Hollywood’s next wave is already here. The next Hollywood stars are not simply waiting for their breakout moment. Many are already leading major franchises, prestige films and hit television series.
From Zendaya and Jacob Elordi to Jenna Ortega, Paul Mescal and a newer generation of rising performers, the industry’s center of gravity is changing.
Zendaya Has Become a Full-Fledged Movie Star
Zendaya’s transition from television sensation to major film star is nearly complete. Dune: Part Two and Challengers demonstrated her ability to move between blockbuster spectacle and adult-oriented drama.
Her combination of acting, fashion influence and franchise appeal gives studios something increasingly valuable: a performer who can command attention before a movie even opens. The Hollywood Reporter previously identified her among the young actors studios were aggressively pursuing.
Jacob Elordi Is Crossing Into Prestige Territory
Jacob Elordi has moved well beyond the teen-drama image created by Euphoria. His performances in Saltburn, Priscilla and Frankenstein have positioned him as a major choice for ambitious filmmakers.
In 2026, Elordi’s trajectory accelerated further. He received an Academy invitation and continued taking on major projects, including Wuthering Heights and The Dog Stars. Variety included him among the 529 new Academy invitees.
Jenna Ortega Has Franchise Power
Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday success turned her into one of streaming’s most recognizable young stars. Her film work has expanded that audience, while her willingness to embrace horror and darker material gives her a distinctive identity.
She is also part of the industry’s institutional shift. Ortega was among the 2026 Academy invitees, signaling recognition beyond social-media popularity.
Paul Mescal Is Bringing Indie Credibility to the Mainstream
Paul Mescal represents another route to stardom. Rather than arriving through a conventional blockbuster franchise, he built credibility through emotionally demanding projects such as Aftersun and All of Us Strangers.
His move into major productions demonstrates how the boundary between independent cinema and mainstream Hollywood is becoming less rigid.
Joseph Zada Could Be the Next Breakout
While some young stars are already established, a newer group is just beginning to emerge. Australian actor Joseph Zada is one of the names attracting serious attention in 2026.
Zada stars as Cal Trask in East of Eden and takes on the younger Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Vanity Fair describes his career as rapidly gaining momentum.
The Pipeline Is Getting Younger and More Global
The industry’s talent pipeline is also becoming more international. ELLE’s 2026 Hollywood Rising class highlights performers from different backgrounds and career paths, while NYLON Next is spotlighting actors expected to shape Hollywood’s future.
That shift matters because today’s movie stars need more than a recognizable face. They need range, cultural relevance and the ability to move between theatrical films, streaming and franchise entertainment.
The next Hollywood heavyweight may therefore look very different from the traditional movie star. Some will come from television. Others will emerge from independent cinema, international markets or youth entertainment.
One thing is already clear: Hollywood’s next generation is no longer waiting for permission to take over the screen.
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