Next Gen 2025: The 8 Hottest Young Stars in Hollywood
From festival regulars like Tom Blyth and Havana Rose Liu to prestige TV players (see: ‘The Studio’s Chase Sui Wonders), these are the rising stars gracing screens and piquing industry interest.
In 2025, a new cohort of rising screen stars is making waves across streaming platforms, film festivals, and franchise projects, garnering attention from directors, studio executives, and audiences alike. These actors are carving distinct paths in an industry known for its fierce competition and unpredictability. The class of 2025, featuring names like Tom Blyth, Erin Kellyman, Havana Rose Liu, Archie Madekwe, Isabel May, Esther McGregor, Chase Sui Wonders, and Tyriq Withers, joins esteemed predecessors such as Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Glen Powell—actors who paved their way to prominence with early breakthrough roles and are now major influencers in Hollywood.
Tom Blyth, a 30-year-old British actor trained at Juilliard and Nottingham’s Television Workshop, has showcased remarkable versatility, moving fluidly between franchise fare like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, TV westerns such as Billy the Kid, and intense festival films. Despite his experience with gritty roles, Blyth found one of his biggest artistic challenges in the romantic comedy People We Meet on Vacation, a genre often underestimated for its demands on presence and adaptability. His journey illustrates a balance between blockbuster appeal and nuanced performance.
Erin Kellyman, 27, burst onto the scene in Solo: A Star Wars Story, where she initially felt overwhelmed, describing herself as a "deer in the headlights." The former child model leapt into acting through commercial improvisation and has since accumulated credits in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the 28 Years Later franchise. Kellyman is openly gay and passionate about queer storytelling, though she resists being boxed into any single type of role. Dreaming of achieving even a fraction of Meryl Streep’s stature, she aims to expand into writing and creating original characters.
Havana Rose Liu, 28, credits the film Bottoms for changing her self-perception and opening doors to a string of indie and auteur-driven projects, including Lurker and Tuner, the latter marking her high-profile collaboration with Dustin Hoffman. Originally a model and former NYU student, Liu emphasizes approaching acting as an art rather than a job, embracing creative freedom and authenticity in her roles.
Archie Madekwe, a London-born actor aged 30, seeks roles that represent people of color beyond trauma narratives, reflecting his commitment to diverse storytelling. Having cut his teeth in theater and notable films like Midsommar and Saltburn, Madekwe also produces projects and looks up to peers like Harris Dickinson, who write and direct. His personal philosophy centers around celebrating peers’ success to overcome the industry’s competitive pressures.
Isabel May, 24, took an unconventional route after initial setbacks, opting for online schooling to focus on acting. Her big break came with the lead role in 1883, the Yellowstone prequel, filmed in grueling natural conditions that tested her resilience. With a slate of upcoming projects opposite stars like Jennifer Lopez and Neve Campbell, May embodies determination and a thoughtful approach to her craft, balancing her musical tastes and literary inspirations as she advances her career.
Esther McGregor, 24, daughter of actor Ewan McGregor, has explored multiple creative outlets, including fashion design, music, and tattoo artistry, before fully committing to acting. Her pivotal role as young Tilda Swinton in Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door marked her arrival as a versatile talent. She values self-care on and off set, recognizing the emotional investment required by acting roles.
Chase Sui Wonders, 29, cultivated a reputation as Hollywood’s “cool girl” through roles in A24 films and HBO Max’s Generation. She parlayed her comedic chops on The Studio, working alongside major talent like Seth Rogen. With an ambitious mindset shaped by her achievement-oriented upbringing, she is poised for further breakout moments, including upcoming projects alongside Olivia Wilde.
Tyriq Withers, 27, transitioned from a Florida State football player to a rising actor during the pandemic. His starring roles in streaming hits such as Him and I Know What You Did Last Summer allow him to explore emotional complexity, especially grief related to his personal loss. Withers aspires to broaden his range into comedy, grounded in a self-affirming mantra that he is enough for each role.
Together, these eight actors illustrate a new generation of Hollywood talent that thrives on diverse roles, personal authenticity, and collaborative celebration. They navigate the industry's complexities with resilience and creative vision, poised to shape entertainment in bold and meaningful ways.