Luciane Buchanan, a New Zealand actress of Tongan and Scottish descent, has emerged as one of the most dynamic talents in the international entertainment industry. Born on July 18, 1993, in Auckland, New Zealand, Buchanan’s journey from local television to global streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+ showcases her versatility, dedication, and passion for storytelling. With a career spanning over a decade, she has captivated audiences with her compelling performances, commitment to Pasifika representation, and creative contributions as an actress, producer, and screenwriter.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Auckland, Buchanan grew up in a culturally rich household, influenced by her Tongan mother, Losi, and Scottish father, Geoff. Her cultural heritage has profoundly shaped her artistic perspective, particularly her commitment to amplifying Pasifika narratives. As a teenager, Buchanan’s passion for acting led her to enroll in acting classes at the Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC), where she trained under esteemed mentors like Miranda Harcourt. Despite her parents’ initial encouragement to pursue sports like netball and soccer, Buchanan’s determination to act prevailed. She begged her parents to support her expensive acting classes, a decision that marked the beginning of her journey in the performing arts.
Buchanan balanced her early acting career with academic pursuits, graduating from the University of Auckland in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Psychology. Her studies in psychology have informed her approach to acting, allowing her to delve deeply into the motivations and complexities of her characters. “My approach to the story is very in-depth, and having studied psychology, I’m always pushing to figure out why characters make these decisions,” she has noted.
Career Beginnings in New Zealand
Buchanan’s acting career began at the age of 17 when she signed with her agent, Gail Cowan, who later described Buchanan’s rise to the top of IMDb’s most-searched actress list as a career highlight. Her first role was in the 2011 telefeature Billy, where she played Cherie, the daughter of legendary New Zealand comedian Billy T. James. This debut sparked her love for acting, setting the stage for a series of roles in New Zealand television. She appeared in shows like The Blue Rose (2013), Power Rangers, and Brokenwood Mysteries. Still, it was her role as Kennedy Truebridge in the drama series Filthy Rich (2016–2017) that solidified her reputation as a rising star in Aotearoa.
Breakthrough on the Global Stage
Buchanan’s international breakthrough came in 2018 when she was cast as Tripitaka in Netflix’s The New Legends of Monkey, a reimagining of the classic Chinese legend Journey to the West. Her portrayal of the formidable yet compassionate warrior broke stereotypes and showcased her ability to carry a series. The role propelled her onto the global stage, leading to appearances in Netflix’s dystopian thriller Sweet Tooth and Apple TV+’s dramedy Mr. Corman.
Her career reached new heights in 2022 with her starring role as Rose Larkin in Netflix’s The Night Agent, a political conspiracy thriller based on Matthew Quirk’s 2019 novel. The series, created by Shawn Ryan, became Netflix’s most-watched English-language show of 2023, amassing over 812 million hours viewed. Buchanan’s performance as the cybersecurity expert and love interest to Gabriel Basso’s Peter Sutherland earned widespread acclaim, with even Stephen King praising the “good chemistry” between the leads. Her audition, filmed during New Zealand’s lockdown, was a “Hail Mary” that paid off, catapulting her to the top of IMDb’s most-searched actress list for two weeks.
Despite her absence from the announced cast of The Night Agent’s third season, Buchanan’s impact on the series remains undeniable. Her performance resonated with audiences, and the show’s success cemented her status as a global star.
Expanding Horizons: Producing and Screenwriting
Beyond acting, Buchanan has demonstrated her multifaceted talent as a producer and screenwriter. In 2020, she received funding from the New Zealand Film Commission’s Script to Screen ‘Fresh Shorts’ program for her first screenplay, Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue. The short film, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance International Fiction Short Film Competition, explores themes of cultural identity and language trauma. Inspired by her own experiences, including her regret at not speaking Tongan fluently, Buchanan co-wrote and starred in the film, which follows a young woman who lies about her linguistic abilities to secure a job caring for an elderly Tongan man. Directed by Vea Mafile’o, the project marked a significant milestone as the first professional short film, both written and directed by a Tongan woman.
Buchanan’s commitment to Pasifika stories extends to her work as an associate producer on Panthers, a series about the Polynesian Panther movement in 1970s New Zealand. The show premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), further highlighting her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
In 2023, Buchanan starred as Jules in the New Zealand horror film The Tank, directed by Scott Walker. The film, featuring creature design by Wētā Workshop, showcased her ability to tackle diverse genres. She described the role as a “fun and terrifying rollercoaster,” with her chemistry alongside co-star Matt Whelan earning praise.
Buchanan’s latest high-profile role is as Queen Ka’ahumanu in Apple TV+’s Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa, which was released in late 2024. Filmed in New Zealand, the series marked a homecoming for Buchanan, who was stunned to learn of her IMDb ranking while on set. Her performance is anticipated to solidify further her reputation as a versatile actress capable of commanding both dramatic and action-packed roles.
Advocacy and Cultural Impact
Buchanan’s Tongan heritage is central to her identity and work. She has spoken candidly about the cultural expectations she faced growing up, including the Polynesian emphasis on humility, which initially made her shy about pursuing acting. Overcoming these internal barriers, she now uses her platform to advocate for Pasifika representation in Hollywood. “I want our people to look at ourselves and be proud and kind of flip the script on all the stereotypes that we’re used to seeing in the media,” she told RNZ. Her work on Lea Tupu’anga and Panthers reflects her mission to tell authentic Pasifika stories and inspire the next generation of Polynesian actors.
Her cultural pride is also personal. Buchanan has shared how her grandmother’s hospital experiences, where language barriers led to poor treatment, inspired Lea Tupu’anga. “My family are my main inspiration for everything I do – their work ethic and resilience, their sacrifices and support,” she said.
Personal Life and Future Aspirations
Now based in New York City, Buchanan remains connected to her Aotearoa roots through FaceTime with family and friends, including fellow Kiwi actor Keisha Castle-Hughes. She keeps her personal life private, focusing public attention on her professional achievements. Her vibrant personality shines through in interviews, where she’s shared anecdotes about dancing to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, skinny-dipping on New Year’s Eve, and navigating Costa Rica’s muddy roads.
Buchanan’s future is bright, with industry insiders speculating about potential leading roles in films and series. Her versatility, from action thrillers to heartfelt dramas, positions her as a sought-after talent. As she told Ensemble Magazine, her goal is to continue working with “good humans who love to tell stories.”
Legacy and Recognition
In 2023, the University of Auckland honored Buchanan in its ‘40 under 40’ list of distinguished alums, recognizing her contributions to the arts. Her influence extends beyond awards, as she serves as a role model for aspiring actors, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Her journey from a shy teenager in Auckland to a globally recognized star is a testament to her talent, resilience, and commitment to meaningful storytelling.
Luciane Buchanan is more than an actress; she is a storyteller, advocate, and trailblazer. With her blend of courage, conviction, and cultural pride, she continues to redefine what it means to be a Pasifika voice in the global entertainment industry. As she takes on new roles and projects, audiences worldwide eagerly await the next chapter of her remarkable career.
