If the mysterious tracker Xavier Roache in Netflix’s new Western The Abandons has been giving you a serious sense of deja vu, you are not alone. The actor behind the role, Michiel Huisman, has been a steady and recognizable presence on major television shows and films for years.
The Dutch actor appears in the series as a dangerous outlaw hired by the wealthy matriarch Constance Van Ness, played by Gillian Anderson. His job is to find her missing son, Willem. With a career that spans from epic fantasy to psychological horror, Huisman’s face has become a familiar one for global audiences. This is a look at where you have definitely seen him before.
Michiel Huisman’s Key Role In The Abandons
In The Abandons, the tension between the wealthy Van Ness family and the makeshift family led by Lena Headey’s Fiona Nolan is the core of the story. Xavier Roache enters this fray as a skilled but morally flexible tracker. He is hired by Constance Van Ness to investigate the disappearance of her eldest son. However, his role quickly expands beyond a simple investigation.
The character is described as having “shifting allegiances and unpredictable nature,” which makes him a major wild card in the battle for control of the town of Jasper Hollow. He is a tool for Constance’s power plays, attending to her “other unsavory business requests” and adding another layer of danger to the already volatile conflict.
From Dutch Soaps To Hollywood: A Career Overview
Michiel Huisman, now 44, began his acting career very young in his native Netherlands. His early work included roles in long-running Dutch soap operas, TV movies, and films aimed at younger audiences. He successfully transitioned to leading roles in Dutch cinema, portraying everything from romantic leads to knights, which built his foundation before moving into international projects.
His breakthrough into English-language work came with roles in British series and a significant part in the HBO drama Treme, where he played a musician named Sonny. This role helped establish him with American audiences and opened the door to bigger Hollywood projects.
The Breakout Role: Daario Naharis In Game Of Thrones
For many viewers, Michiel Huisman is instantly recognizable as Daario Naharis from the global phenomenon Game of Thrones. He took over the role in the show’s fourth season, becoming the new leader of the sellsword company the Stormcrows and a love interest for Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys Targaryen.
His portrayal of the confident and deadly warrior made a significant impact during a major period of the series.
This role is arguably his most famous and served as his primary introduction to a massive worldwide audience, cementing his status as a capable actor in large-scale genre productions.
Memorable Roles In Major TV Series And Films
Beyond the world of Westeros, Huisman has consistently appeared in high-profile and critically acclaimed projects. His filmography showcases impressive range:
- In Television: He delivered a powerful performance as Steven Crain, the eldest sibling and skeptical writer in Netflix’s critically adored horror series The Haunting of Hill House. He also had a notable role in the first season of the HBO Max thriller The Flight Attendant opposite Kaley Cuoco. Fans of the clone thriller Orphan Black will remember him as Cal Morrison, a love interest for Tatiana Maslany’s lead character.
- In Film: Huisman has shared the screen with major stars in significant films. He played a charming suitor in the romantic drama The Age of Adaline alongside Blake Lively and Harrison Ford. He appeared in the blockbuster World War Z with Brad Pitt and in the Reese Witherspoon-led drama Wild. More recently, he starred in Netflix’s fantasy epic Rebel Moon.
The Abandons Release Details And Current Status
The Abandons premiered in its entirety on Netflix on December 4, 2025. The first season consists of seven episodes. As of now, Netflix has not announced a renewal for a second season. The decision will likely depend on the show’s viewership performance in the weeks following its release.
The series ends on a major cliffhanger, with the Van Ness family home set ablaze and the fates of the two lead matriarchs left uncertain. Both lead actresses, Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, have expressed interest in returning for more seasons if given the opportunity.
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