5 Shocking Updates & New Projects That Prove Evan Rachel Wood Is Unstoppable In 2025

Evan Rachel Wood remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling and resilient figures, and as of this current date, December 10, 2025, her professional life is surging forward while a major legal chapter finally closes. The actress, musician, and activist has secured multiple high-profile roles, announced a new music project, and delivered a powerful final statement regarding the conclusion of a years-long legal saga that has defined much of her public narrative. This deep dive reveals the most current and essential updates on Wood’s career, her new creative endeavors, and the significant developments in her activism, proving that the Emmy and Golden Globe nominee is truly unstoppable in 2025.

Evan Rachel Wood: Complete Biography and Profile

Evan Rachel Wood is an American actress, model, and musician known for her versatility across film, television, and theatre. Her career is marked by a willingness to take on complex, often challenging roles, establishing her as a formidable talent in the industry.

• Full Name: Evan Rachel Wood
• Date of Birth: September 7, 1987
• Place of Birth: Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Musician, Activist
• Notable Early Work: Digging to China (1997), Practical Magic (1998)
• Breakthrough Role: Tracy Freeland in Thirteen (2003)
• Major Film Credits: The Upside of Anger (2005), Across the Universe (2007), The Wrestler (2008), Charlie Countryman (2013)
• Major Television Roles: Sophie-Anne Leclerq in True Blood (2009–2011), Dolores Abernathy in Westworld (2016–2022)
• Accolades: Critics' Choice Television Award (for Westworld), Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
• Activism: Advocate for survivors of domestic violence, instrumental in passing The Phoenix Act in California.
• Music Career: One half of the musical duo *Rebel and a Basketcase* (with Zach Villa), and solo work.

The Legal Conclusion and Her Powerful Response to Survivors

The most impactful and current news surrounding Evan Rachel Wood in 2025 is the official conclusion of the legal battle with her former fiancé, musician Marilyn Manson (Brian Warner). The developments have been a massive victory for Wood and the survivor community she champions. In a major development, Marilyn Manson officially dropped his defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood. The lawsuit, which alleged that Wood and her associate, Illma Gore, fabricated claims of abuse and hacked his computer, was voluntarily dismissed by Manson's legal team. This highly public and contentious legal battle, which began after Wood publicly named Manson as her abuser in 2021, has finally come to an end in her favor. Furthermore, Manson agreed to pay a significant amount—nearly $327,000—in attorneys’ fees to Wood, a rare and telling outcome in such high-stakes cases. Following the conclusion of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s investigation into sexual assault and domestic violence allegations against Manson, which did not result in criminal charges, Wood issued a powerful statement. Speaking out in January 2025, she expressed that she was "endlessly proud of survivors" who came forward, emphasizing that the lack of charges does not invalidate the experiences of those who have suffered abuse. This response reinforces her commitment as a fierce advocate for The Phoenix Act, the 2020 California law she successfully lobbied for, which extended the statute of limitations for domestic violence felony prosecutions. The dropping of the defamation suit is a pivotal moment, allowing Wood to fully pivot her focus back to her prolific acting career and ongoing activism.

Evan Rachel Wood's New High-Profile Film and TV Projects

The actress is not slowing down on the creative front, securing major roles in both film and television. Her upcoming slate is a testament to her standing as a sought-after talent, moving beyond her iconic role as Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series *Westworld*.

A Recurring Role in Ryan Murphy's 'The Shards'

Wood has joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s highly anticipated FX series, *The Shards*. The show is an adaptation of the 2023 prep school thriller novel by *American Psycho* author Bret Easton Ellis. While details of her specific role are being kept under wraps, it is confirmed to be a recurring part in the series, signaling her return to a major television network with a prestigious creator like Murphy. The series, which also features actor Wes Bentley, is one of the most talked-about upcoming productions.

Starring in Alex Winter's Murder-Mystery 'The Adults'

Wood is set to star in *The Adults*, a new murder-mystery film directed by Alex Winter, known for his work in the *Bill & Ted* franchise. She will star alongside fellow talents Josh Gad and Anthony Carrigan. The film is currently seeking financing at major markets, indicating it is a priority project in the development pipeline.

The Buddy Comedy 'Old Pals'

Further diversifying her portfolio, Wood has signed on for the buddy comedy film *Old Pals*. The movie is based on a screenplay by Rick Cisario and follows two comical opposites and recent widowers, Ira (Henry Winkler) and Jimmy (Brian Cox), who are forced to become friends. Wood will star alongside a stellar cast that includes *Succession* star Brian Cox, *Barry* star Henry Winkler, and Emma Roberts.

The 'Practical Magic 2' Recasting Controversy

One piece of news that generated considerable buzz in mid-2025 was Wood’s announcement that she would not be returning for the sequel to the cult classic film *Practical Magic*. Wood played the role of Kylie Owens, one of the daughters of Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock), in the original 1998 film. In a public statement, Wood revealed that she was not asked to return for *Practical Magic 2*, which will see the return of original stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. She even offered her services, stating she would have been happy to return for "one scene or one line," but the production is reportedly "recasting" her role. This news sparked a wave of fan disappointment, highlighting her beloved status in the original film and the surprise that she would be excluded from the highly anticipated sequel.

New Music Project: Lenore Pink and "Nest"

Beyond her acting commitments, Evan Rachel Wood is also an accomplished musician. In a recent announcement, Wood revealed a new creative endeavor under the moniker Lenore Pink. This project includes the release of a new song titled "Nest," which features the legendary keyboardist and David Bowie collaborator, Mike Garson. This new music venture demonstrates Wood’s continued exploration of her artistic depth, moving into a new phase of her musical career following her previous work with the duo *Rebel and a Basketcase*. The *Lenore Pink* project is an exciting development for fans of her singing and songwriting, showing that her creative output is expanding rapidly in 2025.