27 Rising Stars Set To Dominate Hollywood
Hollywood’s next generation has arrived, breaking records and rewriting the rules. Box office champions and award-winning performers prove age is no barrier to screen magic.
Rising stars are set to dominate everything from blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed indies. These faces will be everywhere, on red carpets, in trailers, and in every must-watch scene.
Hollywood’s future is impossible to miss.
1. Anna Cathcart
With 11 million social media followers and counting, this Canadian powerhouse turned Netflix’s Xo, Kitty into an instant sensation. The spinoff pulled 14.3 million views in week one, proving Cathcart’s star power extends far beyond her breakout role.
Beyond acting, she’s lending her voice to The Angry Birds Movie 3 and narrating Audible’s Middlebridge Mysteries. Brands like Fujifilm and Aveeno are lining up to work with her infectious energy and genuine charm that resonates across generations.
2. Miles Caton
Making your film debut in a Ryan Coogler project? That’s already impressive.
Co-writing an original song for that same soundtrack that earns critical acclaim? That’s next-level talent right there.
Sinners showcased Caton’s acting chops while “I Lied to You” displayed his musical gifts. He toured with H.E.R., dropped original tracks, and snagged the 2025 Astra Midseason Award for Best Supporting Actor.
This multi-talented performer isn’t just entering Hollywood, he’s claiming his territory with confidence.
3. Auli’i Cravalho
Voicing Moana once was magical, but bringing her back for a billion-dollar sequel? That’s legendary status.
Moana 2Mean Girls: The Musical sailed past expectations while Cravalho conquered Broadway in .
She’s executive producing Disney’s 2026 live-action Moana while partnering with Aloha United Way and UN Small Island Developing States. Her commitment to Pacific Islander representation and youth empowerment shows she understands fame comes with responsibility, using her platform to uplift communities worldwide.
4. Mikey Madison
An Oscar win for Anora would be enough for most careers, yet Madison is just warming up. Sean Baker’s film showcased raw talent Hollywood could not ignore, propelling her into fashion’s elite circles.
Dior named her their global ambassador while Prada and Bottega Veneta came calling. She hosted SNL in 2025, bringing her Scream franchise humor to Studio 8H.
From horror queen to Oscar royalty, Madison’s transformation proves versatility wins in today’s entertainment landscape.
5. Jenna Ortega
Wednesday Addams never looked this cool until Ortega brought her iconic deadpan delivery to Netflix. The series became a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless TikTok trends and Halloween costumes worldwide.
Commitment to character authenticity, including learning cello for the role, shows dedication beyond typical teen performances. Balancing blockbusters like Scream VI with artistic projects proves young actors can choose quality over quantity.
Ortega’s selective approach to roles demonstrates wisdom beyond years in navigating stardom’s tricky waters.
6. Timothée Chalamet
From indie darling to Dune franchise leader, Chalamet’s career trajectory reads like a masterclass in smart choices. His Paul Atreides brought gravitas to Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic while maintaining his arthouse credibility.
Playing Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic showcases his commitment to transformation and musical talent. His Venice Film Festival appearances generate headlines rivaling his performances, making him equally influential in fashion and film.
Chalamet represents a new breed of leading man, intellectual yet accessible, proving Hollywood hungers for complexity.
7. Zendaya
Two Emmy wins before 30? Zendaya’s making that look effortless while dominating both EuphoriaDune and the franchise.
Her Rue Bennett performance changed television’s approach to teen storytelling, tackling addiction with unflinching honesty.
As Chani in Dune, she holds her own against veteran actors in massive desert epics. Her fashion choices at premieres consistently break the internet, with designers competing for her attention.
Zendaya’s ability to balance blockbusters with prestige TV while becoming a style icon defines modern superstardom.
8. Florence Pugh
Oscar nominations and Marvel superhero roles before 30 showcases Pugh’s incredible range. Little Women proved her dramatic chops while Black Widow introduced her to franchise filmmaking’s massive scale.
A willingness to take risks, spanning horror films, period dramas, and action blockbusters, keeps audiences guessing what comes next. Pugh’s outspoken personality and authenticity on social media foster genuine connections with fans.
Pugh represents actors who refuse to be pigeonholed, seeking diverse roles that challenge considerable talents.
9. Austin Butler
Becoming Elvis Presley wasn’t just acting, it was complete transformation that earned Butler an Oscar nomination. Baz Luhrmann’s biopic required singing, dancing, and channeling the King’s magnetism, which Butler delivered spectacularly.
The voice reportedly stayed Elvis-inflected for months after filming, showing dedication to craft that old Hollywood would recognize. Joining Dune: Part Three and other major projects proves the Presley performance was no fluke.
Butler’s method approach and commitment to authenticity position him as this generation’s most serious young actor.
10. Anya Taylor-Joy
Those distinctive eyes captivated millions in The Queen’s Gambit, making chess cool for an entire generation. Her Beth Harmon became a pandemic-era icon, earning Taylor-Joy an Emmy and global recognition.
Period pieces like Emma and the Mad Max prequel Furiosa showcase mastery across every genre imaginable. Multilingual abilities, fluent in Spanish and English, open international opportunities few actors can access.
Taylor-Joy’s otherworldly presence combined with serious acting skills creates unforgettable performances that linger long after the credits roll.
11. Tom Holland
Three Spider-Man solo films plus Avengers appearances made Holland the definitive web-slinger for an entire generation. His Peter Parker perfectly balances teenage awkwardness with superhero responsibility, capturing what makes the character timeless.
Beyond the suit, he’s tackling dramatic roles in Apple TV’s The Crowded Room and preparing for more diverse projects. His chemistry with co-stars and genuine enthusiasm for the role endears him to fans worldwide.
Holland’s grounded personality despite massive fame shows maturity that’ll sustain a long career.
12. Sydney Sweeney
Euphoria and The White Lotus showcased Sweeney’s range, from troubled teen to entitled vacationer. The ability to inhabit complex, sometimes unlikable characters demonstrates fearlessness that separates good actors from great ones.
Producing projects through Fifty-Fifty Films gives Sweeney early control over career trajectory. Business savvy combined with undeniable talent creates a powerful combination, while openness about industry challenges and financial realities resonates with aspiring actors navigating Hollywood’s complicated landscape today.
13. Jacob Elordi
Standing 6’5″ and dominating scenes in Euphoria as the complicated Nate Jacobs, Elordi commands attention effortlessly. His portrayal of toxic masculinity sparked important conversations about teen relationships and mental health.
Playing Elvis Presley in PriscillaThe Kissing Booth showed Sofia Coppola trusted him with nuanced, challenging material beyond teen dramas. The Australian actor’s transition from to prestige projects demonstrates smart career navigation.
Elordi’s willingness to explore dark, complex characters while maintaining leading man status creates fascinating career possibilities ahead.
14. Milly Alcock
Young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon introduced audiences to an actress who could carry HBO’s biggest franchise. Alcock’s portrayal of the princess’s early years established emotional foundations for the entire series.
Though her episodes were limited, her impact resonated throughout the season, proving star quality isn’t about screen time. Now she’s joining the DC Universe as Supergirl, trading dragons for superheroes.
Alcock’s ability to anchor massive fantasy productions at such a young age suggests she’ll be leading blockbusters for decades.
15. Paul Mescal
Normal People turned an Irish miniseries into a global phenomenon, with Mescal’s Connell becoming the internet’s boyfriend overnight. His chain necklace sparked fashion trends while his vulnerable performance earned critical acclaim.
An Oscar nomination for AftersunGladiator 2 proved his talent extends beyond romantic dramas into deeply emotional territory. Now he’s starring in , trading indie films for Ridley Scott’s Roman epic.
Mescal’s journey from unknown Irish actor to Hollywood leading man happened remarkably fast, yet feels completely earned.
16. Sadie Sink
Max Mayfield’s Stranger Things journey from new kid to fan favorite showcased Sink’s ability to blend humor with heartbreak. Her Season 4 performance, particularly “Running Up That Hill” episode, became television’s most talked-about moment.
Transitioning to films like The Whale alongside Brendan Fraser proves Sink’s range extends beyond Hawkins, Indiana. Emotional availability on screen creates performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
Youth combined with veteran-level skills positions Sink perfectly for leading roles as maturity takes her beyond teen parts.
17. Xochitl Gomez
America Chavez’s introduction in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness marked Marvel’s commitment to diverse young heroes. Gomez held her own against Benedict Cumberbatch, bringing authenticity to the dimension-hopping teenager.
Her Marvel role opens doors to franchise opportunities while establishing her as a role model for young Latina audiences. Beyond superheroes, she’s pursuing varied projects that showcase her range.
Gomez represents Hollywood’s future, where diverse casting isn’t just inclusion but recognition that great talent comes from everywhere.
18. Walker Scobell
Landing Percy Jackson after impressing in The Adam Project with Ryan Reynolds shows Scobell’s natural charisma. Disney+ bet their entire Greek mythology franchise on this young actor’s shoulders, and early reactions suggest they chose wisely.
Comedic timing and action skills, rare in someone so young, make him ideal for the beloved demigod role. Scobell’s social media presence shows genuine excitement about the character, endearing him to longtime fans.
Success of the series could see him leading one of television’s biggest franchises through multiple seasons.
19. Bella Ramsey
Ellie in The Last of Us required an actor who could convey trauma, humor, and hope simultaneously. Ramsey, already known from Game of Thrones as fierce Lyanna Mormont, delivered a performance that matched the beloved video game.
Their chemistry with Pedro Pascal created television’s most compelling post-apocalyptic duo. Ramsey’s willingness to discuss their non-binary identity openly creates visibility for LGBTQ+ youth in entertainment.
Their talent transcends any single role, promising a career filled with complex, challenging characters that push boundaries and expectations.
20. Emma Myers
Enid Sinclair’s rainbow-colored werewolf personality provided perfect contrast to Wednesday’s darkness. Myers brought genuine warmth and humor to Wednesday, creating the show’s emotional heart.
Chemistry with Jenna Ortega sparked fan theories and countless TikToks celebrating their friendship. Myers represents actors who understand social media’s power without letting it define craft.
The ability to steal scenes while supporting the lead demonstrates ensemble skills that will serve well. Myers is poised to headline her own projects soon.
21. Leah Sava Jeffries
Annabeth Chase represents one of children’s literature’s most beloved characters, and Jeffries faced intense scrutiny when cast. Her performance silenced critics, delivering the intelligence and strength fans demanded.
Playing a strategic genius warrior requires presence beyond typical teen performances, which Jeffries provides naturally. Advocacy for diverse casting in fantasy shows maturity and understanding of representation’s importance.
Success of Percy Jackson could see co-lead status alongside Scobell. Jeffries represents progress in Hollywood’s approach to adapting beloved source material inclusively.
22. Asher Angel
Billy Batson in Shazam! required an actor who could match Zachary Levi’s comedic energy while providing the character’s emotional core. Angel balanced superhero spectacle with genuine teen awkwardness perfectly.
Angel’s music career alongside acting shows he’s building a multi-platform entertainment presence. As DC’s universe evolves, his future as Shazam remains bright.
Young actors who can anchor superhero franchises while staying grounded possess rare, valuable skills.
23. Mckenna Grace
From Gifted to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Grace has been impressing audiences since childhood. Her ability to convey intelligence and emotional depth makes her perfect for complex young characters.
Playing Egon Spengler’s granddaughter required honoring franchise history while creating something new, which Grace accomplished beautifully. Her horror work in Malignant and other projects shows range beyond family-friendly fare.
Grace represents child actors successfully transitioning to teen roles without the typical pitfalls. Her consistent quality across genres suggests a long, varied career ahead.
24. Ariana Greenblatt
Barbie’s massive success introduced Greenblatt to global audiences as Sasha, Barbie’s cynical young critic. Her performance grounded the fantasy in relatable teen reality, providing necessary perspective.
Joining Borderlands and other action franchises proves Greenblatt can handle stunts and comedy equally well. An early start in Hollywood, including Disney Channel work, prepared her for bigger opportunities.
Latina heritage brings representation to major franchises that often lack diversity. Greenblatt is poised to headline action films as she transitions into more prominent roles.
25. Noah Schnapp
Will Byers anchored Stranger Things from the beginning, even when he was missing for most of Season 1. Schnapp’s portrayal of trauma and its lasting effects provided the show’s emotional foundation.
The coming-out storyline in later seasons resonated with LGBTQ+ youth, handled with sensitivity and authenticity. Schnapp’s willingness to discuss his own sexuality sparked important conversations about representation.
Beyond Stranger Things, he is exploring production and directing, showing interest in work behind the camera.
The transition from child actor to young adult performer feels natural and promising.
26. Millicent Simmonds
Deaf representation in mainstream horror was revolutionary when A Quiet Place cast Simmonds. Her performance required no spoken dialogue yet communicated everything through expression and sign language.
Advocacy for authentic deaf representation on set included consulting on ASL accuracy and character development. Simmonds proved disabled actors bring authenticity that hearing actors cannot replicate.
Continued work in film challenges Hollywood’s ableist casting practices.
The impact of young audiences seeing deaf heroes on screen cannot be overstated, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusion.
