From breakout performances to long-awaited returns, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of Hollywood’s newest power players. Some are dominating box offices and streaming charts, while others are turning heads on red carpets and building media empires behind the scenes. Whether they’re acting, directing, or shaking up the industry in unexpected ways, these stars aren’t just popular—they’re redefining what it means to be a modern entertainer.
Here are eight talents whose careers are on fire this year, proving that 2025 is their moment to shine.
1. Ayo Edebiri
After a whirlwind 2024 filled with awards buzz for The Bear and a scene-stealing voice role in Inside Out 2, Ayo Edebiri is officially unstoppable in 2025. She kicked off the year starring in multiple indie darlings that premiered at Sundance, and she’s now headlining a major A24 psychological thriller that critics are already calling “genre-defining.”
What sets Ayo apart is her effortless balance of comedy and drama, plus a writing talent that’s finally getting the spotlight. With hosting gigs, red carpet domination, and a rumored directorial debut on the horizon, she’s not just the moment—she’s the blueprint.
2. Glen Powell
Glen Powell’s charm has been on display for years, but 2025 is the year he truly breaks into Hollywood’s top tier. Following his standout roles in Anyone But You and Top Gun: Maverick, this year he’s fronting a new sci-fi franchise from director Denis Villeneuve that’s already sparked global hype.
What’s working in Powell’s favor is his range—he’s a heartthrob, sure, but he’s also stepping into complex, dramatic territory with confidence. With leading-man energy and a sense of humor that wins over both fans and critics, Glen is proving he’s more than just a pretty face.
3. Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler is making it clear that her rise isn’t slowing down any time soon. After starring in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, she returns in 2025 with two highly anticipated projects—a historical drama helmed by Greta Gerwig and a buzzy musical adaptation that showcases her vocal chops once again.
Zegler’s ability to hold her own alongside Hollywood veterans is impressive, but it’s her charisma off-screen that makes her a fan favorite. Whether she’s singing on late-night shows or making fashion headlines, Rachel is defining the next era of multi-talented movie stars.
4. Jeremy Allen White
Hot off his Emmy win, Jeremy Allen White is taking full advantage of his momentum in 2025. He’s back in The Bear for another season, but this time he’s also leading a gritty sports biopic that’s generating serious Oscar buzz—yes, another transformation is on the way.
What makes Jeremy’s star power so compelling is his intense emotional range and raw authenticity. Whether he’s playing a tortured chef or a struggling athlete, there’s a grounded vulnerability in his performances that keeps audiences coming back. In a year crowded with talent, Jeremy is standing tall.
5. Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega’s reign continues in 2025 with a slate of roles that couldn’t be more different. She’s returning as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2 while also leading a period horror film that critics are calling her most mature role yet. She’s taking risks—and they’re paying off.
Beyond her on-screen work, Ortega is becoming a fashion icon and a voice for Gen Z in Hollywood. She’s smart, stylish, and fiercely selective about her projects, building a career that’s both versatile and deeply personal. Jenna isn’t following a formula—she’s rewriting it.
6. Barry Keoghan
If there’s one actor whose performances consistently spark conversation, it’s Barry Keoghan. After stealing scenes in Saltburn and earning critical acclaim, he’s back in 2025 with a haunting role in a thriller directed by Jordan Peele. Early festival reviews are calling it “career-defining.”
Keoghan’s unpredictability is his greatest strength—he thrives in offbeat roles and brings a quiet intensity that’s hard to look away from. With more directors seeking out his unique energy, Barry is becoming one of the most in-demand (and unforgettable) actors working today.
7. Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh is having a year of creative control. In 2025, she stars in a dark comedy she also helped produce, giving her more say in shaping her career’s trajectory. She’s also returning to the MCU and collaborating with Yorgos Lanthimos on an experimental art film.
Pugh’s ability to switch from blockbuster to indie, comedy to drama, all while maintaining authenticity, is rare. She connects with audiences in a real way, and her roles often become cultural touchstones. This year proves she’s not just a great actress—she’s a force behind the camera, too.
8. Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal’s star continues to rise—and in 2025, he’s aiming high, literally. He’s taking on the lead role in Gladiator 2, Ridley Scott’s long-awaited follow-up to the iconic original. With immense pressure and even more attention, all eyes are on Mescal—and he’s delivering.
But beyond the muscle and swordplay, Paul’s strength is still in his emotional depth. He’s also starring in a quiet romance drama with Carey Mulligan that premiered to rave reviews. Whether swinging swords or breaking hearts, Mescal is proving that he’s here to stay—and ready for anything.