The Most Promising Actresses Set to Become Huge Stars

The landscape of Hollywood is constantly evolving as a new generation of performers takes center stage in major franchises and prestige dramas. These actresses have demonstrated significant range across streaming platforms and theatrical releases, securing leading roles in highly anticipated projects. From breakout stars of independent cinema to those helming blockbuster reboots, their upcoming schedules suggest a permanent shift in the industry’s hierarchy. The following list identifies the talent currently shaping the future of global entertainment through diverse and compelling performances.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler transitioned from a viral social media presence to a major film lead after being selected by Steven Spielberg for ‘West Side Story’. She followed this performance by starring as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’, which solidified her status as a franchise lead. Her upcoming projects include the lead role in the live-action ‘Snow White’ and a voice role in the animated film ‘Spellbound’. Zegler’s career trajectory is defined by a consistent presence in high-budget musical and action productions.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Sydney Adamu in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Bear’. She has expanded her repertoire with voice work in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Big Mouth’. Her film credits include the comedy ‘Bottoms’ and a supporting role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe entry ‘Thunderbolts*’. Edebiri continues to balance high-profile television commitments with diverse roles in independent and studio films.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny garnered critical attention for her performance as the titular character in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’. She previously appeared in ‘Mare of Easttown’ and the science fiction thriller ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’. In 2024, she led the cast of ‘Civil War’ and played the primary protagonist in ‘Alien: Romulus’. Her ability to anchor major genre films has established her as a sought-after lead for prestigious directors.

Sophie Wilde

Sophie Wilde became a breakout star following her performance in the 2023 horror film ‘Talk to Me’. This role led to her casting in the Netflix series ‘Everything Now’ and the BBC production ‘Boy Swallows Universe’. She has been announced as a lead in the upcoming ‘Watch Dogs’ film adaptation based on the popular video game franchise. Wilde is recognized for her intense dramatic range and her successful transition from Australian television to international cinema.

Mia Goth

Mia Goth has established herself as a modern icon in the horror genre through her collaborations with director Ti West. She played dual roles in ‘X’ and returned for the prequel ‘Pearl’, which she also co-wrote. Goth completed the trilogy with ‘MaXXXine’ and is set to appear in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming ‘Frankenstein’ adaptation. Her career is characterized by transformative physical performances and a commitment to unconventional storytelling.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega achieved global stardom through her portrayal of the lead character in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Prior to this, she appeared in the ‘Scream’ franchise as Tara Carpenter and starred in ‘X’. She is set to appear in the sequel ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ as the daughter of Lydia Deetz. Ortega’s influence spans across horror and comedy, making her one of the most recognizable faces of her generation.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell first gained significant notice for her role in ‘Waves’, which earned her critical acclaim. She later starred alongside Timothée Chalamet in the Luca Guadagnino film ‘Bones and All’. Her recent stage work includes a lead role in the play ‘The Effect’ at the National Theatre in London. Russell is frequently cited for her nuanced performances in character-driven dramas and her expanding presence in the fashion industry.

Emma Mackey

Emma Mackey is widely known for her role as Maeve Wiley in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. She successfully transitioned to film with a lead role in ‘Emily’ and a supporting part in the global blockbuster ‘Barbie’. Mackey appeared in ‘Death on the Nile’ and is scheduled to star in the upcoming film ‘Hot Milk’. Her career is moving toward prestige period pieces and high-concept studio features.

Milly Alcock

Milly Alcock rose to international fame playing the young Rhaenyra Targaryen in the HBO series ‘House of the Dragon’. Following this breakout, she was cast as Kara Zor-El in the upcoming DC Universe film ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’. She has appeared in the Australian series ‘Upright’ and performed on the London stage in ‘The Crucible’. Alcock’s selection for a major superhero franchise marks a significant step in her transition to Hollywood lead status.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey earned critical praise for their roles as Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’ and Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’. They also starred in the period comedy ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ and voiced a lead character in ‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget’. Ramsey has been cast in the upcoming period drama ‘Monstrous Beauty’. Their career focuses on high-intensity dramatic roles and acclaimed television adaptations.

Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani made her acting debut as Kamala Khan in the Disney+ series ‘Ms. Marvel’. She reprised the role in the feature film ‘The Marvels’, marking her first appearance in a major theatrical release. Vellani has also contributed to the Marvel Comics medium by co-writing ‘Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant’. Her career is currently centered on her central role within the expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Xochitl Gomez

Xochitl Gomez is best known for portraying America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. She previously starred in the first season of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ on Netflix. Gomez further raised her public profile by winning the 32nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’. She continues to be a prominent figure for younger audiences through both her film roles and media appearances.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp transitioned from modeling to a professional acting career with roles in ‘The King’ and ‘Wolf’. She gained significant media attention for her lead performance as Jocelyn in the HBO series ‘The Idol’. Her upcoming projects include a role in Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ remake. Depp’s filmography often focuses on atmospheric dramas and collaborations with established auteur directors.

Myha’la

Myha’la Herrold is the lead actress in the HBO/BBC financial drama ‘Industry’, where she plays Harper Stern. She has also appeared in the satirical horror film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the Netflix thriller ‘Leave the World Behind’. Herrold starred in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Loch Henry’, which received critical acclaim. Her career is defined by her presence in high-stakes contemporary dramas and psychological thrillers.

Ella Purnell

Ella Purnell received significant praise for her role as Lucy MacLean in the television adaptation of ‘Fallout’. She previously starred in ‘Yellowjackets’ and provided the voice for Jinx in the animated series ‘Arcane’. Her film work includes ‘Army of the Dead’ and ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’. Purnell’s recent success in major television franchises has positioned her as a prominent figure in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever gained prominence through her roles in the comedy ‘Booksmart’ and the miniseries ‘Unbelievable’. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the limited series ‘Dopesick’ and starred in the sci-fi thriller ‘No One Will Save You’. Dever has been cast as Abby in the second season of ‘The Last of Us’. Her career is notable for a wide range of roles spanning from broad comedy to intense social dramas.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney became a household name following her performances in ‘Euphoria’ and the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. She has moved into film production and starring roles with ‘Anyone But You’, ‘Immaculate’, and ‘Reality’. Sweeney also appeared in the superhero film ‘Madame Web’ as Julia Cornwall. Her rapid ascent involves a combination of high-profile television roles and producing her own theatrical vehicles.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She recently expanded into film with a significant role in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Schafer stars in the horror film ‘Cuckoo’ and is set to appear in ‘Kinds of Kindness’ directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Her career path focuses on a mix of mainstream franchises and experimental cinema.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink rose to prominence playing Max Mayfield in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. She received further acclaim for her lead role in ‘All Too Well: The Short Film’ and her performance in the film ‘The Whale’. Sink starred in the ‘Fear Street’ trilogy and is set to appear in the upcoming thriller ‘Berlin Nobody’. Her projects often lean toward emotional dramas and the horror genre.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke gained widespread recognition for her role as Robin Buckley in ‘Stranger Things’. She has since appeared in films such as ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, ‘Do Revenge’, and ‘Asteroid City’. Hawke also provided the voice for Anxiety in ‘Inside Out 2’. Her career encompasses acting in prestige ensembles and a successful parallel career in music.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Daisy Edgar-Jones became an international star after her performance in the miniseries ‘Normal People’. She followed this success with the horror-thriller ‘Fresh’ and the film adaptation of ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. In 2024, she stars in the blockbuster sequel ‘Twisters’. Edgar-Jones is frequently cast in adaptations of popular literature and high-budget action films.

Phoebe Dynevor

Phoebe Dynevor reached global fame as Daphne Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. Since then, she has transitioned into film with the financial thriller ‘Fair Play’ and the biographical drama ‘The Colour Room’. She is set to star in the upcoming shark thriller ‘Beneath the Storm’. Dynevor’s recent choices reflect a focus on mature, character-driven narratives outside of the period drama genre.

Simone Ashley

Simone Ashley is best known for her leading role as Kate Sharma in the second season of ‘Bridgerton’. She also appeared in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’ and had a role in the live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’. Her upcoming projects include the psychological thriller ‘100 Nights of Hero’. Ashley is recognized for her breakout success in streaming television and her increasing presence in international film.

India Ria Amarteifio

India Amarteifio gained critical acclaim for portraying the title character in ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’. Before this lead role, she appeared in series such as ‘Line of Duty’ and ‘Sex Education’. She has been recognized as a “Bright Young Thing” by Tatler and a “Breakout Star” by various industry publications. Her career is currently focused on high-end prestige television and British drama.

Marisa Abela

Marisa Abela is a lead in the television series ‘Industry’, where she portrays Yasmin Kara-Hanani. She gained significant attention for her portrayal of Amy Winehouse in the biographical film ‘Back to Black’. Abela also had a role in the 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie. Her career has moved from ensemble television to leading major biographical theatrical releases.

Renate Reinsve

Renate Reinsve received international acclaim and the Best Actress award at Cannes for ‘The Worst Person in the World’. Following her breakout, she appeared in the Apple TV+ series ‘Presumed Innocent’ alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. She has several English-language projects in development, including ‘A Different Man’. Reinsve is currently one of the most prominent Scandinavian actresses working in global cinema.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt is one of India’s most successful actresses and made her Hollywood debut in ‘Heart of Stone’. She has won multiple awards for her roles in films like ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and ‘Raazi’. Bhatt is set to star in the upcoming action film ‘Jigra’. Her career represents a significant crossover between the Indian film industry and global streaming platforms.

HoYeon Jung

HoYeon Jung became a global phenomenon after her debut acting role in the Netflix series ‘Squid Game’. Following the show’s success, she was cast in the Apple TV+ series ‘Disclaimer’ directed by Alfonso Cuarón. She is also set to star in the film ‘Hope’ by director Na Hong-jin. Jung has successfully leveraged her international modeling career into high-profile acting roles with acclaimed directors.

Quintessa Swindell

Quintessa Swindell is known for their role as Cyclone in the DC film ‘Black Adam’. They also starred in the Netflix series ‘Trinkets’ and appeared in the film ‘Master Gardener’ alongside Joel Edgerton. Swindell’s career includes a mix of major superhero blockbusters and independent dramas. They are frequently recognized for their distinct screen presence and rising status in the action genre.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced starred as the lead in ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ and ‘Sweet Girl’. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Madame Web’ and is set to play Hawkgirl in the upcoming ‘Superman’. Merced also appears in ‘Alien: Romulus’ and the second season of ‘The Last of Us’. Her career is heavily focused on large-scale action franchises and popular television adaptations.

Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt appeared as young Gamora in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and had a significant role in ‘Barbie’. She stars as Tiny Tina in the film adaptation of ‘Borderlands’. Her credits also include ’65’ and the Disney+ series ‘Ahsoka’. Greenblatt is established as a prominent young actress in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid had her breakout role in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and gained further fame in ‘Euphoria’. She starred in the thriller ‘Missing’ and appeared in ‘The Last of Us’, for which she won an Emmy Award. Reid also appeared in ‘The Nun II’ and ‘The Suicide Squad’. Her career balances horror, superhero franchises, and critically acclaimed television drama.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained notice in ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘The Hate U Give’. She recently took on a dual lead role in the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’. Her filmography includes ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the animated ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. Stenberg is known for choosing roles that challenge social norms and for her involvement in major sci-fi properties.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey rose to prominence as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle before being cast as Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’. She followed this lead role with a performance in the musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Bailey is set to star in an upcoming untitled Pharrell Williams musical project. Her career is characterized by a successful transition from the music industry to leading roles in major film musicals.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott gained critical attention for her roles in independent films like ‘Shiva Baby’. She co-wrote and starred in the comedy ‘Bottoms’ and appeared in the HBO series ‘The Idol’. Sennott is part of the ensemble cast for the upcoming film ‘Saturday Night’. Her career is defined by her work in the indie comedy scene and her growing influence as a writer-performer.

Geraldine Viswanathan

Geraldine Viswanathan had her breakout role in the comedy ‘Blockers’ and starred in ‘Hala’. She is a series regular on ‘Miracle Workers’ and starred in the film ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’. She has been cast in the upcoming Marvel film ‘Thunderbolts*’. Viswanathan is recognized for her comedic timing and her move into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jasmine Jobson

Jasmine Jobson is best known for her role as Jaq in the Netflix series ‘Top Boy’. She received multiple BAFTA nominations for her performance in the crime drama. Jobson has expanded into film with the lead role in the thriller ‘Surge’ and the upcoming ‘Bird’. Her career is currently focused on gritty, realistic dramas in the British film and television industry.

Nell Tiger Free

Nell Tiger Free gained international recognition for her role as Leanne Grayson in the series ‘Servant’. She recently starred as the lead in the horror film ‘The First Omen’. Her earlier work includes a role in ‘Game of Thrones’ as Myrcella Baratheon. Free has established a strong presence in the horror and supernatural thriller genres.

Angourie Rice

Angourie Rice gained notice in ‘The Nice Guys’ and played Betty Brant in the MCU ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. She starred in the ‘Mean Girls’ musical movie as Cady Heron and in the limited series ‘Mare of Easttown’. Her career includes a mix of popular teen comedies and prestigious dramatic television. Rice is frequently cast in roles that showcase her versatility across different tones.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan made her professional debut as Devi Vishwakumar in the Netflix series ‘Never Have I Ever’. She provided the voice for Priya in the Pixar film ‘Turning Red’. Ramakrishnan is set to star in the upcoming film ‘The Netherfield Girls’, a contemporary adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Her career has been launched by her success in streaming comedy and voice acting.

Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle is known for her roles in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and the series ‘You’. She appeared in the film ‘Uncharted’ as Jo Braddock and will star in the upcoming ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ as Jade. Her work often involves action-oriented roles in adaptations of video games and popular literature. Gabrielle is recognized for her strong physical performances and consistent work in genre television.

Adria Arjona

Adria Arjona appeared in ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ and ‘6 Underground’ before starring in ‘Andor’. She gained significant praise for her role in the 2024 film ‘Hit Man’ alongside Glen Powell. Her filmography also includes ‘Morbius’ and ‘Father of the Bride’. Arjona’s career is moving toward leading roles in both major streaming series and theatrical action-comedies.

Melissa Barrera

Melissa Barrera became internationally known for her leading roles in ‘In the Heights’ and the ‘Scream’ revival films. She starred in the survival series ‘Keep Breathing’ and the horror-comedy ‘Abigail’. Barrera is recognized for her ability to lead both large-scale musicals and modern horror franchises. She continues to work frequently in high-concept genre films.

Kathryn Newton

Kathryn Newton has starred in ‘Big Little Lies’, ‘The Society’, and ‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu’. She led the horror-comedy ‘Freaky’ and played Cassie Lang in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. In 2024, she appeared in the horror film ‘Abigail’ and ‘Lisa Frankenstein’. Newton is a prolific actress who frequently bridges the gap between independent horror and blockbuster superhero films.

Eiza González

Eiza González gained notice in ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. She has since appeared in ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’, ‘Ambulance’, and the series ‘3 Body Problem’. She is set to star in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming films ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ and ‘In the Grey’. González is established as a prominent actress in the action and science fiction genres.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin McKenzie received critical acclaim for ‘Leave No Trace’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. She starred in Edgar Wright’s ‘Last Night in Soho’ and M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Old’. Her recent work includes the film ‘Eileen’ and the series ‘Totally Completely Fine’. McKenzie is known for her roles in psychological thrillers and character-focused dramas.

Mikey Madison

Mikey Madison is known for her roles in the series ‘Better Things’ and the film ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. She played a central antagonist in the 2022 ‘Scream’ and received widespread acclaim for her lead role in ‘Anora’. ‘Anora’ won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, significantly raising her profile in the awards circuit. Her career is currently shifting toward leading roles in prestigious independent cinema.

Julia Garner

Julia Garner won multiple Emmy Awards for her role as Ruth Langmore in ‘Ozark’. She starred as Anna Delvey in the miniseries ‘Inventing Anna’ and appeared in the film ‘The Assistant’. Garner has been cast as Shalla-Bal in the upcoming ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’. Her career is marked by transformative performances in high-profile television and a move into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ruby Stokes

Ruby Stokes gained attention for her role as Francesca Bridgerton in the first two seasons of ‘Bridgerton’. She left the series to lead the Netflix supernatural show ‘Lockwood & Co.’. Her film work includes ‘A Banquet’ and ‘Rocks’. Stokes is recognized as a rising talent in the British television industry with a focus on young adult and supernatural narratives.

Freya Allan

Freya Allan is best known for her role as Ciri in the Netflix series ‘The Witcher’. She expanded into film with a leading role in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ in 2024. She also starred in the horror film ‘Baghead’. Allan’s career is currently centered on major fantasy and science fiction franchises.

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