actor who rose to prominence with his Emmy-winning performance as Cal Abar / Dr. Manhattan in the HBO series Watchmen. He has since become a sought-after leading man in blockbuster films such as Aquaman and The Trial of the Chicago 7, known for his commanding presence and versatility.
FAQs
What is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s most famous role?
He is widely known for playing Dr. Manhattan in the HBO series Watchmen, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Did Yahya Abdul-Mateen II play Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections?
Yes, he portrayed a new version of Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections (2021), taking over the role originally played by Laurence Fishburne.
What was his first major film role?
His first major film role was as W.D. Wheeler in The Greatest Showman (2017), followed by a supporting role in Baywatch (2017).
Has Yahya Abdul-Mateen II won any awards?
Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 for his performance in Watchmen, and has received nominations from the Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice.
What is his background before acting?
He earned a degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and later studied acting at the Yale School of Drama, graduating in 2012.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026