The Outer Banks Cast: Where Are The Pogues Now? The Shocking New Roles For John B, JJ, And Pope

The mystery surrounding the *Outer Banks* cast's future is finally clearing up, with the latest news confirming that the beloved Netflix teen drama will conclude with its upcoming fifth and final season. As of December 2025, the main cast members, known globally as the adventurous Pogues and the rival Kooks, are deep in the final phases of their treasure-hunting journey while simultaneously landing career-defining roles outside of The Cut. The anticipation for the final season, expected between Spring and Fall 2026, is at an all-time high, but the fresh and unique projects of the actors are generating just as much buzz in Hollywood. The actors have leveraged their massive success on the show to secure roles that showcase their range—from dystopian sci-fi to major biopics and dramatic Westerns. This article breaks down the complete, up-to-date biographies of the core cast and reveals the most exciting new projects that prove their careers are just beginning, even as the *Outer Banks* saga draws to a close.

The Main Outer Banks Cast: Up-to-Date Biographies and New Projects

The cast of *Outer Banks* has become a cultural phenomenon, with their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendships captivating millions of fans. Here is a detailed look at the actors behind the iconic characters, including their full profiles and the latest projects they have been working on since Season 4’s thrilling conclusion.

Chase Stokes (John B. Routledge)

• Full Name: James Alexander Chase Stokes
• Born: September 16, 1992
• Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland
• Career Start: First notable role was a small part in the hit series *Stranger Things*.
• Outer Banks Character: John B. Routledge, the charismatic, resourceful ringleader of the Pogues, whose obsession with the legendary Royal Merchant treasure drives the entire series narrative.
• Latest Projects: Stokes is transitioning to the big screen with several major upcoming releases. He stars in the Netflix film adaptation of the dystopian novel *Uglies* (2024), and has lead roles in the romantic drama *Marked Men: Rule + Shaw* (2025) and the military action-thriller *Valiant One* (2025), cementing his status as a major young Hollywood lead.

Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron)

• Full Name: Madelyn Renee Cline
• Born: December 21, 1997
• Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
• Career Start: Early roles in *Vice Principals* and *Boy Erased*.
• Outer Banks Character: Sarah Cameron, the original Kook Princess turned Pogue, whose turbulent relationship with John B. is the emotional core of the show.
• Latest Projects: Cline achieved significant critical acclaim for her role as Whiskey in the star-studded Netflix mystery-thriller *Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery*. Her performance demonstrated a sharp pivot from teen drama to major cinematic releases.

Rudy Pankow (JJ Maybank)

• Full Name: Rudy Pankow
• Born: August 12, 1998
• Hometown: Ketchikan, Alaska
• Career Start: Moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting after high school.
• Outer Banks Character: JJ Maybank, the impulsive, loyal, and often reckless best friend to John B., whose tough exterior hides a deep emotional vulnerability.
• Latest Projects: Pankow is expanding his genre work, starring in the Western drama *Accidental Texan* (2024) alongside Thomas Haden Church. He is also set to star in the upcoming rodeo-themed Western film, *Cowboy*, showcasing his versatility beyond the beaches of the Outer Banks (North Carolina).

Jonathan Daviss (Pope Heyward)

• Full Name: Jonathan Pierce Daviss
• Born: February 28, 2000
• Hometown: Houston, Texas
• Career Start: Appeared in films like *Do Revenge* and *Age of Summer*.
• Outer Banks Character: Pope Heyward, the brain of the Pogues, whose lineage is directly tied to the historical Denmark Tanny and the ultimate treasure of the Cross of Santo Domingo.
• Latest Projects: In the most high-profile casting news for any Pogue, Daviss has been cast to portray the legendary rapper Snoop Dogg in an upcoming Universal biopic. This transformative role marks a massive step in his career.

Madison Bailey (Kiara Carrera)

• Full Name: Madison Lilly Bailey
• Born: January 29, 1999
• Hometown: North Carolina
• Career Start: Known for recurring roles in *Council of Dads* and *Creepshow*.
• Outer Banks Character: Kiara "Kie" Carrera, the former Kook who chooses the Pogue life, serving as the moral compass and environmental activist of the group.
• Latest Projects: Bailey continues to be a prominent figure in the teen drama space, having won an MTV Movie & TV Award in 2023 for her role in *Outer Banks*.

Drew Starkey (Rafe Cameron)

• Full Name: Drew Starkey
• Born: November 4, 1993
• Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina
• Career Start: Known for roles in *Love, Simon* and *The Hate U Give*.
• Outer Banks Character: Rafe Cameron, the troubled, volatile older brother to Sarah and main antagonist, representing the dark side of the Kook world.
• Latest Projects: Starkey is making a significant move into arthouse cinema, starring opposite Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s film adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, *Queer* (2024). He also appeared in the romantic comedy *The Other Zoey*.

Carlacia Grant (Cleo)

• Full Name: Carlacia Grant
• Born: January 18, 1991
• Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut
• Career Start: American actress of Jamaican descent who left school to pursue acting.
• Outer Banks Character: Cleo, a street-smart, tough-as-nails ally who joins the Pogues after their adventures in the Bahamas and eventually becomes part of the core crew.
• Latest Projects: Grant has become a series regular on *Outer Banks* and continues to be a rising star known for her powerful performances.

The Final Hunt: What We Know About Outer Banks Season 5

The biggest news for fans is the confirmation that *Outer Banks* will conclude with its fifth season. This decision allows the writers to craft a definitive ending for the Pogues vs Kooks saga, finally resolving the ongoing treasure hunt and the complex relationships that define the show. Filming for the final season is scheduled to continue through late 2025, with a projected release window between Spring and Fall 2026. This timeline is intended to give the production team the necessary time to deliver a satisfying, high-stakes conclusion. All of the main cast members are expected to return, ensuring that the core group will be together for one final, massive adventure.

From The Cut to Hollywood: The Cast’s Topical Authority Beyond the Show

The success of *Outer Banks* has been pivotal in launching the cast members into diverse and high-profile careers, establishing their topical authority beyond the world of teen drama. The new roles they are taking on demonstrate a clear strategy to diversify their portfolios and shed their "Pogue" and "Kook" labels. Jonathan Daviss's casting as Snoop Dogg is a testament to his dramatic range and ability to tackle a real-life, iconic figure, a significant departure from the Pope Heyward character. Similarly, Drew Starkey’s role in the highly anticipated art-house film *Queer* shows his commitment to challenging, character-driven projects. The cast’s collective career trajectory is a strong indicator of the show's cultural impact. They are no longer just young actors; they are major players in the entertainment industry, balancing the emotional demands of their final season with the excitement of new, independent projects. Fans can expect the final season to be the most intense yet, as the story wraps up the loose ends of the gold and the cross of Santo Domingo, offering a final, emotional farewell to the characters who defined the teen drama landscape of the 2020s.