While there are plenty offamous actors with new movies coming out in 2025, the most exciting films to watch will be the ones featuring upcoming actors who are making their mark in film and television. Thoughfew of these performers are new to the industry,in the past few years, they’ve been highlighted for their work in unique projects that have catapulted them into greater fame and demand. Touching upon every genre and niche of filmmaking, these actors have demonstrated their flexibility and interests in working across different fields and will be seen in innovative new works.
There are many exciting movies being released andupcoming TV shows returning in 2025that will showcase the skills of new talent instead of retreading the abilities of actors who have been seen many times before. Though casting a well-known actor is a great way to draw audience members in,viewers are also interested in seeing new faces that will surprise them.These performers might not be universally known today, but it won’t take long for many of them to become household names.
7Eiza González
Known for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) & 3 Body Problem (2024–)
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfareis far from the only action movie that Eiza González has lent her skills to in the past few years. Before her most recent contribution to the film industry,González starred inBaby Driverand anchored Netflix’s hit sci-fi series3 Body Problem.As one of thebest sci-fi TV shows of 2024,3 Body Problemdid a lot to showcase González’s skills in a new genre and demonstrate that she can fit into any narrative.
Fortunately, audiences won’t have to wait long to see more of González onscreen, as she’s attached to two movies slated to release in 2024,AshandFountain of Youth.
Fortunately, audiences won’t have to wait long to see more of González onscreen, as she’s attached to two movies slated to release in 2024,AshandFountain of Youth. As González’s star continues to rise, viewers will realize that the actress has been a featured player in the film industry for many years but is finally getting cast in more prominent roles. With any luck,3 Body Problemseasons 2 and 3 will see more from González and continue her success in both film and TV (viaNetflix).
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Cast
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a World War II film depicting a British Army unit’s covert operations against Nazi forces. The movie focuses on the Special Operations Executive, a clandestine organization established by Winston Churchill, whose unconventional tactics helped shape modern black operations.
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6Megan Stalter
Known for Hacks (2021–) & Cora Bora (2023)
Megan Stalter continued to assert her comedic genius inHacksseason 3,and though the series has realized her value more with every season, the actress has the chops to lead her own show. Fortunately, Stalter was recently tapped to lead the upcoming TV seriesToo Much, co-created by Lena Dunham. This is exciting news and will help Stalter be recognized as one of the leading voices in comedy’s next generation.
In 2023, one of her recent forays into film premiered, the comedyCora Bora, which allowed Stalter to shine in a leading role. It will be interesting to see how she balances future movie roles with the TV shows she’s a part of, but it’s not a stretch to say that film and television need all the Stalter they can get. ThoughToo Muchdoesn’t have a confirmed premiere date yet,hopefully, 2025 will be when audiences get to see Stalter shine in the new show.
Hacks
Hacks, released in 2021, is a dark comedy series that explores the evolving relationship between Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian in Las Vegas, and an ambitious, outcast young writer. The show delves into the complexities of mentorship and creativity in the entertainment industry.
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5Leo Woodall
Known for One Day (2024) & The White Lotus (2021–)
Easily oscillating between the charming romantic lead and the standoffish antagonist, Leo Woodall demonstrated both abilities in his latest TV shows,One DayandThe White Lotus. TheOne DayTV show’s best quotesallowed audiences to fall in love with Woodall’s Dexter, even when the character was making all the wrong choices. Thoughit’s been enjoyable to see Woodall take on so many romantic parts,it will be even more interesting to see him return to the dark and mysterious archetype he played inThe White Lotus.
Unsurprisingly, Woodall will play one of Bridget’s love interests, playing off the talented and well-established Renée Zellweger.
Woodall’s next project will introduce him to quite a large audience,as he’s being featured in the rom-com blockbuster franchiseBridget JonesinBridget Jones: Mad About The Boy. Unsurprisingly, Woodall will play one of Bridget’s love interests, playing off the talented and well-established Renée Zellweger. Fortunately, the fame he is likely to achieve from this new movie will be propelled by additional projects likeNomadandNuremberg, two upcoming movies that Woodall has been confirmed to be part of.
One Day
Despite their lives drifting apart after high school, Dex and Emma reunite one day every year as their lives run parallel. Love, heartbreak, and the experience of growing apart together lie at the center of this decade-spanning love story.
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Known for A Complete Unknown (2024) & Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Viewers who have recently gone to the movies will recognize Monica Barbaro forher captivating performance as Joan Baez in the recent Bob Dylan biopic,A Complete Unknown.Barbaro plays opposite Timothée Chalamet’s Dylan and holds her own as the well-known musical figure Baez. Prior to this, she was in the record-breakingTop Gun: Maverickand starred in the TV seriesFubaras Emma alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. While two of these roles pushed her in terms of action,A Complete Unknownwill put her in the conversation for more challenging roles.
A Complete Unknown Fact-Check: Bob Dylan’s Real-Life Relationship With Joan Baez
A Complete Unknown heavily features the relationship between Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, but the movie makes some changes to the real story.
Fubarseason 2 will be one of Barbaro’s most-watched projects in 2025,but it remains to be seen if her performance inA Complete Unknownwill be singled out during awards season. AsA Complete Unknownexits theaters and is made available on streaming in the coming months, even more audience members will have the opportunity to see Barbaro disappear into Baez. If her singing voice is any indication, Barbaro should be tapped for movie musicals in the future.
A Complete Unknown
A Complete Unknown is a biographical movie that follows a young Bob Dylan as he integrates with New York and catches the eye of the folk singers in the area, eventually propelling him into stardom.
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2Cole Escola
Known for Difficult People (2015-2017) & Oh, Mary (2024–)
Though Cole Escola has been memorable in every onscreen project they’ve lent their skills to,their most notable work to date has been the playOh, Mary,which has been making waves since its transfer to Broadway after a critically acclaimed run off-Broadway. One of the best-reviewed plays of the year,Oh, Maryhas cemented Escola as both a comedic and creative visionary. Though live theater isn’t as accessible as film and television, anyone who has the chance to seeOh, Maryshould seek it out for the writing and Escola’s phenomenal performance.
AfterOh, Maryfinishes its run, whatever Escola does next will be worth keeping an eye on.
However, in terms of film and TV,Escola can be seen in many smaller and recurring parts in comedic television,fromDifficult PeopleandSearch Partyto the short-lived HBO seriesThe Girls on the Bus. A large part of their appeal is their undeniable presence and willingness to go the extra mile to make their characters unique and memorable. AfterOh, Maryfinishes its run, whatever Escola does next will be worth keeping an eye on.
Difficult People
Difficult People follows Julie Kessler and Billy Epstein, two aspiring comedians in New York City. Despite their peers finding success in careers and love, Julie and Billy struggle with their personal and professional lives, growing increasingly embittered by their ongoing challenges. Released in 2015, the show is a comedic exploration of their journey.
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1David Jonsson
Known for Alien: Romulus (2024) & Rye Lane (2023)
David Jonsson starred in the lesser-known 2023 rom-comRye Lane, which immediately endeared him to all the audience members and critics. However, the sweet Dom is far from the only character archetype he’s taken on. In the vastly differentAlien: Romulus,he plays Andy, the latest in the long line of androids who populate theAlienfranchise.While being in a popular franchise isn’t the only way for actors to distinguish themselves, it’s been effective for Jonsson so far.
Also featured in the TV seriesIndustryandMurder Is Easy, Jonsson has been slowly breaking out of the British market and forging into international fame. Jonsson has been singled out in almost every project he’s been a part of, and there’s little reason to believe that this will change as his career explodes. With a background in theater acting and an interest in writing and stepping behind the camera,Jonsson will be a name to watch in every aspect of film, television, and stage productions.
Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus is the seventh film in the Alien franchise. The movie is directed by Fede Álvarez and will focus on a new young group of characters who come face to face with the terrifying Xenomorphs. Alien: Romulus is a stand-alone film and takes place in a time not yet explored in the Alien franchise.
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Drive-Away Dolls
From director Ethan Coen comes Drive-Away Dolls, a comedic road-show-styled film that stars two best friends that head out on a road trip that goes hilariously awry. Following Jamie’s recent break-up and her friend Marian’s inflexibility hitting its peak, the two decide to hit the road to Florida - until they accidentally run into a group of bumbling criminals.
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