From Disney Star To Horror Hunk: 5 Shocking New Directions Cole Sprouse Is Taking In 2025

Cole Sprouse is not just a former Disney Channel star or the brooding heartthrob from the CW’s hit series *Riverdale*; as of December 2025, he is an artist, an intellectual, and a career chameleon charting a remarkably unpredictable course in Hollywood. After spending seven seasons as the beloved, sardonic Jughead Jones, Sprouse has deliberately stepped away from the teen drama spotlight to embrace roles and passions that reflect his complex, multi-faceted identity, including a major shift into the art world and a new, unconventional film career. His recent projects prove that the actor, who once studied archaeology at NYU, is intent on digging up a truly unique path for his future.

The post-*Riverdale* era for Cole Sprouse is defined by reinvention. From a silent, romantic monster in a horror-comedy to a celebrated fashion photographer and a rumored academic, his professional life is a fascinating blend of high-profile celebrity and thoughtful artistic pursuit. This deep dive explores the five most significant and surprising new directions Cole Sprouse is taking, solidifying his status as one of the most intriguing young talents working today.

Cole Sprouse: Complete Biography and Profile

Cole Sprouse’s journey is a rare Hollywood narrative, transitioning seamlessly from a globally-recognized child star to a respected adult actor and artist. His life has been defined by a twin partnership, an academic hiatus, and a triumphant return to the screen.

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• Full Name: Cole Mitchell Sprouse
• Date of Birth: August 4, 1992
• Place of Birth: Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 33
• Nationality: American (Dual citizenship with Italy)
• Twin Brother: Dylan Sprouse (Actor, Co-owner of All-Wise Meadery)
• Education: New York University (NYU), Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Graduated in 2015 with a degree in Archaeology.
• Notable Early Roles: Julian McGrath in *Big Daddy* (1999), Ben Geller in *Friends* (2000-2002), Cody Martin in *The Suite Life of Zack & Cody* (2005–2008) and *The Suite Life on Deck* (2008–2011).
• Breakout Adult Role: Jughead Jones in *Riverdale* (2017–2023).
• Current Relationship Status: Dating model Ari Fournier (since early 2021).
• Other Ventures: Professional photographer, whose work has been featured in major publications like *Vogue* and *The Sunday Times*.

1. The Post-Riverdale Film Pivot: Playing a Corpse in ‘Lisa Frankenstein’

The conclusion of *Riverdale* in 2023 marked a major turning point for Sprouse, freeing him to pursue more challenging and less commercially-bound roles. His first major cinematic project after the CW series was the 2024 horror-comedy *Lisa Frankenstein*.

In the film, written by Diablo Cody (known for *Juno* and *Jennifer’s Body*) and directed by Zelda Williams, Sprouse took on the unconventional role of "The Creature." This character is a 19th-century reanimated corpse accidentally brought back to life by a high schooler named Lisa. What made the role particularly demanding—and a stark contrast to the verbose Jughead Jones—was the fact that The Creature is almost entirely silent throughout the movie.

This choice demonstrated a commitment to physical acting and non-verbal storytelling, allowing Sprouse to fulfill what he called a "childhood dream" of playing a monster. The film, set in 1989, is a dark, romantic comedy that solidified his desire to explore the indie film space and work with visionary female creators like Cody and Williams.

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2. Embracing the Art World: From Photographer to Academic

Outside of acting, Cole Sprouse has cultivated a respected career as a professional photographer, a passion he initially took up during his hiatus from acting while studying at New York University. His work is known for its cinematic techniques and a distinct, moody aesthetic, often focusing on fashion and portraiture.

A New Course in Modern Photography

A significant, recent development that highlights his artistic authority is the rumor of him potentially teaching a photography course at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. The proposed course, titled "Modern Photography: Art in the Age of Instagram," would perfectly blend his celebrity, academic background in art history/archaeology, and practical experience as a working photographer. This move positions him not just as a celebrity with a hobby, but as an established figure capable of teaching the next generation about the intersection of social media, art, and commerce.

His photography portfolio includes high-profile shoots for major magazines, capturing stars such as Kendall Jenner and Sophie Turner. Furthermore, his official photography website is a platform where he sells prints, with proceeds often directed to support Canadian environmental groups, adding a philanthropic layer to his artistic endeavors.

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3. Candid Reflections on Child Stardom and Mental Health

In recent interviews, Cole Sprouse has been remarkably candid about the psychological effects of growing up in the Disney Channel machine and his time on the iconic sitcom *Friends*. This openness is a fresh, mature direction that resonates deeply with fans and the wider public, offering a nuanced perspective on child stardom.

He recently spoke about the "really hard" time he had working with Jennifer Aniston, admitting that he would often forget his lines due to his crush on the actress while playing Ben Geller. These reflections humanize his experience and contrast sharply with the often-polished narratives of other former child stars. He has also been open about how his photography career was a personal outlet used to combat depression, demonstrating his commitment to mental health advocacy and the therapeutic power of art.

4. The End of Bughead and the New Era with Ari Fournier

The intense public scrutiny of his relationship with *Riverdale* co-star Lili Reinhart, affectionately dubbed "Bughead" by fans, was a defining characteristic of his time on the show. After their highly publicized breakup, Sprouse has moved into a more private, yet still public, relationship with Canadian model Ari Fournier.

The couple began dating in January 2021 and have maintained a relatively low-key profile compared to his previous romance. Sprouse often shares artistic, moody photographs of Fournier on his personal Instagram, showcasing their connection and his photographic talents simultaneously. This relationship shift represents a new phase of maturity, where he balances his celebrity status with a desire for genuine, less drama-fueled personal life.

5. Collaborating with His Twin: The Express Campaign

While the Sprouse twins, Cole and Dylan Sprouse, have largely pursued separate career paths since their Disney days, their recent professional collaboration is a major 2025 highlight. Cole stepped behind the camera to photograph his twin brother, Dylan, and Dylan’s wife, model Barbara Palvin, for the Express Spring 2025 campaign.

This project is a perfect convergence of Cole’s two major careers: using his established photography expertise to capture a major fashion campaign, and doing so with his twin, a person central to his entire career narrative. It underscores the respect and synergy between the brothers, proving that their partnership is evolving beyond acting and into the art and fashion world. This collaboration, lensed by Cole, is a testament to his versatility and the unique artistic vision he brings to commercial projects.