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The Essential List: Calem MacDonald's 5 Must-Watch Movies And TV Shows (Latest Updates 2024)

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Calem MacDonald has rapidly become one of the most compelling young Canadian actors to watch, transitioning seamlessly between major streaming hits and critically acclaimed independent projects. As of December 2025, his career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, with his work on the hit drama Sullivan's Crossing remaining a central focus for fans around the globe. This article provides a deep dive into his complete filmography, highlighting the roles that defined his early career and the fresh, current projects that are shaping his future.

MacDonald's ability to portray complex, emotionally layered characters—from a musical prodigy struggling with identity to a troubled young man seeking redemption—has cemented his status as a versatile talent. With new seasons of his popular television series and a 2024 feature film release, understanding the depth of his work is essential for any modern television and movie enthusiast.

Calem MacDonald: Biography, Profile, and Career Snapshot

  • Full Name: Calem MacDonald
  • Date of Birth: August 11, 2000
  • Age (as of 2025): 25 Years Old
  • Place of Birth: Canada (Raised in Nova Scotia, Canada)
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Height: 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m)
  • Occupation: Actor
  • Active Years: 2016—Present
  • Debut Role: Mr. D (TV Series, 2016)
  • Breakout Roles: Young Dave in The Umbrella Academy and Kaleb Meyer in Sullivan's Crossing.

The Current Era: Calem MacDonald's Latest and Upcoming Projects (2024–2025)

The most exciting aspect of Calem MacDonald’s current career is his consistent presence in high-profile television dramas and a notable 2024 feature film. These projects demonstrate his growth from a supporting player in major franchises to a main cast member in popular, long-running series. The focus on Canadian-produced content, specifically those filmed in his home province of Nova Scotia, highlights his commitment to regional filmmaking.

1. Sullivan's Crossing (2023–Present): The Role of Kaleb Meyer

MacDonald’s most recognizable and ongoing role is that of Kaleb Meyer in the CTV/CW drama series Sullivan's Crossing. He stars alongside a stellar cast, including Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan and Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones. The series, which is based on the books by Robyn Carr, tells the story of a neurosurgeon, Maggie Sullivan, who returns to her estranged father’s campground in Nova Scotia.

Kaleb Meyer is the troubled but good-hearted young man who works at Sully’s (Scott Patterson) campground. MacDonald brings a compelling vulnerability to Kaleb, whose storylines often involve navigating complex personal issues and his relationship with Maggie’s daughter, Lola. The character arc of Kaleb Meyer is central to the show's small-town drama and emotional core.

Latest Update: Fans will be delighted to know that Sullivan's Crossing was renewed, and Calem MacDonald is confirmed to return as Kaleb Meyer for Season 3. This ensures his presence in one of the most anticipated returning drama series, keeping his work fresh and current through 2025.

2. To the Moon (2024): The Feature Film Debut

In a significant step for his film career, MacDonald appeared in the 2024 Canadian comedy feature, To the Moon. The film, directed by Kevin Hartford, is a heartwarming and humorous story that premiered in 2024.

The plot centers on Sam, a closeted gay single father who organizes a surprise birthday party for his best friend, a former astronaut who now runs a planetarium. MacDonald is listed among the supporting cast, which includes Jacob Sampson as the lead. This project showcases MacDonald’s versatility by allowing him to contribute to a different genre—a character-driven Canadian comedy—away from the heavy drama of his television work.

3. Moonshine (2021–2023): The Story of Finn Bennett

Another major Canadian series that defined MacDonald’s recent work is the CBC original comedy-drama Moonshine. He played the role of Finn Bennett, the son of the central character, Lidia Bennett (Jennifer Finnigan).

Finn Bennett was a musical prodigy at the start of the series who struggles with his sexual identity and his place within the chaotic Finley-Cullen family, who run a dilapidated summer resort on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. MacDonald’s performance as Finn was a highlight, exploring themes of self-discovery, family pressure, and young love. He was a recurring character in Season 1 before being promoted to the main cast for Seasons 2 and 3.

Crucial Update: The series Moonshine was officially canceled after its third season, which concluded in 2023. While the show is no longer producing new episodes, his work as Finn Bennett remains a significant part of his filmography and is available for streaming on platforms like The CW in the US.

Breakout Roles and Essential Filmography

While his current projects keep him in the spotlight, Calem MacDonald first gained international recognition through a few key roles in major genre and streaming productions. These earlier performances are essential viewing for anyone tracing his career path.

4. The Umbrella Academy (2020): Young Dave

For many Netflix viewers, MacDonald’s face is instantly recognizable from his guest-starring role in the second season of the global hit series, The Umbrella Academy. He portrayed Young Dave, the younger version of the character who plays a pivotal role in the storyline of Luther Hargreeves (Tom Hopper) and the time-traveling antics of the Hargreeves siblings.

Appearing in the “Right Back Where We Started” episode, MacDonald’s performance added a layer of emotional depth to the character's backstory, demonstrating his ability to hold his own in a high-budget, ensemble cast production. This role quickly boosted his profile and introduced him to a massive international audience.

5. Kids vs. Aliens (2022): The Horror Genre Entry

MacDonald took on a leading role in the 2022 sci-fi horror-comedy film Kids vs. Aliens. Directed by Jason Eisener, the movie is a throwback to 1980s creature features and centers on a group of kids who must defend their home from an alien invasion. MacDonald played the role of Billy, one of the older siblings caught up in the intergalactic chaos.

This film is a perfect example of his range, moving from the quiet drama of his television roles to the high-energy, practical-effects-driven world of independent genre cinema. The movie has gained a cult following among horror fans, further diversifying MacDonald’s portfolio.

Other Notable Appearances

To fully appreciate the scope of Calem MacDonald's work, fans should also explore these additional film and TV credits:

  • FROM (2022–Present): He has a recurring role in the EPIX/MGM+ horror-sci-fi series FROM, which has been praised for its chilling atmosphere and mystery.
  • Night Blooms (2022): A role in this independent film further showcases his commitment to diverse, character-focused projects.
  • Stage Mother (2020): A supporting role in this comedy-drama starring Jacki Weaver and Lucy Liu.
  • Mr. D (2016): His debut television role, a Canadian sitcom that provided his first professional experience in the industry.

The Topical Authority of Calem MacDonald’s Career

Calem MacDonald's filmography is a fascinating case study in the modern Canadian entertainment industry. His career is heavily influenced by his Nova Scotia roots, with major projects like Sullivan's Crossing and Moonshine both being Canadian-led series that film extensively in the region. This regional focus contrasts sharply with his work on massive global productions like Netflix's The Umbrella Academy, demonstrating a unique balance between local industry support and international visibility.

The consistent casting of MacDonald in roles that deal with identity, such as Finn Bennett’s struggle with sexuality in Moonshine and Kaleb Meyer’s journey toward stability in Sullivan's Crossing, suggests a thematic thread in his work. He excels at portraying the "young man on the cusp," a character archetype that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. His trajectory from the set of Kids vs. Aliens to the emotional complexity of a drama like Night Blooms confirms that Calem MacDonald is not just a rising star, but a thoughtful and dedicated actor whose best work is undoubtedly still ahead.

calem macdonald movies and tv shows
calem macdonald movies and tv shows

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