Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Karl Urban

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 12, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Karl Urban made an impact.

Karl Urban is a New Zealand actor who gained international recognition for his roles in various high-profile films and television series. His early work included appearances in New Zealand productions like Xena: Warrior Princess. He transitioned to Hollywood with Ghost Ship (2002) and subsequently starred as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He's also known for roles such as Vaako in the Riddick films, Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in the Star Trek reboot series, Kirill in The Bourne Supremacy, Judge Dredd in Dredd and Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok. More recently, Urban starred in the sci-fi series Almost Human and has garnered acclaim as Billy Butcher in Amazon's The Boys. He also voiced a character in The Sea Beast.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: First Hollywood Role in Ghost Ship

In 2002, Karl Urban secured his first Hollywood role in the horror film Ghost Ship.

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2003: Role as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings

In 2003, Karl Urban continued his role as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

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2004: Roles in Riddick film series and The Bourne Supremacy

In 2004, Karl Urban appeared as Vaako in the Riddick film series and as Kirill in The Bourne Supremacy.

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October 2005: Doom Release

On October 21, 2005, Universal Pictures released Doom, in which Karl Urban played John "Reaper" Grimm. The movie is based on the first-person shooter video game Doom.

2005: Starred in Doom

In 2005, Karl Urban starred as John "Reaper" Grimm in the movie Doom.

2007: Starred in Pathfinder

In 2007, Karl Urban starred in the Viking adventure film Pathfinder.

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2008: Starred in Comanche Moon

In early 2008, Karl Urban starred as Woodrow Call in Comanche Moon, a television miniseries prequel to Lonesome Dove.

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2009: Played Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in Star Trek

In 2009, Karl Urban played Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the film Star Trek, a role originated by DeForest Kelley.

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2009: Starred in Star Trek reboot film series

In 2009, Karl Urban starred as Leonard McCoy in the Star Trek reboot film series.

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2011: Portrayed Black Hat in Priest

In 2011, Karl Urban portrayed Black Hat, a villainous priest-turned-vampire, in the film adaptation of the Korean manhwa Priest, released in 3-D.

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2012: Starred in Dredd

In 2012, Karl Urban starred as Judge Dredd in the film Dredd.

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2012: Starred as Judge Dredd in Dredd

In 2012, Karl Urban starred as law-enforcing comic book character Judge Dredd in the film Dredd, directed by Pete Travis.

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2013: Reprised role in Star Trek Into Darkness

In 2013, Karl Urban reprised his role as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the film Star Trek Into Darkness.

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2013: Starred as Detective John Kennex in Almost Human

In 2013, Karl Urban starred as Detective John Kennex in the TV series Almost Human, set 35 years in the future.

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2013: Starred in Almost Human

In 2013, Karl Urban starred in the sci-fi series Almost Human.

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2016: Reprised role in Star Trek Beyond

In 2016, Karl Urban reprised his role as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the film Star Trek Beyond.

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2016: Starred in Pete's Dragon

In 2016, Karl Urban starred as Gavin Magary in Pete's Dragon.

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2017: Played Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok

In 2017, Karl Urban played Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok.

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2019: Starred in The Boys

From 2019, Karl Urban has starred as Billy Butcher in Amazon Prime Video's superhero streaming television series The Boys.

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2019: Stormtrooper cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

In 2019, Karl Urban had a cameo as a stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

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June 2020: Reunited Apart appearance

On June 1, 2020, Karl Urban joined the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings in Josh Gad's YouTube series Reunited Apart to promote donations to non-profit charities.