From Mermaid To Werewolf: Phoebe Tonkin’s 7 Must-Watch TV Shows And Her Next Big Role In 2025

Phoebe Tonkin has carved out a unique and powerful niche in the television landscape, transitioning seamlessly from Australian teen fantasy to major American supernatural drama and, most recently, to gritty, character-driven crime thrillers. As of December 15, 2025, her career is experiencing a fresh resurgence with highly anticipated projects that promise to showcase her dramatic range beyond the iconic roles of Cleo Sertori and Hayley Marshall.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the Australian actress's television journey, detailing her most pivotal performances and providing the freshest updates on her upcoming series, including the exciting new crime adaptation, The Dark Lake, solidifying her status as a global screen presence.

Phoebe Tonkin: Complete Biography and Profile

Phoebe Jane Elizabeth Tonkin is an Australian actress and model known globally for her work in fantasy and supernatural television. Her career trajectory is a masterclass in successfully navigating the industry from a teen idol to a respected dramatic artist.

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• Full Name: Phoebe Jane Elizabeth Tonkin
• Born: July 12, 1989
• Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Early Training: Attended the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)
• Breakthrough Role: Cleo Sertori in H2O: Just Add Water (2006–2010)
• Major US Roles: Faye Chamberlain in The Secret Circle and Hayley Marshall-Kenner in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.
• Other Ventures: Co-founder of the health and wellness website Your Zen Life (now defunct) and a Chanel brand ambassador.
• Current Focus: Starring in Australian and international television series, often taking on more complex, adult roles.

The Definitive List of Phoebe Tonkin’s Most Iconic TV Roles

Phoebe Tonkin’s television career is defined by a series of high-profile roles, many of which have achieved cult status, particularly within the supernatural genre. Her ability to embody complex characters—from a shy mermaid to a fierce werewolf-vampire hybrid—has made her a fan favorite across multiple continents.

1. H2O: Just Add Water (2006–2010) as Cleo Sertori

This is the role that introduced Phoebe Tonkin to the world. H2O: Just Add Water was an immensely popular Network Ten fantasy series about three teenage girls who are transformed into mermaids.

Tonkin played Cleo Sertori, the timid and slightly awkward member of the trio, who often struggled to control her new powers. The show’s global success established her as a prominent figure in teen television and remains a nostalgic favorite for millions. It was her first major acting role after training at the Australian Theatre for Young People.

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2. The Secret Circle (2011–2012) as Faye Chamberlain

After finding success in Australia, Tonkin moved to the US and quickly landed a lead role in The CW's supernatural drama, The Secret Circle, based on the L.J. Smith book series.

As Faye Chamberlain, Tonkin played a rebellious, often cynical witch who was initially reluctant to join the new "Circle." This role was a significant departure from Cleo Sertori, allowing her to explore a darker, more complex character. Although the series was short-lived, it was a crucial stepping stone that kept her in the CW network's orbit.

3. The Vampire Diaries (2012–2013) as Hayley Marshall

Phoebe Tonkin’s entry into the massively successful Vampire Diaries universe was a game-changer. She was introduced in Season 4 as Hayley Marshall, a mysterious and fiercely independent werewolf who comes to Mystic Falls searching for answers about her past.

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Her guest-starring arc quickly gained traction, setting the stage for her most enduring and recognized role in the franchise’s spin-off. The character's popularity and chemistry with the cast were undeniable, leading directly to her main role in the next series.

4. The Originals (2013–2018) as Hayley Marshall-Kenner

For five seasons, Tonkin was a central figure in The Originals, reprising her role as Hayley Marshall-Kenner.

The series followed the original vampire family (the Mikaelsons) as they returned to New Orleans. Hayley evolved from a lone werewolf to a powerful hybrid, a mother to the unique Hope Mikaelson, and a leader of her pack. The role demanded intense emotional depth, action sequences, and a consistent portrayal of a strong female character. This long-running series solidified her international fame and is arguably her most defining television work.

5. Safe (2018) as Nicole Clark

Following the conclusion of The Originals, Tonkin took on a supporting but impactful role in the Netflix mystery-thriller miniseries Safe, created by crime author Harlan Coben.

She played Nicole Clark, a teacher who becomes entangled in a web of secrets after a murder in a wealthy, gated community. This role was part of her intentional shift toward more grounded, non-supernatural dramas, showcasing her versatility.

6. Bloom (2019–2020) as Young Gwen Reed

Returning to Australian television, Tonkin starred in the Stan original series Bloom, a mystery drama with a sci-fi twist.

She played the younger version of the main character, Gwen Reed (the older version played by Jacki Weaver). The series explored themes of youth, aging, and regret through a mysterious plant that restores vitality. The dual-role setup allowed Tonkin to deliver a nuanced performance as a woman grappling with her past life choices.

7. Boy Swallows Universe (2024) as Fran Bell

One of Phoebe Tonkin’s most recent and critically acclaimed projects is the Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton’s beloved Australian novel, Boy Swallows Universe.

The series, which premiered in early 2024, is set in 1980s Brisbane and is a coming-of-age story mixed with crime and magic. Tonkin's involvement as Fran Bell, the mother of the protagonist, showcased her commitment to Australian storytelling and her ability to anchor a powerful ensemble cast in a contemporary, high-production drama.

What’s Next? Phoebe Tonkin’s Highly Anticipated Upcoming Projects

The actress is currently focused on two major television projects, both of which are set to premiere in 2025 and highlight her move into the crime and thriller genres, cementing her status as a serious dramatic actor.

The Dark Lake: Stepping into the Crime Genre

Phoebe Tonkin is set to star as the lead in the television adaptation of Sarah Bailey’s bestselling crime novel, The Dark Lake.

She will portray Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock, a complex and troubled police officer in a small, isolated Australian town. The series follows Gemma as she investigates the murder of a former high school classmate, forcing her to confront secrets from her past. This role marks a significant career milestone, as it is her first time leading a major crime series and playing a detective. Production details suggest a strong, gritty performance is on the horizon.

Two Years Later: A New Paramount+ Thriller

In another exciting development, Tonkin is joining fellow Australian actor Brenton Thwaites in the new Paramount+ series, Two Years Later.

While specific character details are currently under wraps, the series is described as a suspenseful thriller. The pairing of two established Australian talents for a major streaming service production underscores the high demand for Tonkin’s work and her continued influence in the global television market, promising a compelling watch for fans of the mystery genre.

The Evolution of Phoebe Tonkin’s Topical Authority

The sheer breadth of Phoebe Tonkin’s roles demonstrates a strategic evolution in her career. She has successfully leveraged the massive following gained from the supernatural world—the "Vampire Diaries Universe" and the fantasy of *H2O*—to transition into more mature, critically focused dramas.

Her work with major entities like Netflix (Boy Swallows Universe), Paramount+ (Two Years Later), and her upcoming role as Detective Gemma Woodstock in The Dark Lake show a clear commitment to complex character work. She is no longer just Cleo the mermaid or Hayley the hybrid; she is a versatile Australian actress capable of anchoring demanding television productions, solidifying her topical authority across fantasy, mystery, and serious drama genres.

Fans who followed her journey from the Network Ten days to the heights of The CW are excited to see her bring her signature intensity to the world of Australian crime thrillers, making her 2025 projects some of the most anticipated releases in her career.