From Zach Barnes To Prime Video Lead: 7 Shocking Career Moves Of Matt Cornett After Bella And The Bulldogs
The character Zach Barnes, a recurring player on the beloved Nickelodeon series Bella and the Bulldogs, may have only appeared in a handful of episodes, but the actor who brought him to life has since become a major fixture in the world of teen and young adult entertainment. As of December 19, 2025, fans are often stunned to discover just how dramatically his career has transformed, moving from the sidelines of a high school football comedy to starring roles on major streaming platforms.
The journey of Matt Cornett, the man behind the Bulldogs' teammate, is a classic Hollywood success story. It’s a testament to the power of a small, foundational role leading to massive opportunities, culminating in a string of high-profile projects that have secured his status as one of the industry's most sought-after young stars. His career trajectory post-Nickelodeon is nothing short of remarkable, featuring major Disney franchises and a highly anticipated Prime Video adaptation.
Matt Cornett: The Man Behind Zach Barnes—Complete Biography & Profile
Matt Cornett, the actor and singer who portrayed Zach Barnes, has built an impressive resume since his time at the fictional Westgate High. His early work laid the groundwork for a career defined by musical talent and compelling character portrayals.
- Full Name: Matt Cornett
- Date of Birth: October 6, 1998
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 27 years old
- Place of Birth: Rogers, Arkansas, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actor, Singer
- Notable Early Role: Zach Barnes in Bella and the Bulldogs (2015–2016)
- Breakout Role: E.J. Caswell in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019–2023)
- Award Recognition: Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series – Recurring Young Actor (2016) for Bella and the Bulldogs.
- Relationship Status: Has been publicly linked to social media personality Brookelynn Elizabeth.
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
Cornett's career began with several small roles before landing the recurring part of Zach Barnes, a role that brought him early recognition and even a significant industry award. This initial success provided the momentum he needed to transition to even bigger projects in the years that followed.
The Zach Barnes Era: A Foundation for Stardom
Zach Barnes was a supportive, albeit minor, member of the Westgate High Bulldogs football team. He appeared in six episodes across the two-season run of Bella and the Bulldogs, which aired from 2015 to 2016.
The Recurring Role That Won an Award
While the show focused primarily on Bella Dawson (Brec Bassinger), Troy Dixon (Coy Stewart), and the core football players like Sawyer Huggins (Jackie Radinsky) and Newt Van Der Rohe (Buddy Handleson), Zach Barnes was a consistent presence. His performance, even in a recurring capacity, did not go unnoticed by industry critics. In 2016, Matt Cornett won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series – Recurring Young Actor (14–21) for his work on the show.
This award victory early in his career proved that Cornett possessed a talent that transcended the typical Disney or Nickelodeon supporting role. It validated his move to Los Angeles and his dedication to acting, setting the stage for his major breakout just a few years later.
From Nickelodeon to Disney+ Royalty: The E.J. Caswell Phenomenon
The most significant pivot in Matt Cornett's career came when he was cast as E.J. Caswell in the Disney+ mockumentary series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS). The role was a stark contrast to Zach Barnes, requiring him to showcase his singing, dancing, and dramatic acting chops.
E.J. Caswell began as the arrogant, preppy jock but evolved into a fan-favorite character with a complex emotional arc. He was a central figure in the show's first three seasons, often performing lead musical numbers and exploring themes of self-discovery and leadership. The global success of HSMTMTS instantly elevated Cornett to an international teen idol status, a massive step up from his Nickelodeon days.
The Next Chapter: Matt Cornett’s Latest and Upcoming Projects (2024-2025)
For fans wondering "where are they now," Matt Cornett is not slowing down. His recent and upcoming projects, particularly in 2025, demonstrate a clear move toward more mature and leading roles, proving he has successfully navigated the transition from child star to adult actor. These are the career moves securing his future in Hollywood.
1. Landing the Lead in Prime Video's 'Every Summer After'
The most current and exciting news about Matt Cornett is his casting as the male lead in the highly anticipated Prime Video series, Every Summer After. This adaptation of Carley Fortune’s best-selling novel is a major move, positioning him as the star of a premium streaming drama.
The series is set to be a significant moment in his career, moving him beyond the Disney ecosystem and into a more mainstream, adult-oriented romantic drama. This role is a clear indication that he is being taken seriously as a leading man in the industry today.
2. Starring in the 2025 Film 'Summer of 69'
Cornett is also set to star in the upcoming 2025 film Summer of 69. This project, while details are still emerging, further solidifies his presence on the big screen and his commitment to diverse film roles.
3. Disney's 'Zombies 3' (2022)
Before his recent Prime Video announcement, Cornett starred as A-Lan in the popular Disney Channel Original Movie, Zombies 3. This musical film showcased his versatility, allowing him to play an alien character and once again utilize his singing and dancing talents.
4. The Young Artist Award Win (2016)
While a past event, the 2016 Young Artist Award for his work as Zach Barnes remains a pivotal and often overlooked achievement. It was a crucial early validation that distinguished him from his peers.
5. The Transition to Directing/Producing on HSMTMTS
In the later seasons of HSMTMTS, his character E.J. Caswell took on the role of a student director for the musical, a narrative development that mirrored his growing maturity and leadership on set. This final arc in the Disney series served as a perfect transition point for his next career phase.
6. Exploring Music as a Solo Artist
Beyond acting, Matt Cornett has leveraged his musical exposure from HSMTMTS to explore his own singing career. While he hasn't released a full album, his performances on the Disney+ soundtrack have demonstrated his vocal range and potential as a recording artist, a path many former Disney stars follow.
7. A Diverse Filmography Beyond Teen Roles
His work extends beyond the teen genre. Cornett has appeared in television series such as Criminal Minds (2016), The Middle (2016), and the movie Alex & Me (2018). These roles demonstrate a willingness to take on varied material, building a foundation of experience that supports his current leading-man status.
In summary, the actor who played Zach Barnes is no longer defined by his time on the Nickelodeon football field. Matt Cornett has successfully parlayed a small, award-winning recurring role into a thriving career, with recent major credits on Disney+ and a highly anticipated leading role on Prime Video in 2025. His story is a powerful example of how a foundational role can launch a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.
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