The 5 Biggest Projects Shaping Peyton List's Career In 2025 And Beyond

Peyton List is currently navigating one of the most transformative periods of her acting career, moving decisively from her Disney Channel roots to becoming a powerhouse in streaming dramas and films. As of today, December 12, 2025, the buzz around her is primarily focused on the highly-anticipated final parts of *Cobra Kai* and the ongoing, complex mystery of her hit Paramount+ series, *School Spirits*. This dynamic shift showcases her ability to tackle mature, multifaceted roles, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most compelling young stars.

The actress, known for her captivating screen presence and versatility, has successfully shed the image of Emma Ross to embody characters like the fierce Tory Nichols and the spectral Maddie Nears. Her recent work not only highlights her dramatic range but also demonstrates a strategic focus on projects with deep topical authority, ensuring her career trajectory remains fresh and unique in a competitive industry.

Peyton List: Full Biography and Profile

Peyton Roi List has built a formidable career spanning over a decade, starting as a child model before transitioning into a successful actress and producer. Her journey is a classic example of a child star successfully reinventing herself for adult roles.

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• Full Name: Peyton Roi List
• Date of Birth: April 6, 1998
• Place of Birth: Florida, United States
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
• Siblings: Spencer List (twin brother, actor), Phoenix List (younger brother)
• Career Start: Began as a child model, appearing in ads for brands like American Girl dolls.
• Breakout Role (Child Star): Emma Ross in the Disney Channel series *Jessie* (2011–2015) and its spin-off *Bunk'd* (2015–2018).
• Major Adult Roles: Tory Nichols in *Cobra Kai* (Netflix, 2019–2025) and Maddie Nears in *School Spirits* (Paramount+, 2023–Present).
• Notable Filmography (Selected): *27 Dresses* (2008), *Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules* (2011), *The Thinning* (2016), *Valley Girl* (2020), *Girl Haunts Boy* (2024).

The End of an Era: Final Bow as Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai (2025)

One of the most significant events in Peyton List's 2025 calendar is the conclusion of the global phenomenon *Cobra Kai*. The final parts of Season 6 are set to deliver the climactic end to the decades-long rivalry between the Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai dojos.

Tory Nichols’ Complex Arc

List’s portrayal of Tory Nichols has been widely praised for its depth and emotional complexity. Tory is a troubled, fiercely loyal, and incredibly talented karate prodigy who served as the primary rival to Samantha LaRusso. Her character arc—from an aggressive antagonist to a more sympathetic figure grappling with poverty and moral choices—provided List with a powerful platform to demonstrate her dramatic acting chops.

The final season is expected to resolve Tory’s personal relationships and her future in the world of competitive karate, giving List a memorable send-off from a role that truly defined her post-Disney transition. Fans are eager to see if Tory achieves redemption or if her darker instincts prevail in the All Valley Tournament's ultimate showdown.

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Embracing the Afterlife: The Success of School Spirits and Ghostly Roles

Following the intensity of *Cobra Kai*, Peyton List has found a new home and a fresh challenge on Paramount+ with the series *School Spirits*. The show, which has been renewed for a third season, is a central focus of her current professional life, allowing her to explore the supernatural genre.

Maddie Nears: Stuck in the Afterlife

In *School Spirits*, List plays Maddie Nears, a high schooler who wakes up to find she is a ghost, stuck in the afterlife at her school. The central mystery revolves around her own disappearance and presumed murder. This role is a significant departure, as Maddie is essentially an investigator of her own death, often interacting with a world that cannot see or hear her.

The critical success of *School Spirits* has highlighted List's ability to carry a series as the lead, blending mystery, drama, and elements of the supernatural. The show's renewal for Season 3 confirms its popularity and the audience's investment in Maddie's journey to uncover the truth.

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A Unique Niche: The Ghostly Double-Header

Interestingly, List has recently starred in a second ghostly role, the 2024 romantic fantasy film *Girl Haunts Boy*, alongside Michael Cimino. In this film, she plays Bea, a 1920s ghost stuck in a house after a museum artifact kills her.

This "ghostly double-header"—playing two different spectral students in two separate projects—is a unique, career-defining moment. List herself has discussed the cathartic release and the challenge of playing characters who are literally "living in the afterlife," showcasing her versatility even within a specific genre.

From Disney Star to Streaming Sensation: A Masterclass in Career Transition

Peyton List's career evolution is a case study in how former child stars can successfully transition to more mature and challenging roles. Her early work on *Jessie* and *Bunk'd* established her as a recognizable face to a generation of young viewers. However, her deliberate choice of subsequent projects demonstrated an intention to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress.

Strategic Role Choices

The move to *Cobra Kai* was a pivotal moment. The show’s massive success on Netflix provided her with the mainstream visibility needed to reach a global audience outside of the Disney bubble. Playing Tory, a character with significant emotional baggage and a dark edge, proved her ability to handle complex narratives.

Her work in *School Spirits* further solidifies this strategy, giving her an executive producer credit and a leading role that demands a nuanced performance. By actively seeking out and starring in diverse projects—from intense martial arts drama to supernatural mystery and romantic fantasy—Peyton List is building a topical authority that extends far beyond her initial fame.

The Future: Directing and Producing

Beyond acting, List has expressed interest and taken steps into other facets of the industry. Having been on set since she was a child, she is now exploring opportunities in directing and producing, a common trajectory for actors looking to gain more creative control over their careers. This holistic approach to the entertainment business ensures that her influence will continue to grow in the coming years. Her recent appearances and magazine covers, such as the May 2025 Digital Cover for *Behind the Blinds*, confirm her continued relevance and high-profile status in the industry.