Franchise stars are entering a new era in Hollywood. Major studios are using established movie universes to introduce younger performers to global audiences. From The Hunger Games to Disney and superhero properties, the next wave of talent is getting opportunities that can transform promising careers into major franchises.
Franchises Are Becoming Star-Making Machines
Hollywood has long used blockbuster franchises to create recognizable stars. The strategy remains powerful because established intellectual property already has an audience.
In 2026, that pipeline is particularly visible. Lionsgate is bringing The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping to theaters on November 20. The film introduces Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy, giving a relatively new actor a central role inside one of Hollywood’s established franchises.
Joseph Zada and the Hunger Games Effect
Zada’s casting illustrates how a franchise can rapidly increase an actor’s visibility. The young Australian performer is taking over a character previously associated with Woody Harrelson, creating an immediate connection between a new generation and an established cinematic universe.
Reuters reports that the new film explores Haymitch’s transformation from an optimistic teenager into the character audiences know from the original films. The production features a large ensemble, including Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons and Elle Fanning.
Disney Is Building Its Own Talent Pipeline
The Walt Disney Company is also demonstrating how established entertainment brands can introduce younger performers.
Camp Rock 3 features newcomers including Liamani Segura, Malachi Barton, Lumi Pollack and Hudson Stone alongside the returning Jonas Brothers. Disney describes the project as a new era for the franchise, showing how familiar properties can create opportunities for emerging performers.
The company’s broader 2026 slate also includes major franchises such as Toy Story, Moana, Marvel and Avengers.
The New Hollywood Is More Cross-Platform
Today’s franchise stars are not built only through theatrical releases. Streaming, social media, television, gaming and music can all contribute to an actor’s visibility.
ELLE‘s 2026 Hollywood Rising class reflects this broader ecosystem, highlighting performers such as Sophie Wilde, Tom Francis, Xochitl Gomez, Chloe Bennet and Toheeb Jimoh.
Variety has likewise continued its long-running “Actors to Watch” tradition, identifying emerging performers before they become household names.
Why Franchise Royalty Is Changing
The biggest change may be the route to stardom. Instead of waiting for one original blockbuster to create a superstar, studios can introduce performers inside recognizable worlds.
That approach gives new actors immediate audience awareness while allowing studios to refresh properties for younger viewers. For audiences, it creates a bridge between familiar characters and new faces.
The Next Era of Hollywood Stars
The next generation of franchise stars will likely emerge from a mixture of superhero films, fantasy adaptations, streaming series, gaming adaptations and long-running family properties.
The names taking center stage today may not all become Hollywood’s biggest stars. However, the opportunities are increasingly clear. Established franchises are becoming powerful launchpads for performers who could define the industry’s next decade.
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