The New A-List: Gen Z Stars Dominating the Screen
This generation is leveraging viral fame, artistic integrity, and entrepreneurial spirit to build powerful careers.
Emma Myers
You likely know her as the bubbly, colorful werewolf Enid Sinclair from the mega-hit Netflix series Wednesday. At just 23 years old, Myers stole scenes alongside Jenna Ortega and has become a fan favorite . With Wednesday Season 3 confirmed and her role in the box-office smash A Minecraft Movie, her star power is only growing, proving her ability to shine in both TV and major film franchises
Marsai Martin
Martin is not just a star in front of the camera but a powerful force behind it. Best known for her role on Black-ish, she made history as the youngest executive producer ever for a major Hollywood film with Little . Now a veteran at 21, she continues to be an influential figure for young creatives and entrepreneurs, using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and shape the projects she believes .
McKenna Grace
At only 18 years old, McKenna Grace is already a seasoned pro with a staggering list of credits, including The Handmaid’s Tale, Ghostbusters, and I, Tonya . She seamlessly transitions between horror, drama, and comedy, showcasing incredible range. But she’s not stopping at acting; she’s also a singer who released her debut EP Bittersweet 16 in 2023 and performed at major festivals . Grace is a prime example of the modern Gen Z star: relentlessly talented and building a multi-faceted career on her own terms.
Jenna Ortega
While now a household name from Wednesday, Ortega’s career is a masterclass in strategic growth. From her early roles in children’s television to her chilling performance in Scream, she has carefully curated a path that balances blockbuster appeal with critical acclaim. Her influence is so significant that she’s often cited as a key figure in getting younger audiences back to the movies for specific, relevant content .
Beyond Acting: The Multi-Hyphenate Movement
Gen Z doesn’t believe in being put in a box. The most successful rising stars are builders of personal brands and creators of their own content.
Emma Chamberlain
What began as a deeply relatable YouTube channel has exploded into a media empire. Chamberlain’s raw authenticity resonated with millions, leading to a coffee brand, a podcast, and her status as a fashion icon at major events like the Met Gala . She represents the path from “creator” to “cultural force,” a trajectory that is increasingly common and influential.
Marsai Martin
Worth mentioning twice, Martin embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. She isn’t just waiting for roles; she’s creating them through her production company. This move from performer to power player is a key characteristic of Gen Z’s approach to Hollywood, ensuring they have control over their narratives and careers.
The Viral Pathway: From TikTok to The Big Screen
The line between social media and traditional stardom has all but disappeared. Platforms like TikTok are the new testing grounds for talent.
Charli D’Amelio
As the original “Queen of TikTok,” D’Amelio revolutionized fame. She gained a massive following through dance videos and has since leveraged that into a multi-platform career with brand collaborations, a reality show, and charity work . She paved the way for a generation of creators to be taken seriously as businesspeople and entertainers.
Bella Poarch
Poarch rose to fame on TikTok with her iconic lip-sync and visual videos. Unlike many viral stars, she successfully transitioned into music, where she has built a dedicated following and proven the potential of social media platforms to launch sustainable entertainment careers.
Why This Shift Matters for the Future of Entertainment
The rise of these stars is more than a trend; it’s a reflection of a fundamental change in the industry and audience behavior.
They Meet Audiences Where They Are: As film executive Kevin Mayer noted, “The center of gravity in youth is not Hollywood. It just isn’t… This isn’t happening in the future. It’s happened already” . Gen Z stars often build their audience online first, creating a loyal community that follows them to traditional media.
Authenticity is the New Currency: This generation values relatability. Stars like Emma Chamberlain, who built a brand on being “messy” and real, connect more deeply than the seemingly untouchable movie stars of old .
Hollywood is Forced to Adapt: Studios are learning that to attract Gen Z, they need to create content that is relevant to them. The massive success of films like A Minecraft Movie, which resonated deeply with young audiences, shows the power of tapping into Gen Z’s cultural touchstones . As Reese Witherspoon has observed, “Attention spans are shifting. The way we make movies is going to change radically” .
The Takeaway
The future of Hollywood is bright, diverse, and digital. The rising Gen Z celebrities of 2025 are more than just actors; they are producers, creators, entrepreneurs, and advocates. They are building their own tables rather than waiting for a seat, and in doing so, they are fundamentally reshaping the entertainment landscape as we know it.
For more pop culture insights, check out our guide on Cloud Skin vs. Dewy Skin and explore how Luxury Hospitality Content Studios are setting trends across industries.
Keep your eyes on these names—they’re just getting started.
