Hollywood loves a fresh face, and 2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for new talent. Every year brings a new wave of stars who transition from "that person in that one show" to household names. We are seeing a shift where streaming hits and massive blockbuster franchises are launching careers faster than ever before. The actors on this list have already proven they have great skills, but the coming year is poised to rocket them to the A-list. You might recognize some from viral TV moments, while others are about to headline the biggest movies of the summer. Get ready to learn these names, because you are going to see them everywhere on the big screen very soon.

Monica Barbaro

Audiences first really took notice of Monica Barbaro when she held her own against Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. She played Phoenix, a tough and capable pilot who became an instant fan favorite. That role proved she could handle massive action sequences and high-pressure blockbuster filmmaking. Now, she is pivoting to something entirely different and potentially award-worthy. Barbaro is set to play folk legend Joan Baez in the highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown.

Playing a real-life icon is a major test for any actor. It requires mastering specific mannerisms, singing styles, and emotional depth that fictional characters might not demand. Critics and fans are eager to see her chemistry with Timothée Chalamet, who plays Dylan. This role positions her as a serious dramatic actress, moving beyond the action-hero persona she established previously. Her ability to switch between high-octane jets and intimate, character-driven drama shows a range that studios are desperate to find. 2025 looks like the year she cements her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.

Damson Idris

British actor Damson Idris has been a slow-burning star for years, primarily due to his incredible performance in the crime drama Snowfall. His portrayal of Franklin Saint was intense, heartbreaking, and terrifying, earning him a dedicated fanbase. However, 2025 is the year he moves from television prestige to global movie stardom. Idris is co-starring alongside Brad Pitt in the massive budget racing film simply titled F1.

Action movies don't get much bigger than this. The film is being shot at real Grand Prix weekends, meaning Idris is acting in real-time alongside actual Formula 1 drivers. This kind of project puts an actor on lunchboxes and billboards worldwide. He plays a young prodigy driver, a role that requires charisma and physical intensity. Directors are realizing that Idris has the screen presence to carry a major franchise. His transition to the big screen feels inevitable, and this racing epic is the perfect vehicle to speed up that process.

Sophie Wilde

Horror movies are often a launching pad for young talent, and Sophie Wilde used the terrifying hit Talk to Me to kick down Hollywood's door. Her performance was raw and unsettling, proving she could anchor a story that demanded extreme emotional vulnerability. Studios immediately took notice of her ability to terrify and captivate audiences simultaneously. She has quickly become one of the most sought-after young actresses for edgy, psychological thrillers.

Wilde is capitalizing on that momentum with several high-profile projects lined up for 2025. She is starring in the erotic thriller Babygirl alongside Nicole Kidman, which signals a move into more mature, complex prestige cinema. Directors love her because she possesses an expressive face that tells a story without a single line of dialogue. She brings a unique intensity to her roles that separates her from other actors in her age group. We are watching her carve out a niche as a fearless performer willing to take on dark, challenging material that others might shy away from.

Anthony Boyle

Anthony Boyle is a master of disguise who disappears completely into his characters. He had a banner year recently with Masters of the Air and Manhunt, playing historical figures with incredible accuracy. In Masters of the Air, his performance as Major Harry Crosby was the emotional heart of the series, narrating the harrowing experience of bomber crews in World War II. He brings a theatrical training to the screen that gives his characters depth and gravity.

The industry buzz around Boyle suggests he is ready for even bigger spotlight roles in 2025. His background in theater, including a role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, gave him a discipline that shines through on camera. He embodies the physical ticking and vocal quirks of the people he plays. This adaptability makes him a favorite for casting directors looking for the next Gary Oldman or Christian Bale. You can expect to see him popping up in major dramas where the acting is just as important as the special effects.

Yerin Ha

Yerin Ha has been building a solid resume with roles in the sci-fi series Halo, but her career is about to explode thanks to the Bridgerton effect. She has been cast as the romantic lead for the fourth season of the smash-hit period drama. Being cast as the love interest in Bridgerton is essentially a guarantee of instant global fame. The show has a track record of turning relatively unknown actors into magazine cover stars overnight.

She will be playing Sophie Beckett, a character beloved by fans of the book series. The role requires a mix of resilience, charm, and romantic chemistry, all of which Ha has demonstrated in her previous work. Beyond the romance genre, she is also appearing in Dune: Prophecy, showing she can handle serious sci-fi drama just as well as Regency-era ballgowns. This versatility ensures she won't be typecast. 2025 will likely be the year Yerin Ha becomes a major topic of conversation on social media and in casting offices alike.

Tramell Tillman

Viewers of the psychological thriller Severance know exactly why Tramell Tillman is on this list. His portrayal of Milchick was the breakout performance of the show. He managed to be terrifying without ever raising his voice, using toxic positivity as a weapon. With the second season arriving in 2025, Tillman is set to remind everyone why he is one of the most compelling character actors working today.

But he isn't staying in the office. Tillman has also joined the cast of the next Mission: Impossible film. Joining a franchise known for its ensemble casts means he will be rubbing shoulders with action royalty. His background includes extensive theater work, which explains his commanding physical presence and precise delivery. He steals every scene he is in by making bold, interesting choices that other actors wouldn't think of. Tillman is the kind of actor who makes a small role feel huge, and Hollywood is finally giving him the space to stretch his legs.

Andrew Burnap

Andrew Burnap is making the leap from Broadway acclaim to Disney stardom. He won a Tony Award for his incredible work in the play The Inheritance, proving he has serious acting chops. However, general audiences will get to know him in 2025 as the male lead in the live-action Snow White. This is a massive platform that will introduce him to millions of families around the world.

Disney live-action remakes are box office juggernauts, and landing a lead role in one is a career-defining moment. Burnap plays a new character created for the film, which gives him the freedom to invent a persona rather than just copying a cartoon prince. He brings a charm and wit to his roles that is perfect for a modern fairy tale. Transitioning from intense stage drama to a CGI-heavy fantasy world is a challenge, but his training has prepared him well. He is poised to become the next big leading man for major studio romances and adventures.

Ben Wang

Ben Wang is about to kick his way into the spotlight in a very literal way. He secured the lead role in Karate Kid: Legends, the latest installment in the iconic martial arts franchise. He will be starring alongside legends Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, which is a massive endorsement of his talent. Wang previously impressed critics in the series American Born Chinese, where he balanced teenage angst with mythological action.

This new movie is a torch-passing moment. Wang had to beat out thousands of other actors for the part, showcasing not just acting ability but also martial arts proficiency. He represents a new generation of action stars who can handle the physical demands of a fight scene while delivering an emotional performance. The Karate Kid brand is multigenerational, meaning Wang will have eyes on him from kids, parents, and grandparents. It is the perfect storm for a breakout year.

Taz Skylar

Taz Skylar is cooking up something special. He plays Sanji in the live-action adaptation of the anime phenomenon One Piece. The first season was a surprise hit, breaking the curse of bad anime adaptations, and Skylar’s charming, kick-heavy performance was a highlight. With the second season in production and ramping up, his fan following is growing rapidly.

Skylar is also a writer and producer. He brings a creative intelligence to his roles, often performing his own stunts and engaging deeply with the source material. His dedication to the physicality of the role impressed fans and critics. Beyond the pirate world, he is attracting attention for thriller and action roles that utilize his intensity. He has the swagger and the work ethic to become a staple in action cinema for the next decade.

Sarah Pidgeon

Sarah Pidgeon first caught attention in the survival drama The Wilds, where she played a character dealing with intense trauma and survival situations. She has a natural, grounded acting style that makes even crazy scenarios feel real. In 2025, she is set to star in the reboot/sequel of the horror classic I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Slasher movies are experiencing a renaissance, and they need strong leads who can scream, run, and fight back convincingly. Pidgeon fits this mold perfectly. She has the ability to convey intelligence and fear, which is the secret sauce for a "final girl" in a horror movie. This franchise has a built-in audience, giving her a massive platform to showcase her skills. It is the kind of role that turns actors into pop culture icons. Sarah Pidgeon is ready to take that step and become the new face of mainstream horror.