Fresh talent has always been the fuel that’s powered Hollywood, but for now, the under-25 crowd is taking over. Whether they are storming the box office, headlining critically acclaimed series, or setting social media on fire, these young actors are rewriting the rules and proving a new generation of stars is here to stay. From multitalented performers to unique-voiced rising icons, here are the 17 most promising young Hollywood talents redefining what it means to be a star right now.
17. Madison Reyes
Madison Reyes is the true triple threat: an actress, singer, and performer who has already made a name for herself as Julie Molina in Julie and the Phantoms. The energy, charisma, and undeniable talent she possesses make her stand out among young Afro-Latina actresses and put her on a career path that suggests she will be dominating both music and screen for years to come. Reyes is more than just a rising star; she’s a multifaceted force in the industry.
16. Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler went from virtual obscurity to international fame after landing the lead in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, for which she won a Golden Globe. Since then, she’s added The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Disney’s live-action Snow White to her résumé. With her combination of acting talent, vocal chops, and magnetic presence, Zegler is quickly solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young actors, and it feels like this is just the beginning.
15. Allegra Acosta
Allegra Acosta has made a name for herself as both a singer and actress, her most notable role being that of Molly Hernandez in Runaways. She has also appeared in American Girl, Just Add Magic, and One Halloween, among others, showcasing a range from light-hearted to complex performances. Versatility, charm, and infectious energy make Acosta one to watch for the next decade.
14. Tess Romero
First finding fame as Elena Cañero-Reed in Diary of a Future President, Tess Romero quickly became one of the most exciting young Latina talents to emerge in Hollywood. An accomplished comedienne with serious dramatic range, Romero distinguishes herself from her peers, and her honest performance promises a career that shall expand in scope and depth.
13. Soni Bringas
Soni Bringas shines as Ramona Gibbler in Fuller House and has managed, within approximately nine acting credits to her name, to prove that she can hold her own in a very competitive industry. Her performances were nuanced and relatable, indicating a maturity well beyond her years and a bright future in both television and film.
12. Inde Navarrette
Inde Navarrette has made her mark as Sarah Cushing on Superman & Lois, but her upcoming projects-Trap House, Obsession, and Kids of the Black Hole-display her range and hustle. It’s Navarrette’s genre-hopping and depth with which she handles her characters that cement her as one of the few under-25 actors with real staying power.
11. Zoey Luna
The young Hollywood standout from Lynwood, Los Angeles, Zoey Luna, has built a rising star reputation fast. Better known for her role as Lourdes in The Craft: Legacy, she has also appeared in Dear Evan Hansen and Hauntology. Luna brings depth and relatability to each of her roles with authenticity and a natural screen presence that makes her an emerging talent to watch.
10. Madison De La Garza
Madison De La Garza started her career with Princess Protection Program and, since then, has been expanding her professional agenda as a producer and screenwriter. Known for bringing a heartfelt authenticity to her performances, De La Garza’s growing body of work showcases her creative ambition and versatility, marking her as one of the most promising young actors to emerge in the last few years.
9. Isabella Ferreira
Isabella Ferreira’s career took off in 2017 with her active roles in Goosebumps, Grey Matter, and Social Distance. Being of Puerto Rican-Dominican origin, Ferreira is highly regarded for her adeptness in playing both dramatic and light-hearted roles, while motivating a new generation of talent. She is indeed one of the rising forces of Hollywood due to her commitment and calibre.
8. Paulina Chávez
Paulina Chávez has shown her range with appearances in Landman, Fate: The Winx Saga, and Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love. She’s also starred in projects like The Long Game and Game On! A Comedy Crossover Event. Whether bringing comedic timing or dramatic intensity, Chávez continues to showcase her appeal to audiences across genres.
7. Luna Blaise
First recognised on Fresh Off the Boat, Luna Blaise has built an increasingly varied resume with Jurassic World: Rebirth, Manifest, and Deltopia. She has a lot of charm and charisma, the undeniable screen presence that gives her that elusive “it” factor, which makes every project she touches one to keep an eye on.
6. Cree Cicchino
Cree Cicchino burst onto the scene as Marisol Fuentes on Mr Iglesias and as Daisy in Turtles All the Way Down. With her Ecuadorian-Italian heritage and quick wit, along with a charismatic personality, Cicchino is surely one to watch among the newer generation of actors.
5. Izabella Alvarez
With over ten years of experience in the industry, Izabella Alvarez has appeared in Westworld, Euphoria, and The Republic of Sarah. Winner of the Imagen Award for Best Young Actor and nominee for Best Voice-Over Actor, Alvarez embodies dedication and consistency, further proving that longevity in Hollywood is built on talent and hard work.
4. Xochitl Gomez
Among the youngest breakout Latina actresses, Xochitl Gomez has a total of over 30 acting credits and nominations from the Sierra Awards, People’s Choice, and Young Artist Awards. From her first appearance in the film Interwoven to her explosive career today, Gomez continues to showcase phenomenal ability and versatility, setting herself out as a trailblazer for youth everywhere.
3. Auli’i Cravalho
Auli’i Cravalho is a triple threat: acting, music, and producing. She’s most known for playing Janis ‘Imi’ike in Mean Girls, but you can also see her in The Tiny Chef Show, Darby and the Dead, and Crush. Her multicultural background-Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Chinese, Irish, and Portuguese-adds depth to her performances and reflects the diversity of young Hollywood.
2. Isabela Merced
Isabela Merced started her career with The House That Jack Built and has been stealing the screen ever since. With more than a decade in the industry, Merced is still choosing challenging roles that show experience and raw talent can make even the youngest stars formidable forces in Hollywood.
1. Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega is on top of young Hollywood right now. Amassing 55 acting credits within her career, she recently starred in projects such as Scream, Wednesday, and The Fallout, winning back-to-back Saturn Awards in 2024 and 2025. Ortega’s talent, versatility, and work ethic make her the clear leader of her generation, with her trajectory not slowing down anytime soon.
These 17 young actors aren’t just the future-they’re actively shaping it. With their award wins, breakout performances, and magnetic screen presence, this under-25 crowd is bringing diversity, creativity, and energy to Hollywood like never before. The next time you tune into a blockbuster or a binge-worthy series, take note: You’re witnessing the next generation of stars making history, one unforgettable performance at a time.