Julian is best known for his role in the movie Once Were Warriors from 1994, where he plays Nig Heke, the son of Jake "the Muss" and Beth Heke. Arahanga also stars in the sequel What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? from 1999, that centers around Jake's search for redemption after the first movie. Again, he plays the son.
Also in 1999, he starred in the action-sci fi movie The Matrix playing the role of Apoc.
