Hollywood is constantly evolving, with new talent emerging every year to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. From blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed indie films, some rising stars are already dominating the scene and poised to become the next generation of Hollywood heavyweights. As we enter the mid-2020s, here are 10 celebrities who are taking over Hollywood—and we’re likely to see much more of them in the years to come.

1. Florence Pugh

Breakout Roles: Midsommar (2019), Little Women (2019), Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
Why She’s Taking Over:
Florence Pugh's rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. With a series of standout performances in both independent films and major blockbusters, Pugh has established herself as one of the most versatile and captivating actresses of her generation. Her breakthrough role in Midsommar (2019) put her on the map, but it was her turn as Amy March in Little Women (2019) that solidified her as an acting powerhouse. In 2023, she further demonstrated her range in A Knock at the Cabin and Oppenheimer. With upcoming roles in Dune: Part Two and The Wonder, Pugh is a talent Hollywood simply can’t ignore.

2. Timothée Chalamet

Breakout Roles: Call Me by Your Name (2017), Lady Bird (2017), Dune (2021)
Why He’s Taking Over:
Timothée Chalamet is the epitome of Hollywood's new wave of talent. Known for his natural charisma, depth, and emotive performances, Chalamet became a breakout star with Call Me by Your Name and Lady Bird. He solidified his place in Hollywood with blockbuster hits like Dune and The King (2019). Now, he’s taking on one of the most iconic roles in Hollywood with Wonka (2024), a prequel to the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tale. His ability to tackle complex characters, paired with his magnetic screen presence, has made Chalamet one of the most sought-after young actors in the industry.

3. Zendaya

Breakout Roles: Euphoria (2019–present), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Dune (2021)
Why She’s Taking Over:
Zendaya is not just an actress—she’s a cultural phenomenon. With her striking performances in Euphoria and the Spider-Man franchise, Zendaya has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in Euphoria and has earned accolades for her role as Chani in Dune (2021). Her upcoming projects, including Dune: Part Two and the film Challengers, will continue to cement her as one of Hollywood's most versatile and influential stars. Beyond acting, her influence in fashion and social media makes her a true icon of her generation.

4. Austin Butler

Breakout Roles: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Elvis (2022)
Why He’s Taking Over:
Austin Butler's portrayal of Elvis Presley in Elvis (2022) was a game-changer, propelling him into the ranks of Hollywood's elite. The performance earned him widespread critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination. But his rise doesn’t stop there. His early career included roles in TV shows like The Carrie Diaries, and he’s poised to further elevate his career with upcoming roles in Dune: Part Two and The Bikeriders (2024). With his commitment to diverse and challenging roles, Butler is carving out a unique and exciting future in Hollywood.

5. Anya Taylor-Joy

Breakout Roles: The Witch (2015), Queen's Gambit (2020), Last Night in Soho (2021)
Why She’s Taking Over:
Anya Taylor-Joy has quickly become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses, known for her striking beauty, ethereal presence, and impeccable acting skills. After her breakout role in The Witch (2015), she earned global recognition with the miniseries The Queen’s Gambit (2020), which won her a Golden Globe. Her ability to seamlessly navigate between indie films and blockbuster roles (The Northman, Mad Max: Fury Road spinoff Furiosa) has set her apart. With a slew of exciting projects on the horizon, including Furiosa and The Menu (2022), Taylor-Joy is quickly becoming a Hollywood staple.

6. Keke Palmer

Breakout Roles: Akeelah and the Bee (2006), Nope (2022), Lightyear (2022)
Why She’s Taking Over:
Keke Palmer is a multi-talented force in Hollywood who has long been a household name, but her star power has only recently reached new heights. Known for her work in both film and television, Palmer has evolved from a Disney Channel star to one of the most exciting actresses in Hollywood. Her performance in Jordan Peele’s Nope (2022) proved her ability to take on more complex roles, while her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live demonstrated her versatility as an entertainer. With a string of upcoming projects, including The Perfectionist and Lightyear, Palmer is poised for even bigger things in Hollywood.

7. Tom Holland

Breakout Roles: The Impossible (2012), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Uncharted (2022)
Why He’s Taking Over:
Though Tom Holland first gained attention in The Impossible (2012), it was his portrayal of Spider-Man in the MCU that made him a global star. As the youthful and relatable Peter Parker, Holland quickly became one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. Beyond Spider-Man, Holland has shown his versatility in films like Chaos Walking (2021) and Uncharted (2022). With his charm, athleticism, and growing range as an actor, Holland is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars—and he’s only getting started.

8. Millie Bobby Brown

Breakout Roles: Stranger Things (2016–present), Enola Holmes (2020)
Why She’s Taking Over:
Millie Bobby Brown became a household name with her portrayal of Eleven in Stranger Things, which made her one of the youngest Emmy nominees in history. Since then, Brown has cemented herself as a versatile young star with her roles in the Enola Holmes films (2020, 2022) and a growing portfolio of projects under her production company, PCMA Productions. With a slate of films and partnerships in the works, Brown’s rise to Hollywood A-list status seems unstoppable, especially with her ability to transition from acting to producing.

9. John Boyega

Breakout Roles: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Why He’s Taking Over:
John Boyega gained international fame for his portrayal of Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, but his career has been far from one-dimensional. In recent years, Boyega has taken on diverse and thought-provoking roles in films like They Cloned Tyrone (2023) and They Shall Not Grow Old (2018). His commitment to portraying complex, socially conscious characters has earned him praise from both critics and audiences. With his bold choices and powerful performances, Boyega is carving out a lasting career in Hollywood.

10. Tessa Thompson

Breakout Roles: Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Creed (2015), Westworld (2016–2022)
Why She’s Taking Over:
Tessa Thompson is one of the most exciting actresses in Hollywood today, known for her ability to blend action, drama, and complexity in her roles. She became a breakout star with her portrayal of Valkyrie in the Thor films and continued to build on her success with standout roles in Creed and Westworld. Thompson’s versatility is evident in her wide range of projects, from action-packed blockbusters to emotionally driven dramas. With upcoming roles in Creed III and Lady in the Lake, Thompson’s star is only continuing to rise.

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Conclusion

The future of Hollywood is bright, and these 10 celebrities are leading the charge. From thrilling action roles to groundbreaking performances in complex dramas, each of these rising stars brings something unique to the table. Whether they’re headlining blockbuster franchises, producing their own projects, or taking on boundary-pushing roles, these actors and actresses are proving they have the talent, ambition, and drive to become the next generation of Hollywood legends. As they continue to dominate the big and small screens, it’s clear that they’ll be shaping the future of entertainment for years to come.