Actresses Who Left a Franchise and Got Bigger
Sometimes stepping away from a familiar role opens the door to something larger. Plenty of performers started in a defined universe or long running show, then walked away and expanded their careers with leading roles, awards, and major box office projects. The pattern shows up across film and television, from sci fi epics to superhero sagas to prestige series.
This list highlights actresses who moved on from a franchise and found even wider impact. Each entry includes what they left and what came next, focusing on concrete projects, achievements, and career milestones that followed their exits.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot played Gisele in ‘Fast & Furious’ and exited the series after her character’s arc ended. The role put her on the action map and introduced her to a global audience through several ensemble entries in the franchise.
After leaving, she took on Diana Prince in ‘Wonder Woman’ and headlined multiple DC films, becoming the face of that character across theatrical releases and special projects. She added producer credits on titles like ‘Heart of Stone’ and continued to anchor large scale action features.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña appeared as Anamaria in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and did not return for subsequent installments. The early appearance connected her with a major Disney franchise and gave her a foothold in big budget adventure filmmaking.
She then secured central roles in two of the most commercially successful series in modern cinema with ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Those projects placed her at the center of globally popular franchises and made her one of the most widely seen actors in contemporary film.
Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan left ‘Doctor Who’ after her run as Amy Pond concluded. The series gave her international recognition, a committed fan base, and extensive experience with genre storytelling.
She transitioned into blockbuster films as Nebula in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and joined the ensemble of the modern ‘Jumanji’ films. She also wrote and directed the feature ‘The Party’s Just Beginning’, expanding her work behind the camera while continuing franchise roles.
Zendaya
Zendaya wrapped her time on Disney Channel with ‘K C Undercover’ and moved beyond the network’s teen focused programming. The show provided multi season leading experience and a platform for music and live performance.
After that, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the ‘Spider Man’ films and headlined ‘Euphoria’, earning multiple Primetime Emmys. She also appeared in ‘Dune’ and led high profile fashion and brand partnerships tied to her expanded visibility.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone stepped away from ‘The Amazing Spider Man’ after completing her run as Gwen Stacy. Those films increased her global profile and connected her to a major superhero series early in her career.
She then led ‘La La Land’ and won the Academy Award for Best Actress, later adding another Best Actress win for ‘Poor Things’. Additional films such as ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Cruella’ reinforced her status as a leading performer able to alternate between prestige projects and studio hits.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart concluded the ‘Twilight’ saga and pivoted toward independent and international projects. The franchise brought massive worldwide attention and a large fan base that followed her later work.
She collaborated with filmmakers on titles like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and ‘Personal Shopper’, earning the César Award for her supporting role in the former. She later portrayed Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie left ‘Neighbours’ and moved from Australian television to Hollywood features. The long running series gave her daily set experience and visibility across multiple seasons.
She broke out with ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and later earned Academy Award nominations for ‘I Tonya’ and ‘Bombshell’. Through her company LuckyChap, she produced and starred in ‘Barbie’ and produced ‘Promising Young Woman’, combining lead roles with influential projects behind the scenes.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson finished her run on ‘United States of Tara’ and shifted into leading film roles. The series showed her dramatic range and prepared her for more demanding parts.
She drew attention with ‘Short Term 12’ and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Room’. She then joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with ‘Captain Marvel’ and continued to balance film work with television by leading ‘Lessons in Chemistry’.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams departed ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and devoted herself to film work. The teen drama offered national exposure across multiple seasons and built a foundation for her transition to adult roles.
She went on to collect multiple Academy Award nominations for films including ‘Brokeback Mountain’, ‘Blue Valentine’, ‘My Week with Marilyn’, and ‘The Fabelmans’. She also earned major television honors for ‘Fosse Verdon’, confirming sustained success after leaving series television.
Keira Knightley
Keira Knightley stepped away from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ following the original trilogy. The adventure series made her a global star and placed her in a leading role within a top grossing franchise.
She then focused on period dramas and contemporary stories such as ‘Atonement’, ‘The Imitation Game’, and ‘Official Secrets’. Her filmography after the pirate era shows a deliberate concentration on character driven work alongside selective return appearances.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman closed out the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy and took on a range of dramatic roles. The space opera introduced her to new generations of fans and expanded her international reach.
She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Black Swan’ and later received a nomination for ‘Jackie’. She returned to Marvel with ‘Thor Love and Thunder’ after earlier appearances, demonstrating flexibility in moving between franchises and auteur led films.
Morena Baccarin
Morena Baccarin’s time on ‘Firefly’ ended when the series concluded. The cult favorite gave her a notable role and enduring visibility within science fiction fandom.
She later earned an Emmy nomination for ‘Homeland’ and joined the ‘Deadpool’ films in a key supporting role. Additional television work in ‘Gotham’ and other series kept her active across networks while expanding into major theatrical releases.
Evangeline Lilly
Evangeline Lilly left ‘Lost’ after the series finale and moved into franchise films. The show built a strong global following and placed her at the center of a high profile ensemble.
She joined ‘The Hobbit’ as Tauriel and became Hope van Dyne in ‘Ant Man’ within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Those roles established her as a regular presence in large scale fantasy and superhero projects.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson appeared on ‘Veronica Mars’ early in her career and later shifted focus to film and premium television. The cult series provided recurring television experience and connections within genre storytelling.
She became a cornerstone of the ‘Creed’ films and entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe with ‘Thor Ragnarok’ and subsequent entries. On television, she was a central figure in ‘Westworld’, expanding her visibility with complex long form storytelling.
Rebecca Ferguson
Rebecca Ferguson first drew wide attention with ‘The White Queen’ and then moved beyond the historical drama. The role earned critical notice and introduced her to international audiences.
She broke out in action cinema as Ilsa Faust in ‘Mission Impossible’ and later appeared in ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Dune’. The combination of franchises and prestige projects solidified a career that accelerated after leaving the limited series.
Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley’s ‘Divergent’ series ended before its planned conclusion and she shifted to television and independent films. The young adult franchise gave her a mainstream fan base and significant lead exposure.
She joined the ensemble of ‘Big Little Lies’ and received major award nominations for her work on the series. Subsequent films and limited series kept her in lead roles across formats, reflecting a career that broadened after the franchise.
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz moved on after ‘Divergent’ and redirected her energy toward television ensembles and major studio features. The series provided early franchise experience and visibility to young adult audiences.
She joined the ensemble of ‘Big Little Lies’ and later portrayed Selina Kyle in ‘The Batman’. Voice roles in titles like ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ and headline parts in thrillers added range to her post franchise career.
Jenna Coleman
Jenna Coleman departed ‘Doctor Who’ after her run as Clara Oswald and began leading period drama. The long running series brought global recognition and appearances at fan conventions worldwide.
She starred as Queen Victoria in ‘Victoria’ and later took prominent parts in ‘The Serpent’ and ‘The Sandman’. Those roles extended her reach into historical drama and dark fantasy after leaving the TARDIS behind.
Billie Piper
Billie Piper left ‘Doctor Who’ following multiple seasons as Rose Tyler. The show transformed her from pop star to established actor and provided an international audience.
She led ‘Secret Diary of a Call Girl’ and won major theatre honors for ‘Yerma’, including the Olivier Award for Best Actress. Additional television projects and creative collaborations kept her profile high across stage and screen.
Nina Dobrev
Nina Dobrev exited ‘The Vampire Diaries’ after several seasons. The supernatural series built a dedicated fan base and placed her in multiple roles within the same show.
She transitioned to films such as ‘xXx Return of Xander Cage’ and ‘Flatliners’ and later led the romantic comedy ‘Love Hard’. She also pursued producing opportunities while continuing to alternate between television and film.
Karen Fukuhara
Karen Fukuhara appeared as Katana in ‘Suicide Squad’ and did not continue as a regular fixture in later DC films. The role introduced her to global audiences with a high profile comic book property.
She then became a series regular on ‘The Boys’ as Kimiko, adding extensive action and stunt work to a recurring television role. She expanded her portfolio with voice roles in ‘She Ra and the Princesses of Power’ and ‘Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’.
Ana de Armas
Ana de Armas left the Spanish series ‘El Internado’ and moved to English language projects. The transition involved early roles that helped her break into Hollywood casting pools.
She earned widespread attention with ‘Knives Out’, joined the James Bond franchise in ‘No Time to Die’, and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Blonde’. The variety of mainstream and prestige work followed her departure from Spanish television.
Rooney Mara
Rooney Mara led ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ and did not return for the later installment in the English language series. The performance established her as a leading actor capable of carrying a major studio thriller.
After that, she starred in ‘Carol’ and received an Academy Award nomination for her role. Projects such as ‘Lion’, ‘Nightmare Alley’, and ‘Women Talking’ continued the focus on director driven films after leaving the franchise.
Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell concluded the original run of ‘Veronica Mars’ and broadened her slate. The series gave her a signature television role and a dedicated fan community.
She voiced Anna in ‘Frozen’ and led the network comedy ‘The Good Place’. Additional film roles and the later revival of ‘Veronica Mars’ underscored the larger opportunities that followed her initial exit.
Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira departed as a series regular from ‘The Walking Dead’ and focused on film and writing. The show built a global fan base for her character and sustained visibility over many seasons.
She continued as Okoye in ‘Black Panther’ and ensemble ‘Avengers’ entries and remained active as a playwright with ‘Eclipsed’ receiving recognition on Broadway. Her later return visits to the zombie universe came after establishing a strong presence in major studio films.
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