Topher Grace makes a dramatic impact with his Netflix villain role in the family crime drama series The Waterfront, which premiered on June 19, 2025, and quickly soared to number one on the platform’s English-language TV chart. Grace, best known for playing Eric Foreman on That 70’s Show, doesn’t appear until midway through the series, but his performance as Grady, a menacing and unpredictable drug supplier in Havenport, North Carolina, stands out as one of his most compelling characters since BlacKkKlansman.
Upon arrival in The Waterfront, Grace’s portrayal of Grady injects a wild energy comparable to a classic comic book villain, creating fierce tension with Holt McCallany’s character. His performance disrupts the town’s fragile balance, pushing the narrative in unexpected directions and reminiscent of his darker roles in acclaimed films.
Grace’s Evolution from Sitcom Star to Acclaimed Antagonist
Grace’s transition from lighthearted television roles to powerful antagonists showcases a significant evolution in his career. While he first garnered fame in That 70’s Show, he began exploring morally complex characters in projects like Black Mirror, where he played tech entrepreneur Billy Bauer, and Mel Gibson’s Flight Risk, where he took on the part of the conflicted informant Winston. Most of Grace’s past television and film work featured him as a charming and often comedic leading man, but key titles like Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman allowed him to step into a truly villainous space. In BlacKkKlansman, Grace portrayed David Duke alongside John David Washington, Adam Driver, and Alec Baldwin, delivering a performance that turned heads and earned critical acclaim.
With The Waterfront, Grace lands his most intimidating role since BlacKkKlansman, bringing a rawness and unpredictability that further cements his range as an actor. Even though he appeared in Heretic in 2024, the part wasn’t villainous, making his turn as Grady a standout for fans and critics alike. His future projects, including a role in John Patton Ford’s upcoming film Huntington alongside Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Bill Camp, and Ed Harris, hint at even broader horizons.
A Role Designed with Topher Grace in Mind
The Waterfront’s creator, Kevin Williamson, widely recognized for his work on Scream and Dawson’s Creek, purposely crafted the part of Grady for Topher Grace, seeking an actor who could bring a unique mix of charisma and danger to the character.
“I wanted someone who was so darn likable, and someone that we knew to be so darn cute and funny and winning in all those ways in which you don’t usually see a psychotic psychopath, a horrible person.”
—Kevin Williamson, Creator
Grace’s performance efficiently captures the nuances of a villain who is both magnetic and terrifying, drawing viewers deeper into the drama of Havenport. The contrast between his comedic legacy and the grim nature of Grady’s actions elevates the series, creating moments that are both thrilling and unexpectedly human.
The show’s most suspenseful episodes are often propelled by Grace’s intense energy as Grady, adding an essential layer of intrigue and unpredictability that makes The Waterfront stand out on Netflix’s competitive slate. His ability to switch between charm and menace with ease becomes one of the show’s strongest assets.
“I like when really, really, really nice, funny people do really evil things. He really plays the duality very well.”
—Kevin Williamson, Creator
While Grady’s storyline reaches a conclusion that makes a return seem unlikely for season two, the performance is already being regarded as a career-defining turn for Grace. Fans of his work in both television and film are hopeful this renewed acclaim leads him to even more roles where he can explore the darker corners of his talent.
The Ensemble Cast Adds Depth to The Waterfront
Alongside Topher Grace, The Waterfront features a talented ensemble including Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley and Maria Bello as Mae Buckley, whose performances ground the story amid the escalating chaos. Their characters’ interactions with Grace’s Grady form the heart of the series’ most pivotal moments, ensuring the clash between good and evil remains at the narrative’s core.
Set in the fictional coastal community of Havenport, North Carolina, the unfolding events—driven by Grady’s ruthless ambitions—create high stakes that test the limits of every family in the town. Well-developed supporting characters and a dynamic setting anchor the series firmly in Netflix’s tradition of intense, character-driven drama.
Impact of Grace’s Performance and What the Future Holds
Grace’s Netflix villain role in The Waterfront has set a new standard for his career, reminding viewers and critics alike of his remarkable dynamism and skill in embodying complex antagonists. The character of Grady, both written and performed with deliberate intensity, stands alongside his portrayal of David Duke in BlacKkKlansman as one of the most chilling and memorable in recent television.
Although the fate of Grady means Grace is unlikely to return to The Waterfront, the success of his performance highlights the potential for further roles in this vein. As audience demand for nuanced villains continues to grow, and with upcoming appearances in major film projects, Topher Grace’s place in the pantheon of unforgettable screen antagonists appears only just beginning.
