In recent weeks, few shows have generated as much buzz as Heartbreak High (except perhaps Baby Reindeer, but let’s not get sidetracked). This Australian high school drama, which landed on Netflix in April 2024, has become a sensation not only in its home country but also globally, catapulting its young and talented cast into stardom.
Leading the pack of breakout stars is Thomas Weatherall, the 23-year-old actor who embodies the character of Hartley High student Malakai Mitchell. While Malakai played a significant role in the debut season, Weatherall truly took the spotlight in the second installment of Heartbreak High. Throughout the season, Malakai finds himself entangled in love triangles, experiences profound moments of self-discovery, and ultimately embarks on a journey to Switzerland, marking a departure from his familiar surroundings.
As is customary with teen dramas, the fan response to Heartbreak High has been nothing short of fervent, with enthusiasts craving every morsel of information about the cast. And who can blame them? Here’s what we’ve gleaned about Thomas Weatherall’s background.
Thomas Weatherall, a First Nations Australian actor, hails from the city of Brisbane/Meeanjin and belongs to the Kamilaroi people, whose ancestral lands stretch across northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. In season one of Heartbreak High, Malakai’s Indigenous heritage plays a pivotal role when he becomes a victim of police brutality, likely targeted due to his race, and subsequently grapples with the aftermath, battling PTSD.
Reflecting on the significance of representing First Nations characters like Malakai, Weatherall expressed to The West Australian how the portrayal has been “life-changing.” He shared anecdotes of fans, particularly a queer First Nations individual, who approached him, expressing their longing for a character like Malakai during their formative years.
For Weatherall, it was crucial that Malakai’s heritage wasn’t reduced to a mere plot device. “I’m a proud First Nations person, but that’s not all I am,” he emphasized to Refinery29. Rather than pigeonholing Malakai solely based on his ethnicity, the character is depicted as a multifaceted individual with complex romantic entanglements and intense emotional arcs.
This commitment to diversity is a hallmark of Heartbreak High, which delves into various underrepresented themes, including neurodiversity with the character Qunni, portrayed by Chloé Hayden, and asexuality with Ca$h, played by Will McDonald.
Weatherall isn’t the sole representative of First Nations descent on the show; he is joined by fellow actors like Sherry-Lee Watson, who portrays Missy Beckett, and season two addition Kartanya Maynard, cast as Zoe Clarke. Together, they contribute to the rich tapestry of characters that make Heartbreak High a beacon of inclusivity and representation in the realm of television.