Michael Eklund may have the looks that could easily land him leading man roles, but at his core, Michael Eklund has always leaned toward the craft of a true character actor. Rather than seeking the spotlight, Michael Eklund has embraced roles that allow him to disappear into the background, often thriving in parts that demand subtlety and depth over glamour. In Canada, fans are most likely to recognize Michael Eklund for his portrayal of the morally ambiguous Detective Rene Desjardins on the CBC crime series Intelligence (2006–07), set in Vancouver, British Columbia. His compelling performance in the intense 10-part drama Terminal City (The Movie Network, 2005) also left a strong impression, as did his role as the troubled ex-con Aaron in the 2007 crime thriller Walk All Over Me.
For American audiences, though, Michael Eklund made a memorable mark with his chilling turn as the antagonist in the 2013 suspense film The Call, starring Halle Berry. He also stood out in a guest appearance on the beloved sci-fi series Fringe (Fox, 2008–13), where he played a mysterious experimental patient—another example of how Michael Eklund excels in unsettling, off-kilter roles. Inspired by the legacy of classic character actors, Michael Eklund has adopted a chameleon-like approach to his career, finding creative fulfillment in transformation. Early on, he made a personal commitment never to reject a role outright, challenging himself to uncover value and nuance even in smaller or genre-driven projects. That open-minded dedication is exactly what continues to define Michael Eklund’s evolving journey in film and television.
When it comes to Michael Eklund’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Into the Forest (2015) as his standout performance—this movie stands out as Michael Eklund’s highest rated film by a noticeable margin. It’s clear that Michael Eklund brought a powerful presence to that role, earning both audience praise and strong reviews. On the other end of the spectrum, Michael Eklund appeared in House of the Dead (2003), which, unfortunately, turned out to be his lowest rated movie to date. While Michael Eklund has taken on a wide range of roles over the years, these two films mark the high and low points in terms of critical reception. Still, Michael Eklund continues to be a compelling figure in independent and genre cinema.