10 Exciting Projects Youll See Breakout Stars in Soon
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
Get ready for the next wave of Hollywood's brightest talents! From intense psychological thrillers to epic adaptations, we're spotlighting the most anticipated upcoming projects featuring actors who've recently captured audiences' attention. These rising stars are about to take their careers to new heights. Our selection includes exciting projects like Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein," Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," and Stephen King's "The Long Walk," featuring breakthrough performances from Jacob Elordi, Zendaya, David Jonsson, and more! Which upcoming project are you most excited about?
10 Exciting Projects You’ll See Breakout Stars in Soon
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be looking at the most anticipated upcoming movies featuring actors who had their breakthrough in the early 2020s.
“The Long Walk” remains one of only a few Stephen King books yet to receive a screen adaptation. The first novel King ever wrote, the story unfolds in a dystopian America where a totalitarian regime forces teenage boys into a grueling annual walking contest, with only one survivor. After languishing in development hell since 1988, the film gained momentum in 2023 when “Hunger Games” director Francis Lawrence was announced to helm the project. British actor David Jonsson, known for his breakout roles in HBO’s “Industry” and 2024’s “Alien: Romulus,” was cast in one of the two leading roles. It will be Jonsson’s first film since he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2025, edging out contenders like Mikey Madison and Jharrel Jerome.
When two pest controllers respond to a routine call about a vermin infestation, they unexpectedly find themselves in a battle against something far worse: a gang of killer squirrels. That is the delightfully absurd premise of the upcoming comedy horror film “The Scurry.” Written and directed by Welsh filmmaker Craig Roberts, “The Scurry” will star actress Ella Purnell in the lead, who is best known for her roles in the TV shows “Yellowjackets” and “Fallout.” While a release date hasn’t been announced yet, principal photography on the film took place between April and May of 2024, so expect this bonkers horror flick to scurry into theaters sometime in 2025.
After years of delivering standout performances in acclaimed film and TV projects, Da'Vine Joy Randolph finally received her due recognition when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “The Holdovers.” Randolph’s return to the big screen following her Academy Award win will be in the 2025 action thriller “Shadow Force.” Led by Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, the film follows two former operatives of a special forces group who must protect their family while evading their former teammates. Not much is known about Randolph’s role, but brief glimpses in the trailer suggest she plays a secondary character caught up in the chaos. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to find out, as “Shadow Force” hits theaters in May 2025.
In 2023, award-winning singer Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye ventured into television by co-creating and starring in HBO’s “The Idol.” Unlike his music, however, the series flopped spectacularly, but with his upcoming film “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” the singer hopes to turn the tide. Co-written, produced and also starring Tesfaye, this film doubles as a companion piece to his 2025 album of the same name. It features Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan, best known for “The Banshees of Inisherin” and his star-making turn in 2023’s “Saltburn.” Keoghan will play Lee, opposite Tesfaye and Jenna Ortega, who stars as Anima. Anticipation for the film is high, as Keoghan reportedly chose it as his first major project following his mainstream breakthrough.
Everyone’s favorite detective, Benoit Blanc, returns for another sprawling mystery in “Wake Up Dead Man,” the third installment in the “Knives Out” franchise. Like its predecessors, the film boasts an ensemble cast, featuring industry veterans such as Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner and Kerry Washington, alongside fresh talent like Cailee Spaeny. The young actress first made waves with her portrayal of Priscilla Presley in 2023’s “Priscilla,” and kept the momentum going with acclaimed performances in “Civil War” and “Alien: Romulus.” Spaeny’s role in the film has been kept under wraps, but if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that she’s either going to be a victim in a murder or a suspect.
Acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has long dreamed of adapting the classic horror novel “Frankenstein.” In 2023, he finally got his wish when the project was greenlit by Netflix for a November 2025 release. Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” was initially set to star Andrew Garfield in the role of the monster, but scheduling conflicts forced the actor to bow out of the project. In January 2024, he was replaced by Australian actor Jacob Elordi, fresh off his buzzworthy performances in the 2023 films “Priscilla” and “Saltburn.” If Bill Skarsgård sent audiences into a frenzy as the titular vampire in 2024’s “Nosferatu,” we can only imagine the uproar when Elordi lumbers onto the screen as Frankenstein’s monster.
The 2022 psychological thriller novel “The Housemaid” became an instant breakout for author Freida McFadden, spending weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list. The story follows a young woman who takes a job as a housemaid for a wealthy couple, only to realize that things are not as they seem. Now, the titular role will be brought to life by Sydney Sweeney, adding yet another high-profile project to her resume, which already boasts “Euphoria,” “The White Lotus” and the 2023 rom-com “Anyone but You.” She will also serve as an executive producer, alongside co-star Amanda Seyfried. With Paul Feig directing, this highly anticipated adaptation promises to keep audiences on edge when it arrives in theaters on Christmas Day 2025.
Since her breakout role as sous chef Sydney Adamu on “The Bear,” Ayo Edebiri seems unstoppable. The actress has been everywhere, appearing in a wide range of projects, including “Black Mirror,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Inside Out 2” and “Bottoms.” For her next film, Edebiri will star in Italian director Luca Guadagnino’s latest project, “After the Hunt,” opposite Julia Roberts. In the film, Roberts plays a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when Edebiri’s character, one of her students, levels an accusation against another professor. Not much else has been released about the plot, but if Guadagnino’s track record is anything to go by, expect a visually stunning and emotionally complex drama.
Set in the gritty chaos of 1990s New York, Darren Aronofsky’s 2025 crime thriller “Caught Stealing” marks his highly anticipated follow-up to 2022’s “The Whale.” Based on Charlie Huston’s book of the same name, the film follows Hank Thompson, a former baseball player who is thrown into a brutal fight for survival in the city’s criminal underworld. Stepping up to the plate as Thompson is Oscar-nominated actor Austin Butler, fresh off the rave reviews for his turn as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in “Dune: Part Two.” Known for his intense dedication to every role, Butler is sure to bring that same raw energy to this project. He will be joined by renowned performers like Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith and Liev Schreiber.
If you’re a Hollywood actor and not part of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” there’s a chance you might be feeling left out. Indeed, the upcoming 2026 epic has made headlines for its star-studded ensemble cast, including names like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron. Also on board is Zendaya, who is reportedly portraying Athena, the goddess protecting Telemachus, played by her real-life partner, Tom Holland. Touted as Nolan’s most ambitious project to date, “The Odyssey” will also be the most expensive entry in Zendaya’s filmography, surpassing her blockbuster hits in the “Dune” and “Spider-Man” franchises. Shot across breathtaking locations in Morocco, Italy and Greece, this cinematic spectacle has everyone counting down the days.
Which of these upcoming films are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below.
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be looking at the most anticipated upcoming movies featuring actors who had their breakthrough in the early 2020s.
“The Long Walk” (TBA)
David Jonsson“The Long Walk” remains one of only a few Stephen King books yet to receive a screen adaptation. The first novel King ever wrote, the story unfolds in a dystopian America where a totalitarian regime forces teenage boys into a grueling annual walking contest, with only one survivor. After languishing in development hell since 1988, the film gained momentum in 2023 when “Hunger Games” director Francis Lawrence was announced to helm the project. British actor David Jonsson, known for his breakout roles in HBO’s “Industry” and 2024’s “Alien: Romulus,” was cast in one of the two leading roles. It will be Jonsson’s first film since he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2025, edging out contenders like Mikey Madison and Jharrel Jerome.
“The Scurry” (TBA)
Ella PurnellWhen two pest controllers respond to a routine call about a vermin infestation, they unexpectedly find themselves in a battle against something far worse: a gang of killer squirrels. That is the delightfully absurd premise of the upcoming comedy horror film “The Scurry.” Written and directed by Welsh filmmaker Craig Roberts, “The Scurry” will star actress Ella Purnell in the lead, who is best known for her roles in the TV shows “Yellowjackets” and “Fallout.” While a release date hasn’t been announced yet, principal photography on the film took place between April and May of 2024, so expect this bonkers horror flick to scurry into theaters sometime in 2025.
“Shadow Force” (2025)
Da'Vine Joy RandolphAfter years of delivering standout performances in acclaimed film and TV projects, Da'Vine Joy Randolph finally received her due recognition when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “The Holdovers.” Randolph’s return to the big screen following her Academy Award win will be in the 2025 action thriller “Shadow Force.” Led by Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, the film follows two former operatives of a special forces group who must protect their family while evading their former teammates. Not much is known about Randolph’s role, but brief glimpses in the trailer suggest she plays a secondary character caught up in the chaos. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to find out, as “Shadow Force” hits theaters in May 2025.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” (2025)
Barry KeoghanIn 2023, award-winning singer Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye ventured into television by co-creating and starring in HBO’s “The Idol.” Unlike his music, however, the series flopped spectacularly, but with his upcoming film “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” the singer hopes to turn the tide. Co-written, produced and also starring Tesfaye, this film doubles as a companion piece to his 2025 album of the same name. It features Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan, best known for “The Banshees of Inisherin” and his star-making turn in 2023’s “Saltburn.” Keoghan will play Lee, opposite Tesfaye and Jenna Ortega, who stars as Anima. Anticipation for the film is high, as Keoghan reportedly chose it as his first major project following his mainstream breakthrough.
“Wake Up Dead Man” (2025)
Cailee SpaenyEveryone’s favorite detective, Benoit Blanc, returns for another sprawling mystery in “Wake Up Dead Man,” the third installment in the “Knives Out” franchise. Like its predecessors, the film boasts an ensemble cast, featuring industry veterans such as Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner and Kerry Washington, alongside fresh talent like Cailee Spaeny. The young actress first made waves with her portrayal of Priscilla Presley in 2023’s “Priscilla,” and kept the momentum going with acclaimed performances in “Civil War” and “Alien: Romulus.” Spaeny’s role in the film has been kept under wraps, but if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that she’s either going to be a victim in a murder or a suspect.
“Frankenstein” (2025)
Jacob ElordiAcclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has long dreamed of adapting the classic horror novel “Frankenstein.” In 2023, he finally got his wish when the project was greenlit by Netflix for a November 2025 release. Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” was initially set to star Andrew Garfield in the role of the monster, but scheduling conflicts forced the actor to bow out of the project. In January 2024, he was replaced by Australian actor Jacob Elordi, fresh off his buzzworthy performances in the 2023 films “Priscilla” and “Saltburn.” If Bill Skarsgård sent audiences into a frenzy as the titular vampire in 2024’s “Nosferatu,” we can only imagine the uproar when Elordi lumbers onto the screen as Frankenstein’s monster.
“The Housemaid” (2025)
Sydney SweeneyThe 2022 psychological thriller novel “The Housemaid” became an instant breakout for author Freida McFadden, spending weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list. The story follows a young woman who takes a job as a housemaid for a wealthy couple, only to realize that things are not as they seem. Now, the titular role will be brought to life by Sydney Sweeney, adding yet another high-profile project to her resume, which already boasts “Euphoria,” “The White Lotus” and the 2023 rom-com “Anyone but You.” She will also serve as an executive producer, alongside co-star Amanda Seyfried. With Paul Feig directing, this highly anticipated adaptation promises to keep audiences on edge when it arrives in theaters on Christmas Day 2025.
“After the Hunt” (2025)
Ayo EdebiriSince her breakout role as sous chef Sydney Adamu on “The Bear,” Ayo Edebiri seems unstoppable. The actress has been everywhere, appearing in a wide range of projects, including “Black Mirror,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Inside Out 2” and “Bottoms.” For her next film, Edebiri will star in Italian director Luca Guadagnino’s latest project, “After the Hunt,” opposite Julia Roberts. In the film, Roberts plays a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when Edebiri’s character, one of her students, levels an accusation against another professor. Not much else has been released about the plot, but if Guadagnino’s track record is anything to go by, expect a visually stunning and emotionally complex drama.
“Caught Stealing” (2025)
Austin ButlerSet in the gritty chaos of 1990s New York, Darren Aronofsky’s 2025 crime thriller “Caught Stealing” marks his highly anticipated follow-up to 2022’s “The Whale.” Based on Charlie Huston’s book of the same name, the film follows Hank Thompson, a former baseball player who is thrown into a brutal fight for survival in the city’s criminal underworld. Stepping up to the plate as Thompson is Oscar-nominated actor Austin Butler, fresh off the rave reviews for his turn as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in “Dune: Part Two.” Known for his intense dedication to every role, Butler is sure to bring that same raw energy to this project. He will be joined by renowned performers like Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith and Liev Schreiber.
“The Odyssey” (2026)
ZendayaIf you’re a Hollywood actor and not part of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” there’s a chance you might be feeling left out. Indeed, the upcoming 2026 epic has made headlines for its star-studded ensemble cast, including names like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron. Also on board is Zendaya, who is reportedly portraying Athena, the goddess protecting Telemachus, played by her real-life partner, Tom Holland. Touted as Nolan’s most ambitious project to date, “The Odyssey” will also be the most expensive entry in Zendaya’s filmography, surpassing her blockbuster hits in the “Dune” and “Spider-Man” franchises. Shot across breathtaking locations in Morocco, Italy and Greece, this cinematic spectacle has everyone counting down the days.
Which of these upcoming films are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below.
