Hunter Schafer’s Explosive 2026: 5 Reasons Why Her Career Is Entering A New Era (Euphoria, A24 Horror, And More)

Hunter Schafer is no longer just a breakout star; she is a global cinematic force. As of December 2025, the American actress, model, and LGBTQ+ activist has officially cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, wrapping up a monumental year that saw her dominate both the big screen and the fashion world. With the highly anticipated *Euphoria* Season 3 finally wrapped and a slate of major film projects lined up for 2026, Schafer is transitioning from a television darling to a powerhouse of prestige cinema, proving her range extends far beyond the neon-drenched halls of East Highland High.

This article dives into the most current and exclusive updates on Hunter Schafer’s career, exploring the landmark projects, high-fashion moments, and career pivots that are defining her explosive new era, answering every fan's curiosity about what comes next after her iconic run as Jules Vaughn.

Hunter Schafer: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Hunter Schafer’s journey is a compelling narrative of creativity, advocacy, and rapid ascent in the entertainment industry. Her background as a model and activist laid the groundwork for a career that seamlessly blends high art and social commentary.

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• Full Name: Hunter James Schafer
• Date of Birth: December 31, 1998
• Place of Birth: Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
• Raised In: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Model, LGBTQ+ Rights Activist
• Breakthrough Role: Jules Vaughn in the HBO series *Euphoria* (2019–present)
• Major Film Roles: Tigris Snow in *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023), Gretchen in *Cuckoo* (2024), and various roles in *Kinds of Kindness* (2024)
• Activism: A prominent voice for transgender rights, she was a plaintiff in a lawsuit against North Carolina’s bathroom bill (HB2) and was named to *Teen Vogue*'s "21 Under 21" list in 2017.
• Modeling Career Highlights: Has walked for major fashion houses including Dior, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, and Vera Wang.

The 2026 Cinematic Takeover: Euphoria, A24 Horror, and Mother Mary

The biggest news surrounding Hunter Schafer in late 2025 is the confirmation of her packed 2026 release schedule. After years of anticipation, her next year is set to be defined by three major, genre-spanning projects that showcase her versatility as an actress.

1. The Highly-Anticipated Return of Jules Vaughn in Euphoria Season 3

The long wait for *Euphoria* fans is nearly over. HBO confirmed in early December 2025 that the third season, created by Sam Levinson, has officially wrapped production. Hunter Schafer, alongside co-star Zendaya, will finally return to the screen, with the premiere date set for April 2026. Schafer’s portrayal of Jules Vaughn, a transgender high school student navigating love, addiction, and identity, is the role that launched her career into the stratosphere. The new season is rumored to feature a significant time jump, promising a mature and complex evolution for the beloved characters.

2. Teaming Up with A24 for a Mysterious Horror Thriller

Schafer is diving headfirst into the prestige horror genre with A24, the studio famous for groundbreaking films like *Hereditary* and *Talk to Me*. She has joined the cast of an untitled bachelor party horror film directed by Arkasha Stevenson, the visionary behind *The First Omen*. She is co-starring with a formidable ensemble cast, including Emma Corrin, Havana Rose Liu, and Sophie Wilde. This move signals a deliberate pivot toward challenging, auteur-driven cinema, adding a dark, thrilling dimension to her filmography.

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3. The Pop Star Saga: Mother Mary with Anne Hathaway

Another major 2026 release is *Mother Mary*, a dramatic film about the relationship between a fictional musician (played by Anne Hathaway) and a famous fashion designer (Michaela Coel). Hunter Schafer’s role in the highly anticipated movie is Hilda, the assistant to the pop star, Mother Mary. The cast also includes FKA Twigs and Kaia Gerber, making it a star-studded exploration of fame, art, and the intricate world of high fashion. The film is set to open in Regal theaters in 2026, positioning Schafer in a high-profile, dramatic supporting role that allows her to work with some of the industry’s top talent.

Fashion and Activism: Hunter Schafer’s 2025 Cultural Impact

Beyond her acting roles, 2025 was a year where Schafer solidified her status as a high-fashion icon and a powerful cultural entity, utilizing her platform to blend art and advocacy. Her presence at major events and collaborations with top-tier brands were constant talking points.

The 2025 Met Gala and Prada Partnership

Hunter Schafer made headlines at the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” where she arrived in a striking, oversized black suit by Prada. Her appearance was widely praised for its bold proportions and sophisticated interpretation of the theme, further cementing her relationship with the Italian fashion house and her reputation as a red-carpet risk-taker. She spoke about feeling comfortable on the carpet and discovering her "inner Prada girl," highlighting her growing confidence in the fashion sphere.

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The Gentle Monster Collaboration: 'The Hunt'

In a unique fusion of fashion and film, Schafer starred in a new short horror film titled 'The Hunt,' which served as the campaign for Gentle Monster's Fall 2025 Collection. Directed by Nadia Lee Cohen, the cinematic experiment transformed high fashion marketing into a stylized, unsettling narrative. This collaboration demonstrates Schafer's ability to choose projects that are artistically compelling, even in the commercial space, utilizing her modeling background to create high-concept visual art.

The Legacy of Advocacy

Even as her acting career explodes, Schafer remains a dedicated LGBTQ+ rights advocate. Her visibility as a transgender woman in major Hollywood productions—from her breakout role as Jules to her high-profile fashion campaigns—is an act of activism in itself. Her work continues to inspire young people globally, demonstrating that authentic representation is crucial and powerful. As she enters this new phase of her career with major releases like *Kinds of Kindness* (2024), *Cuckoo* (2024), and the upcoming 2026 slate, her platform for advocacy only grows, ensuring her voice remains one of the most important in contemporary culture.