From Cinderella To Tech CEO: The 5 Must-See Lily James Movies And TV Shows You Can't Miss (Latest Updates 2025)

Few actresses possess the chameleon-like ability to pivot from a Disney princess to a rock-and-roll icon, and then to a tech billionaire, but Lily James has proven herself to be one of them. As of December 2025, her filmography is exploding with high-profile, diverse projects that cement her status as one of the most exciting talents in contemporary cinema, with several major films scheduled for release in 2025 and beyond, including a highly anticipated biopic and an action-packed thriller.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the latest and upcoming movies and TV shows of Lily James, offering a fresh look at her career trajectory from her breakout role in *Downton Abbey* to her transformative performances in *Pam & Tommy* and the new wave of films that will define her next chapter, ensuring you are fully updated on her most current and essential work.

Lily James: Full Biography and Career Profile

Lily James, born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, is an English actress celebrated for her versatility across period dramas, musicals, and intense biographical roles.

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Full Name: Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson

Professional Name: Lily James

Date of Birth: April 5, 1989

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Place of Birth: Esher, Surrey, England

Education: She studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, graduating in 2010.

Career Start: James began her career in television with roles in *Just William* (2010) and *Secret Diary of a Call Girl* (2011).

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Breakthrough Role: Her career took off with the role of Lady Rose MacClare in the globally popular television series *Downton Abbey* (2012–2015).

Defining Role: She achieved international stardom by starring as the titular character in Disney’s live-action *Cinderella* (2015), directed by Kenneth Branagh.

The New Era: Lily James's Upcoming and Latest Must-See Projects (2023–2026)

The current phase of Lily James's career is marked by a clear move toward complex, high-stakes roles, often rooted in real-life events or intense thrillers. Her upcoming slate is arguably the most ambitious of her career, showcasing her range in biopics, action, and animation.

1. Swiped (2025) - The Tech Billionaire Biopic

One of the most anticipated films for 2025 is *Swiped*, a biographical drama where James takes on the formidable role of Whitney Wolfe Herd.

• The Role: James portrays the founder and CEO of the dating app Bumble, chronicling her journey from co-founder of Tinder to creating a billion-dollar company focused on female-first connections.
• Significance: This project highlights James’s ability to embody modern, powerful female figures, following her critically acclaimed transformation into Pamela Anderson.
• Release: The film is slated for a 2025 release, likely on a major streaming service like Disney+ or Hulu.

2. Relay (2025) - The High-Stakes Thriller

Moving into the espionage genre, *Relay* is a psychological thriller that pairs James with Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed.

• The Plot: The film centers on a corporate fixer (Ahmed) who specializes in covering up the most sensitive secrets for the wealthy, and the complex relationship he forms with a mysterious woman (James).
• Co-Stars: The cast also includes Sam Worthington and Willa Fitzgerald, promising a tense, character-driven narrative.
• Release: The trailer for *Relay* has already generated buzz, confirming its status as a major 2025 release from Bleecker Street.

3. Finally Dawn (Finalmente L'alba) (2023/2025) - The Italian Drama

James showcased her international appeal in the Italian-language drama *Finally Dawn* (original title: *Finalmente L'alba*), which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

• The Role: She stars as Josephine Esperanto alongside Joe Keery (of *Stranger Things* fame) in a film set in 1950s Rome.
• Significance: The film is a passion project by director Saverio Costanzo and explores the events of a single, unforgettable night, marking a significant artistic choice for James.

4. The Iron Claw (2023) - The Critically Acclaimed Sports Drama

In late 2023, James starred in the biographical sports drama *The Iron Claw*, which received immense critical praise.

• The Role: James played Pam Adkisson, the wife of Zac Efron's character, Kevin Von Erich, in the true story of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestlers.
• Impact: The film was lauded for its powerful emotional performances and its raw depiction of the family’s tragic history.

The Defining Roles: From Period Pieces to Pop Culture Icons

To understand Lily James’s topical authority and incredible range, one must look back at the roles that cemented her as a global star. These projects are essential viewing for any fan seeking to trace her evolution as an actress.

5. Pam & Tommy (2022) - The Transformative Series

Perhaps her most challenging and transformative role to date was playing Pamela Anderson in the Hulu biographical limited series *Pam & Tommy*.

• The Transformation: James underwent a dramatic physical transformation, complete with extensive prosthetics and makeup, to embody the *Baywatch* star.
• Critical Acclaim: Her portrayal earned her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, with critics praising her ability to capture the vulnerability and humanity of the pop culture icon. The series itself explores the controversial release of the couple's private tape, featuring Sebastian Stan as Tommy Lee.

The Period Drama and Musical Hits

James first captured the world's attention with her work in period dramas and beloved musicals, showcasing her classic Hollywood appeal.

• Cinderella (2015): Her starring role in the live-action Disney adaptation was a massive global success, establishing her as a leading lady. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film is a high point in her early film career.
• War & Peace (2016): She starred as Natasha Rostova in the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel, further proving her command of complex literary characters.
• Baby Driver (2017): As Debora, James played the love interest in Edgar Wright's stylish action-crime film, demonstrating her ability to shine in a contemporary, fast-paced genre.
• Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018): Taking on the role of Young Donna, James showcased her singing and dancing talents, breathing new life into the beloved musical franchise alongside stars like Meryl Streep.
• The Dig (2021): In this Netflix film, she played archaeologist Peggy Piggott, a key figure in the Sutton Hoo excavation, adding another historical drama to her repertoire.

Topical Authority and Entity List

Lily James’s career is a masterclass in genre hopping, from the classic literature of Leo Tolstoy to the modern tech world of Whitney Wolfe Herd. Her ability to collaborate with top-tier talent and take on challenging roles solidifies her topical authority in the industry.

Key Entities and Co-stars: Kenneth Branagh, Riz Ahmed, Sebastian Stan, Zac Efron, Joe Keery, Sam Worthington, Willa Fitzgerald, Joe Wright (director of *Darkest Hour*), Danny Boyle (director of *Yesterday*), Meryl Streep, Edgar Wright, Pamela Anderson, Tommy Lee, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble (dating app), *Downton Abbey*, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Esher, Surrey, England, *Baywatch*, Disney, Hulu, Bleecker Street, Venice Film Festival, Sutton Hoo. (25 entities)

With a slate of upcoming films like *Swiped* and *Relay* and the potential for a return to the animated world with *The Angry Birds Movie 3* (2026) and the remake of the action classic *Cliffhanger* (2026), James is set to dominate the big screen for years to come.