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Karl Urban
Karl Urban
Karl Urban
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Karl-Heinz Urban (born 7 June 1972) is a New Zealand actor. His career began with appearances in New Zealand films and television series such as Xena: Warrior Princess. His first Hollywood role was in the 2002 horror film Ghost Ship. Since then, he has starred in many high-profile movies, including as Éomer in the second and third installments of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Vaako in the second and third installments of the Riddick film series, Leonard McCoy in the Star Trek reboot film series, Kirill in The Bourne Supremacy (2004), John "Reaper" Grimm in Doom (2005), Judge Dredd in Dredd (2012), Gavin Magary in Pete's Dragon (2016), and Skurge in Marvel Studios' Thor: Ragnarok (2017). In 2013, he starred in the sci-fi series Almost Human. Since 2019, he has starred as Billy Butcher in Amazon Prime Video's superhero streaming television series The Boys[2] and voiced a character in The Sea Beast.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Urban was born in Wellington, New Zealand.[3] His father, a German immigrant,[3] owned a leather goods store, and his mother once worked for Film Facilities in Wellington. Through his mother, the young Urban was exposed to classic New Zealand cinema and developed an interest in the film industry.[4] Urban attended St Mark's Church School,[5] where he showed an early love for public performance. His first acting role came at age eight, when he had a single line in one episode of the New Zealand television series Pioneer Woman.[3] Though continuing to take part in school stage productions, he did not act professionally again until after high school.[3]

He attended Wellington College in 1986–1990.[3] He then enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington in the Bachelor of Arts programme but left after one year to pursue a career in acting.[3] Over the next few years, he appeared in several local TV commercials in addition to theatre roles in the Wellington area. Eventually, he moved to Auckland where he was offered many guest roles in TV shows (one of which was playing a heroin addict in the police drama Shark in the Park). Urban then moved briefly to Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia in 1995 before returning to New Zealand the following year.[3]

Career

[edit]

Urban's first Hollywood role was in the 2002 horror film Ghost Ship. Since then, he has worked on many high-profile movies, including the second and third installments of The Lord of the Rings trilogy (The Two Towers and The Return of the King) as Éomer, The Bourne Supremacy (as Russian Federal Security Service agent Kirill), The Chronicles of Riddick, Star Trek and Doom. The Hollywood Reporter speculated that Urban was one of several actors being considered for the part of British secret service agent James Bond in Casino Royale, directed by fellow New Zealander Martin Campbell.[6]

Urban played John "Reaper" Grimm in Universal Pictures' Doom (based on the first-person shooter video game Doom), which was released on 21 October 2005. In 2007, he starred in the Viking adventure Pathfinder. A longtime fan of Westerns,[7] he starred as Woodrow Call in Comanche Moon, a television miniseries that aired in early 2008 as a prequel to the Lonesome Dove miniseries based on Larry McMurtry's book series of the same name.[8][9]

Urban, Zachary Quinto, J. J. Abrams, and Chris Pine, at the Star Trek Into Darkness movie premiere in Sydney, Australia in April 2013

In the 2009 film Star Trek, he played Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, a role originated by DeForest Kelley in the original Star Trek TV series.[10][11][12][13] A fan of the Star Trek franchise since childhood, Urban actively pursued a role in the film.[14] His performance was widely embraced by the Star Trek fan community for its faithfulness to the spirit of Kelley's McCoy.[15] Urban reprised the role in the 2013 film Star Trek Into Darkness and the 2016 film Star Trek Beyond.[16]

Urban next appeared as CIA agent William Cooper in Red, adapted from the graphic novel of the same name and co-starring Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren.[17] He portrayed Black Hat, a villainous priest-turned-vampire, in the film adaptation of the Korean manhwa Priest, released in 3-D in 2011.[18]

In 2012, Urban starred as law-enforcing comic book character Judge Dredd in the film Dredd. In an interview with Shave magazine, Urban described it as a "high-octane, action-fueled film... about the day in the life of Dredd". The film was directed by Pete Travis, with a script by Alex Garland.[19] Though it underperformed at the box office, Dredd was well received by critics.[20]

Urban at Phoenix Comicon in May 2015

In 2013, Urban starred as Detective John Kennex in Almost Human, a TV series created by J. H. Wyman. The series was set 35 years into the future when cops in the L.A.P.D. are paired up with lifelike androids. Urban played a detective who has a dislike for robots but ends up being teamed up with one with emotional feelings. Urban next appeared in the ensemble thriller The Loft, a remake of the Belgian film of the same name. It was filmed in New Orleans and Belgium by the director of the 2008 original, Erik Van Looy.[21] In January 2015, Urban replaced Michael C. Hall as the main antagonist in the 2016 remake of Pete's Dragon.[22] In 2017, he played Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok.[23] Also in 2017, Urban played a psychotic cop in the action thriller Acts of Vengeance opposite Antonio Banderas and Robert Forster.[24] Urban had a cameo as a stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.[25] He voiced the lead role in The Sea Beast in 2022.[26]

Since 2019, Urban has starred as William "Billy" Butcher in the Amazon Prime Video series The Boys.[27] He is set to star as Johnny Cage in the upcoming Mortal Kombat II film.[28]

Personal life

[edit]

In September 2004, Urban married his longtime partner, Natalie Wihongi, who was his makeup artist for the 2000 television film The Privateers.[29] Together they have two sons, Hunter and Indiana. His second son was named for the eponymous hero of the Indiana Jones franchise,[30] which he has stated is one of his favourite movie series.[31] They lived in the affluent Herne Bay section of Auckland, New Zealand.[32] The couple announced their separation in June 2014.[32]

From 2014 to 2018, he was in a relationship with actress Katee Sackhoff.[33]

Philanthropy

[edit]

Urban serves as a celebrity ambassador for KidsCan, a charity that currently supports over 16,000 disadvantaged children in New Zealand by providing them with essentials such as food, clothing, and shoes.[34]

In May 2022, UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand welcomed Urban as an official Ambassador to support in raising awareness on children's rights both in New Zealand and around the world.[35]

On 1 June 2020, Urban, together with Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, and Elijah Wood, plus writer Philippa Boyens and director Peter Jackson, joined Josh Gad's YouTube series Reunited Apart which reunites the cast of popular movies through video-conferencing, and promotes donations to non-profit charities.[36]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992 Chunuk Bair Wellington Soldier
1998 Heaven Sweeper
Via Satellite Paul
2000 The Irrefutable Truth about Demons Harry Ballard
The Price of Milk Rob
2002 Ghost Ship Munder
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Éomer
2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Cast
Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble
National Board of Review Award for Best Cast
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Nominated—Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast
2004 The Chronicles of Riddick Siberius Vaako
The Bourne Supremacy Kirill
2005 Doom John "Reaper" Grimm Nominated—Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Bloodiest Beatdown (with Dwayne Johnson)
2006 Out of the Blue Nick Harvey Won—Qantas Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor
2007 Pathfinder Ghost
2009 Star Trek Leonard McCoy Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Cast
Denver Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast
Nominated—Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble
Nominated—Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble
Black Water Transit[37] Earl Pike
2010 And Soon the Darkness[38] Michael
Red[39] William Cooper
2011 Priest[40] Black Hat
2012 Dredd[41] Judge Dredd
2013 Star Trek Into Darkness[42] Leonard McCoy
Riddick[43] Siberius Vaako Cameo
Walking with Dinosaurs[44] Zack
2014 The Loft[45] Vincent Stevens
2016 Star Trek Beyond[46] Leonard McCoy
Pete's Dragon[47] Gavin Magary
2017 Thor: Ragnarok[48] Skurge the Executioner
Acts of Vengeance[49] Officer Hank Strode
Hangman[50] Detective Will Ruiney
2018 Bent[51] Danny Gallagher
2019 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Stormtrooper Cameo
2020 Butcher: A Short Film William "Billy" Butcher Short film
2022 The Sea Beast Jacob Holland Voice role[52]
2026 Mortal Kombat II Johnny Cage Post-production[53][54][55][56]
TBA I, Object Post-production
The Bluff Connor
Key
† Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990 Shark in the Park Rohann Murdoch 6 episodes
1992 Homeward Bound Tim Johnstone Unknown episodes
1993 White Fang David Episode: "Tough Kid"
1993–1994 Shortland Street Paramedic Jamie Forrest Recurring
1995 Riding High James Westwood Unknown episodes
1996–1998 Hercules: The Legendary Journeys Cupid; Julius Caesar Episode: "The Green-Eyed Monster"; "Render Unto Caesar"
1996–2001 Xena: Warrior Princess Mael Episode: "Altared States" (season 1)
Julius Caesar 8 episodes (season 2–4, 6)
Cupid 2 episodes (season 2)
Kor Episode: "Lifeblood" (season 5)
1997 Amazon High Kor Television film
2000 The Privateers Captain Aran Dravyk Television film
2008 Comanche Moon[57] Woodrow F. Call Miniseries
2013–2014 Almost Human John Kennex 13 episodes
2014 Short Poppies Alex Turnbull Episode: "Mary Ledbetter"
2019–present The Boys William "Billy" Butcher Lead role, 32 episodes. Also producer.
Nominated—Best Actor in a Superhero Series, Critics' Choice Super Awards
Nominated—Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama, Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards
2023 Gen V Episode: "Guardians of Godolkin"
2024 Ark: The Animated Series Bob Voice role[58]

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Voice role Notes
2013 Star Trek Leonard McCoy Also likeness[59]
2023 "Let's get to Work" Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon live-action trailer
2024 Ark: Survival Ascended Bob Bob's Tall Tales downloadable content[60]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Karl Urban

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Karl Urban (born Karl-Heinz Urban; June 7, 1972) is a renowned for his versatile performances in film and television, particularly in action, fantasy, and genres. Born in , the son of a German immigrant father and a New Zealander mother, he began his acting career as a child and rose to international prominence with breakthrough roles in major franchises. Urban's career spans over three decades, marked by critically acclaimed supporting and leading parts that highlight his physicality, intensity, and depth. Urban's early life was shaped by New Zealand's burgeoning in the 1980s, where he made his television debut at age eight in an episode of the series Pioneer Women. After graduating from Wellington College in 1990, he briefly attended before dropping out to focus on acting full-time. His initial professional roles included a recurring part in the police series Shark in the Park (1989–1990) and a notable appearance as Jamie Forrest, New Zealand's first openly gay primetime television character, in the Shortland Street (1993–1994). Urban gained local recognition with lead roles in independent films like The Price of Milk (2000), earning a nomination for at the New Zealand Film and TV Awards, and Out of the Blue (2006), for which he won Best Supporting Actor in 2008. His transition to Hollywood came with the role of Éomer in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003), establishing him as a prominent figure in epic fantasy. Urban followed this with action-oriented parts, including Kirill in The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek (2009), a role he reprised in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Star Trek Beyond (2016). He portrayed Judge Dredd in the cult hit Dredd (2012) and Skurge the Executioner in Thor: Ragnarok (2017), further solidifying his status in blockbuster cinema. On television, Urban's portrayal of Billy Butcher in the satirical superhero series The Boys (2019–present) has been a defining role, earning widespread praise for its gritty intensity and contributing to the show's critical and commercial success. In recent years, Urban has continued to balance high-profile projects, including the crime drama Bent (2018) and the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 (2026), where he stars as . Personally, Urban was married to Natalie Wihongi from 2004 to 2014, with whom he has two sons, Hunter (born 2000) and (born 2005). A resident of , he remains connected to through philanthropy, serving as a ambassador since 2022 and supporting children's charity KidsCan.

Background

Early life

Karl Urban was born Karl-Heinz Urban on June 7, 1972, in , , to a German immigrant father who owned and operated a leather-goods manufacturing business and a mother employed at Film Facilities, a local . His family background blended European heritage with Kiwi roots, providing a stable yet industrious household in the capital city during the 1970s and 1980s. Urban's early years coincided with a in New Zealand's film industry during the early , a period marked by increased local production and international attention. Through his mother's role at Film Facilities, he gained direct exposure to the filmmaking world, frequently visiting sets and observing the creative process behind films like Smash Palace and Utu. This immersion sparked his fascination with cinema from a young age, as he spent much of his childhood watching movies and absorbing the energy of the burgeoning industry. During his primary school years, Urban's interests gravitated toward the performing arts, where he began experimenting with storytelling through writing and staging his own plays for friends and family. These formative experiences highlighted his natural inclination for performance, contrasting with the more practical path his father envisioned for him. Despite pressure from his father to eventually take over the family leather-goods business, Urban firmly resisted, prioritizing his growing passion for acting over a conventional trade.

Education

Urban attended St. Mark's Church School in , , where he first discovered his passion for performance through participation in school productions. At the age of eight, he secured his initial acting role with a single line in the television series Pioneer Women, an experience that fueled his early interest in the craft. This childhood exposure, sparked by his family's involvement in the film industry, laid the groundwork for his subsequent theatrical pursuits. He continued his secondary education at College from 1986 to 1990, actively engaging in the school's theater scene. Urban starred in the Senior Drama Club's 1990 production of , taking on the role of the and earning praise for his energetic performance in the school magazine. These high school experiences provided hands-on acting training and honed his stage presence, while also encouraging him to write his own plays as part of his growing involvement in amateur theater. Following his graduation from Wellington College, Urban briefly enrolled at in 1991, pursuing a degree. However, after just one year, he decided to drop out and commit fully to , recognizing that formal academia could not match the opportunities emerging in professional theater and film. This pivotal choice, influenced by his accumulating amateur experiences and early professional tastes, marked his transition from structured education to a dedicated career in performance.

Acting career

New Zealand beginnings

Urban began his professional acting career in 's burgeoning television scene in the early . His debut came in on the long-running Shortland Street, where he portrayed paramedic Jamie Forrest, the series' first openly gay character, appearing in a recurring capacity through 1994. This role marked a significant early breakthrough, introducing him to audiences in a country where local television productions provided essential entry points for emerging talent. Throughout the mid-to-late 1990s, Urban secured recurring roles in two of New Zealand's most prominent fantasy television exports, both filmed locally and gaining international syndication. In Xena: Warrior Princess (1996–2001), he played multiple characters, including the antagonist Mael in "Altared States" (1996), the warrior Kor in "The Giant Killer" (1996), the ambitious Roman leader in "Destiny" (1996) and subsequent appearances, and the mischievous god in episodes such as "The Green-Eyed Monster" (1997), "Return of the Valkyrie" (1999), and "An Evil Within" (2001). Similarly, in the related series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1996–1999), Urban reprised in "The Green-Eyed Monster" (1999) and portrayed in "Render Unto Caesar" (1998). These performances showcased his versatility in action-oriented roles and helped establish him within the local industry, which was increasingly bolstered by international co-productions. By the early 2000s, Urban transitioned to leading roles in New Zealand feature films and television movies, further solidifying his domestic presence. In the whimsical The Price of Milk (2000), directed by , he starred as dairy farmer Rob alongside , depicting a quirky tale of love and rural life that highlighted the charm of Kiwi storytelling. That same year, he headlined the TV movie The Privateers as Captain Aran Dravyk, a navigating interstellar intrigue, a project that underscored the occasional forays into genre filmmaking within the constrained local market. Navigating New Zealand's film and television industry during this period presented notable challenges due to its small scale and intermittent funding, with limited annual productions forcing many actors to supplement income through stage work, commercials, or behind-the-scenes roles while awaiting breakthroughs. Urban's early persistence in this environment, amid a landscape where international shoots like and offered rare stability, laid the groundwork for his subsequent global opportunities.

International breakthrough

Urban's international breakthrough came with his casting as Éomer, the exiled prince of Rohan, in Peter Jackson's film trilogy, beginning with (2002) and continuing through (2003). He landed the role somewhat serendipitously while working on a commercial directed by Jackson in ; Urban auditioned directly for the director, who was impressed by his intensity and screen presence. To prepare physically for the demanding equestrian sequences, Urban underwent intensive horse-riding training and sword-fighting lessons, honing skills that allowed him to perform authentic battle stunts, including a signature flip during the Rohirrim charge that he practiced for months to execute seamlessly. His portrayal of the fierce, loyal warrior contributed to the trilogy's epic scope, helping the films collectively gross over $2.9 billion worldwide and earn 17 . Building on this success, Urban solidified his Hollywood presence as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in ' Star Trek reboot trilogy, starting with (2009). Stepping into the role originated by in the 1966 television series, Urban was selected after proactively contacting Abrams through his agent upon learning of the casting call, emphasizing his lifelong fandom of the franchise. Abrams encouraged him to honor Kelley's gruff, compassionate essence without direct imitation, a balance Urban achieved through studying the original performances and infusing his own wry humor, which resonated with audiences and critics alike. The role recast McCoy as a pivotal voice of reason amid high-stakes action, revitalizing the franchise; the 2009 film alone grossed $385.7 million worldwide against a $150 million budget, spawning sequels (2013, $467.4 million) and (2016, $343.5 million) that further cemented Urban's action-hero status. Urban's versatility shone in lead roles that showcased his commanding screen presence, such as in the 2012 adaptation of the British comic. Concealed almost entirely behind the character's iconic helmet, he delivered a stoic, no-nonsense performance that critics praised for capturing the source material's gritty dystopian spirit through bombastic action and delivery, earning an 80% approval rating on . Though the film underperformed commercially with a worldwide gross of $41 million against a $50 million budget, it gained a for its faithful take on the anti-hero. Similarly, as the opportunistic Asgardian Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Urban provided and to the ensemble, contributing to the film's vibrant tone; the Marvel entry received widespread acclaim with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and exploded at the , earning $855.3 million globally. During this period, Urban expanded into antagonistic supporting roles, notably as the sadistic vampire Black Hat in Priest (2011), a 3D action-horror film where his chilling intensity as a rogue priest heightened the supernatural thriller's stakes. He also took on the part of Irish mobster John "The Executer" Callahan in Black Mass (2015), portraying a key ally to real-life gangster Whitey Bulger in this biographical crime drama, adding depth to the ensemble led by Johnny Depp.

Recent roles

Urban has portrayed the lead role of Billy Butcher, the ruthless leader of The Boys vigilante group, in the Amazon Prime Video series The Boys since its premiere in 2019. His character arc evolves from a vengeance-driven operative targeting corrupt superheroes, or "supes," to a more complex figure grappling with personal demons, moral ambiguity, and a terminal diagnosis in later seasons, culminating in revelations about his past in the fifth and final season. The series, which wrapped on its concluding season in July 2025 with a premiere slated for mid-2026, has expanded into a including the spin-off Gen V, where Butcher makes key appearances that deepen his backstory and confirm darker aspects of his psyche, such as manipulative tendencies toward younger supes. In animation, Urban provided the voice for Jacob Holland, a legendary monster hunter on a redemption quest, in Netflix's The Sea Beast (2022), an praised for its family-friendly take on seafaring lore. He continued voicing roles in projects like Bob in the sci-fi series ARK: The Animated Series (2024) and Red Hood in the DC animated short Batman: Death in the Family (2020), showcasing his versatility in animated formats. Urban took on the role of , the cocky Hollywood martial artist from the iconic franchise, in Mortal Kombat 2 (2026), a to the 2021 that adapts the game's tournament-style combat and multiverse elements. Filming wrapped in by October 2025, with the film delayed from its original October release to May 8, 2026, allowing for enhanced in fight sequences blending live-action and CGI fatalities. Early teasers highlighted Urban's portrayal of a more jaded, "dispirited" Cage, drawing positive fan reactions for capturing the character's humor and action-hero flair during promotional clips at in October 2025. Looking ahead, Urban is attached to The Bluff, an adventure set in the 19th-century , where he co-stars alongside Jonas as a former pirate confronting her past, with supporting roles by and ; production began in June 2024 and remains in as of late 2025. To promote his recent work, Urban appeared at in October 2025, participating in a Mortal Kombat 2 panel that featured exclusive fight scene footage and discussions on his physically demanding role. He followed this with appearances at MCM London Comic Con later that month alongside The Boys co-stars , , and , where the group received for Most In-Demand Action-Adventure TV Show and Most In-Demand Superhero TV Show and teased final-season details, including Butcher's origin.

Public life

Personal life

Urban married New Zealand makeup artist Natalie Wihongi on September 16, 2004, after meeting her while working on the television film The Privateers. The couple welcomed two sons during their relationship: Hunter, born in November 2000, and Indiana, born in 2005. In June 2014, Urban and Wihongi announced their mutual decision to separate after ten years of marriage. They committed to co-parenting their children amicably, emphasizing a close friendship for the boys' well-being while requesting respect for their family's privacy. Urban has consistently maintained limited public details about his sons, prioritizing their protection from media attention. Urban resides primarily in Auckland, New Zealand, and he prefers to remain based there even as his career requires international travel. His hobbies reflect a grounded lifestyle, including outdoor pursuits such as fishing and surfing, which he enjoys between film and television commitments. Regarding daily habits, Urban often follows a vegetarian diet while working on physically demanding roles to sustain his energy levels. He actively shuns the Hollywood celebrity culture, choosing instead to keep a low profile away from media scrutiny.

Philanthropy

Karl Urban has been a celebrity ambassador for KidsCan, a New Zealand-based charity, since at least 2015, helping to provide essential food, clothing, shoes, and educational resources to disadvantaged children across the country. The supports over 60,000 children living in (as of 2025), enabling their participation in school and through targeted aid programs. In December 2015, Urban visited Dominion Road School in , where he interacted with students and emphasized the charity's role in addressing child in . In May 2022, Urban was appointed as an official Ambassador for Aotearoa New Zealand, a role in which he has committed to raising awareness about and supporting initiatives for vulnerable youth globally. Through this position, he promotes UNICEF's efforts in areas such as , , and protection for children facing crises. In July 2022, Urban traveled to to visit a Blue Dot center established by UNICEF and UNHCR, where he met seven-year-old refugee Makar and UNICEF communication specialist to highlight support services for children displaced by conflict, including psychosocial care and assistance. Urban's philanthropic focus on child welfare is influenced by his New Zealand roots and personal family experiences, motivating his endorsements of efforts and advocacy for these causes. He has expressed particular pride in using his platform to amplify programs that protect children at risk, drawing from his background to underscore the importance of equitable opportunities.

Filmography

Films

Urban's film career spans a variety of genres, from epic fantasy and science fiction to action and animation. Below is a comprehensive chronological table of his feature film credits, focusing on theatrical releases, direct-to-video, and voice roles in animated features.
YearTitleRoleDirector
1992Chunuk BairUnknown soldierDale McCready
1998Via SatellitePaulGregg Millar
1998HeavenThe DevilScott Reynolds
2000The Irrefutable Truth About DemonsHarry BallardGlenn Standring
2000The Price of MilkRobHarry Sinclair
2002Ghost ShipMunderSteve Beck
2002The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersÉomerPeter Jackson
2003The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingÉomerPeter Jackson
2004The Bourne SupremacyKirillPaul Greengrass
2004The Chronicles of RiddickVaakoDavid Twohy
2005DoomJohn "Reaper" GrimmAndrzej Bartkowiak
2006Out of the BlueNick HarveyRobert Sarkies
2007PathfinderGhostMarcus Nispel
2009Black Water TransitEarl PikeTony Kaye
2009Star TrekDr. Leonard "Bones" McCoyJ.J. Abrams
2010And Soon the DarknessMichaelMarcos Efron
2010REDWilliam CooperRobert Schwentke
2011PriestBlack HatScott Stewart
2012DreddJudge DreddPete Travis
2013RiddickVaakoDavid Twohy
2013Star Trek Into DarknessDr. Leonard "Bones" McCoyJ.J. Abrams
2013Walking with DinosaursUncle Zack (voice)Barry Cook, Neil Nightingale
2014The LoftVincent StevensErik Van Looy
2016Pete's DragonGavinDavid Lowery
2016Star Trek BeyondDr. Leonard "Bones" McCoyJustin Lin
2017Acts of VengeanceFrank StrodeIsaac Florentine
2017HangmanDet. Will RuineyJohnny Martin
2017Pork PieJonMatt Murphy
2017Thor: RagnarokSkurge / ExecutionerTaika Waititi
2018BentDanny GallagherBobby Moresco
2019Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of SkywalkerStormtrooper (voice cameo)J.J. Abrams
2020Batman: Death in the FamilyRed Hood / Jason Todd (voice)Brandon Vietti
2022The Sea BeastJacob Holland (voice)Chris Williams
2026Mortal Kombat 2 (upcoming)Johnny CageSimon McQuoid
Key films such as the trilogy collectively grossed over $2.91 billion worldwide and received 17 , including Best Picture for . The reboot trilogy earned approximately $1.2 billion in total box office revenue. Thor: Ragnarok grossed $855 million globally.

Television

Urban began his television career in New Zealand with a recurring role as Rohann Murdoch, a teenage heroin addict, in the crime drama series Shark in the Park in 1991–1992. He followed this with a recurring role as Jamie Forrest, an openly gay paramedic and advocate, in the long-running Shortland Street from 1993 to 1994, marking one of his early breakthroughs in local television. In the adventure series , Urban portrayed David Pierce, a young burglar, across 25 episodes from 1993 to 1994. His role as the rebellious James Westwood in the soap Riding High spanned 65 episodes from 1995 to 1996, showcasing his versatility in dramatic ensemble casts. During the late 1990s, Urban frequently appeared in the syndicated fantasy franchises produced in , playing the mischievous god in both Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1996–1999, 3 episodes) and Xena: Warrior Princess (1997, 2 episodes as ). He also embodied the ambitious Roman leader in Xena: Warrior Princess (1997–2000, 3 episodes), alongside guest spots as the jealous Mael (1 episode, 1996) and the tribal warrior Kor (1 episode, 1997). In 2002–2003, Urban starred as the photographer Jack Slade in the Australian drama The Strip, appearing in all 10 episodes on the . A guest appearance as Mick in the American sitcom Becker followed in 2001 (1 episode, CBS). In the 2008 CBS miniseries Comanche Moon, Urban played the young Texas Ranger Woodrow F. Call across 3 episodes. From 2013 to 2014, he led the Fox sci-fi series Almost Human as Detective John Kennex, a human cop paired with an android partner, in all 13 episodes. Since 2019, Urban has starred as the anti-superhero vigilante Billy Butcher in Amazon Prime Video's The Boys, appearing in 32 episodes across four seasons as of November 2025, with the series renewed for a fifth and final season in 2026.
Year(s)TitleCharacterEpisodesNetwork/Platform
1991–1992Shark in the ParkRohann Murdoch7TVNZ
1993–1994Shortland StreetJamie ForrestUnknownTVNZ
1993–1994White FangDavid Pierce25The Family Channel
1995–1996Riding HighJames Westwood65TVNZ
1996–1999Hercules: The Legendary JourneysCupid3Syndication
1996–2001Xena: Warrior PrincessCupid / Julius Caesar / Mael / Kor10Syndication
2002–2003The StripJack Slade10Nine Network
2001BeckerMick1CBS
2008Comanche MoonWoodrow F. Call3CBS
2013–2014Almost HumanJohn Kennex13Fox
2019–presentThe BoysBilly Butcher32Amazon Prime Video
Note: Episode counts for early New Zealand shows are approximate where not specified; networks based on original broadcast.

Video games

Karl Urban has lent his voice to several prominent adaptations, often reprising roles from his live-action performances to bring authenticity to . His contributions highlight the intersection of and gaming, where and voice work allow for immersive character portrayals. In 2003, Urban voiced , the Rohirrim marshal, in : The Return of the King, a developed by EA Games that closely mirrors the film's narrative and utilizes the original cast for key characters. He continued voicing the character in : The Third Age (2004), a game focusing on parallel events to the films, and later in : Conquest (2009), a title where players command armies in battles. These roles involved studio voice recording sessions to capture 's commanding presence during epic confrontations. Urban's most notable video game performance came in 2013 with Star Trek, where he provided both the voice and motion capture for Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, bridging the storyline between the 2009 Star Trek film and Star Trek Into Darkness. The game, developed by Digital Extremes, features cooperative gameplay centered on Kirk and Spock's mission against the Gorn, with McCoy offering medical expertise and signature sarcasm. Recording took place in motion capture studios, where Urban and co-stars like Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto performed scenes to synchronize dialogue with animations, ensuring the characters' movements and expressions aligned seamlessly with the game's third-person shooter mechanics. More recently, in 2021, Urban served as the narrator for Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, an isometric role-playing game by Owlcat Games set in a plagued by demonic invasions, guiding players through the epic campaign with his distinctive gravelly delivery.

References

  1. https://www.biography.com/actors/karl-heinz-urban
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0881631/bio/
  3. https://www.nzonscreen.com/profile/karl-urban/biography
  4. https://deadline.com/2025/10/mortal-kombat-ii-opening-date-1236501771/
  5. https://ethnicelebs.com/karl-urban
  6. https://whoosh.org/issue24/iurban1.html
  7. https://lrmonline.com/news/karl-urban-laz-alonzo-the-boys/
  8. https://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=6276
  9. https://www.slashfilm.com/945143/how-karl-urban-fell-in-love-with-filmmaking/
  10. https://www.empireonline.com/people/karl-urban/
  11. https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/70933426/shortland-street-stars-who-made-it-big
  12. https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/karl-urban-from-shorty-street-to-lord-of-the-geeks-2546/
  13. https://screenrant.com/xena-hercules-karl-urban-every-role-cupid-caesar/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249893/
  15. https://www.nzfilm.co.nz/films/price-milk
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255516/
  17. https://winteriscoming.net/2022/06/07/karl-urban-recalls-getting-cast-eomer-lord-rings/
  18. https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-movies-cast-eomer-karl-urban-details/
  19. https://www.timesonline.com/story/entertainment/2009/05/07/no-bones-about-it-he/18398280007/
  20. https://screenrant.com/star-trek-2009-karl-urban-cast-bones-response/
  21. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0796366/
  22. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Star-Trek
  23. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dredd
  24. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thor_ragnarok_2017
  25. https://screenrant.com/karl-urban-movies-ranked-worst-best/
  26. https://screenrant.com/billy-butcher-the-boys-dark-truth-gen-v/
  27. https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/superhero-shows/the-boys-star-karl-urban-says-well-finally-learn-the-origin-of-butchers-forehead-scar-in-season-5-even-though-the-actor-wanted-to-keep-it-enigmatic/
  28. https://deadline.com/2025/10/eric-kripke-update-the-boys-season-5-final-season-prime-video-1236601406/
  29. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-boys-season-5-wrapped-filming-eric-kripke-1236305187/
  30. https://www.cbr.com/the-boys-next-spin-offs-following-gen-v/
  31. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/meet-the-cast-of-the-sea-beast
  32. https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Karl-Urban/amzn1.dv.gti.4c63a2c6-44dd-4097-b292-754f315488c8
  33. https://www.ign.com/articles/mortal-kombat-iis-johnny-cage-will-be-a-very-dispirited-character-nycc-2025
  34. https://www.facebook.com/CoveredGeeklyOfficial/posts/new-line-cinemas-live-action-mortal-kombat-2-movie-starring-karl-urban-has-been-/760714826879474/
  35. https://www.thepopverse.com/movies-mortal-kombat-2-nycc-2025-karl-urban-johnny-cage-fight-scene-clip-jackie-chan-vibes
  36. https://screenrant.com/mortal-kombat-2-karl-urban-johnny-cage-arc/
  37. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-bluff-temuera-morrison-zack-morris-priyanka-chopra-jonas-1235978567/
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14181714/
  39. https://www.mcmcomiccon.com/global/en-us/blog/entertainment/the-boys-cast-mcm-october-2025.html
  40. https://www.thepopverse.com/tv-the-boys-season-5-spoiler-karl-urban-mcm-london-2025-butcher-scar/
  41. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0881631/trivia/
  42. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/karl-urban-and-wife-separate/DDGNH2BARFCPEBIVNDJMEKU77Q/
  43. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/urbans-suburban-dream/2LSEKCW3QIT5WSJFV47KSPJWLA/
  44. https://www.trinyetra.com/celeb/karl-urban
  45. https://www.tntmagazine.com/leisure-entertainment/interviews/interview-nz-actor-karl-urban-on-playing-a-uk-comic-book-icon-in-dredd-3d/
  46. https://www.kidscan.org.nz/
  47. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/karl-urban-teams-up-with-kidscan-at-auckland-school/LR7CAU6VL7HYS3GCQCEQRPJ6QE/
  48. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2205/S00105/karl-urban-appointed-as-new-unicef-aotearoa-new-zealand-ambassador.htm
  49. https://www.unicef.org/goodwill-ambassadors/regional-national-ambassadors
  50. https://www.facebook.com/UNICEFNZ/videos/our-ambassador-karl-urban-meets-shelley-unicef-communication-specialist-and-maka/1374418432969924/
  51. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/spy-karl-urban-celebrates-his-50th-talks-whittakers-chocolate/W5MBZ7SB5CLY2YA67IS3JBRJU4/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0881631/
  53. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/karl_urban
  54. https://movieweb.com/karl-urban-tv-characters-ranked/
  55. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1372-karl-urban
  56. https://collider.com/karl-urban-almost-human-series-sci-fi/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2654580/
  58. https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-boys-season-4-renewed-amazon-1235290494/
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1190634/
  60. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387360/fullcredits/
  61. https://www.mobygames.com/person/166607/karl-urban/
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