15 Rising Stars Destined to Dominate the Next Decade

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In constant change, Hollywood continues to unveil fresh faces who captivate viewers. Peering into the future, a new crop of talented actors are poised to make an impact on both movies and TV with their prowess, charm, and distinctive appeal.

Here’s a selection of 15 talented young actors and actresses, aged between their 20s and early 30s, who have already made significant strides in their careers by taking on varied roles in blockbuster movies, independent productions, and popular television series. Ranging from intense dramas to adrenaline-pumping action, these individuals are poised to take over the entertainment industry for the next ten years.

Drew Starkey

Drew Starkey has moved from being a popular romantic lead in teen dramas to a multitalented leading actor. His portrayal of Eugene in the 2025 film ‘Queer’, where he starred alongside Daniel Craig in a daring romance, demonstrates his capacity to match wits with established industry figures.

Initially, Starkey garnered recognition in ‘Outer Banks’ (2020-2025), captivating a devoted fanbase with his charisma. Demonstrating a talent for intricate characters and future ventures such as the enigmatic ‘Queer’, he’s showing that he is well-prepared to take on larger roles.

Monica Barbaro

Monica Barbaro is making a name for herself in both action and emotional roles. She excelled as a pilot in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022) and added nuance to the character of Joan Baez in ‘A Complete Unknown’ (2024), sharing the screen with Timothée Chalamet.

Her knack for seamlessly moving between action-packed blockbusters and intimate character pieces sets her apart. With upcoming roles in ‘Fubar’ (2023-2025) and additional dramatic projects, Barbaro’s career trajectory is soaring rapidly.

Sophie Wilde

At the tender age of 26, Australian actress Sophie Wilde is already garnering recognition for her talent. Her captivating roles in ‘Talk to Me’ (2022) and ‘Babygirl’ (2024) have secured her a BAFTA Rising Star nomination and a Trophée Chopard at Cannes.

In a straightforward and engaging manner, one could say: Wilde’s intense emotions and wide range of expression are evident in every role she takes on. Her upcoming appearance in the sci-fi thriller ‘Flowervale Street’ (2025), alongside Anne Hathaway, indicates her rise to international stardom.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler made a striking debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ (2021), demonstrating her exceptional vocal and acting abilities. Her performance in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ (2023) underscored her versatility even more.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the mesmerizing voice and innate ability to delve into emotional depth that Zegler possesses. She’s got some exciting projects coming up, like ‘Y2K’ in 2024 and her Broadway debut. These roles are just going to make her presence even more powerful and unmissable in the world of entertainment.

Milly Alcock

In the television series ‘House of the Dragon’ (2022-2024), Milly Alcock has become widely recognized for her portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen. Her impressive acting skills led to a Critics’ Choice nomination and attracted attention from audiences all around the world.

In a natural and easy-to-understand manner, The Australian actress made an appearance in ‘Upright’ from 2019 through 2022, demonstrating her versatility in both comedy and drama. Preparing for takeoff, she is set to play Supergirl in the future film ‘Woman of Tomorrow’ slated for release in 2026.

David Jonsson

David Jonsson’s groundbreaking performance as Andy in ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024) established him as a notable figure in the science fiction genre. His previous roles in ‘Rye Lane’ (2023) and ‘Industry’ (2020-2025) showcased his captivating charm and depth.

2025 sees Jonsson winning the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award. This accolade sets him up for appearances in ‘Wasteman’ and ‘The Long Walk’, set to release in 2025. His versatility across various genres makes him an exciting actor to keep an eye on.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy’s chilling portrayal in ‘The Witch’ (2015) established her as a distinctive actress. Since then, she has taken the lead in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020) and appeared in ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024).

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary versatility of the actress that lies in seamlessly slipping into any character, whether it’s a heart-stopping horror role or an action-packed heroine. With ‘The Gorge’ (2025) on the horizon, it’s evident that the remarkable career of Anya Taylor-Joy is set to expand even further.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh’s intense performance in ‘Lady Macbeth’ (2016) and ‘Midsommar’ (2019) garnered widespread critical acclaim. Her Oscar-nominated portrayal in ‘Little Women’ (2019) cemented her status as a prominent actress.

Pugh’s talent is evident across both big-budget films such as ‘Black Widow’ (2021) and smaller productions. Her upcoming role in ‘Dune: Messiah’ (2027) further cements her longevity within the film industry.

Jharrel Jerome

In 2019, Jharrel Jerome’s deeply moving portrayal in ‘When They See Us’ earned him an Emmy award. His outstanding performance as Anthony Robles in the 2024 film, ‘Unstoppable’, solidifies his impressive acting skills.

Born and raised in New York, this individual infuses genuine essence into each endeavor they undertake. With appearances in forthcoming dramas such as ’40 Acres’ set for release in 2025, Jerome seems primed for a remarkable and influential acting career spanning the next ten years.

Austin Butler

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at Austin Butler’s extraordinary transformation into the legendary Elvis Presley in ‘Elvis’ (2022), which even garnered him an Oscar nomination. Yet, his versatility as an actor is further showcased in his upcoming roles, such as those in ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024) and ‘The Bikeriders’ (2024). His range never ceases to amaze me!

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by Butler’s undeniable charm and unwavering commitment. His magnetic presence makes him truly stand out in any production. It’s no surprise that he has been chosen to spearhead ‘Caught Stealing’ (2025), a gripping thriller, which is certain to further elevate his status as a shining star within the industry.

Harris Dickinson

Harris Dickinson’s performances in ‘Triangle of Sadness’ (2022) and ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ (2022) demonstrate his versatility in portraying intricate characters spanning various film genres.

His understated yet potent acting has drawn attention from notable filmmakers. With films such as ‘Babygirl’ (2024) and others in the pipeline, Dickinson appears poised for stardom and a prominent career.

Jack Champion

In the upcoming ‘Avatar’ sequels from 2022 to 2025, Jack Champion has garnered recognition for his role as Spider, adding emotional depth to this colossal series. His vibrant youthfulness and captivating on-screen charisma are particularly noteworthy.

Champion is expanding his versatility by working on various projects, such as ‘Freaky Tales’ (2024). By also being part of upcoming ‘Avatar’ movies, he will continue to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Zendaya

Zendaya’s transformation from starring in Disney’s ‘Shake It Up’ (2010-2013) to winning an Emmy for ‘Euphoria’ (2019-2025) demonstrates her remarkable versatility as an actress. Her performances in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021) and ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024) have solidified her status as a global icon.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but admire the unique blend of big-budget spectacles and raw, emotional stories that Zendaya brings to the table. With her latest release, ‘Challengers’ (2023), and future projects on the horizon, it’s clear that her impact in the film industry is set to expand significantly.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet’s Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Call Me By Your Name’ (2017) established him as a remarkable talent. His movies like ‘Wonka’ (2023) and ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024) demonstrate his ability to draw crowds to the cinema.

Timothée Chalamet’s captivating intensity and allure have earned him a favored status among directors. With his performance as Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’ (2024), along with rumors of ‘Wonka 2’, he remains a prominent figure.

Cole Escola

Cole Escola’s comedic brilliance is evident in the Broadway hit ‘Oh, Mary!’ (2024), where they deliver a riotously offbeat portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln. Their performance in ‘Search Party’ (2016-2022) underscores their ability to excel in quirky roles.

Escola’s skill at combining wit and emotion sets them apart as a distinctive artist. Their work, such as ‘Oh, Mary!’ which attracts many, indicates a promising future with even more opportunities on the horizon.

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2025-07-05 19:16