From Cartel Boss To Animated Sloth: The 9 Must-See John Leguizamo Movies And Shows Dominating 2024-2025

John Leguizamo has always been a force of nature in Hollywood, a chameleon whose career spans stand-up comedy, Broadway, voice acting, and critically acclaimed dramatic roles. As of December 2025, his career is experiencing a massive surge, proving his enduring versatility and commitment to challenging new projects. This article dives deep into the most current and upcoming projects from 2024 through 2025, highlighting the roles that are redefining his legacy, from winning top film festival awards to starring alongside Hollywood legends in major studio thrillers.

The veteran actor, comedian, writer, and producer is not slowing down. After decades of memorable performances in films like Carlito's Way, Moulin Rouge!, and the John Wick franchise, Leguizamo is stepping into new territory, including his first-ever leading television series role and major ensemble casts. His recent work demonstrates a powerful focus on telling complex, often underrepresented stories, solidifying his status as one of the industry's most essential and dynamic performers today.

John Leguizamo: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile

John Leguizamo’s journey from a New York stand-up comic to a multi-hyphenate star is a testament to his relentless work ethic and unique talent. His career is marked by groundbreaking solo shows and a filmography that defies easy categorization.

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• Full Birth Name: John Alberto Leguizamo Peláez
• Date of Birth: July 22, 1964
• Place of Birth: Bogotá, Colombia
• Career Start: Began as a stand-up comedian in New York City nightclubs.
• Film Debut: Casualties of War (1989).
• Notable Achievements: Emmy Award winner, multiple Golden Globe nominations, and a consistent presence on Broadway with his autobiographical one-man shows.
• Key Roles: Chi-Chi Rodriguez in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, Benny Blanco in Carlito's Way, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge!, Aurelio in John Wick, and the voice of Bruno Madrigal in Encanto and Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age franchise.

The New Era: Must-See John Leguizamo Projects of 2024-2025

The period between 2024 and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most prolific and critically significant of Leguizamo's career. These projects showcase his range, from dramatic lead roles to high-profile voice work and star-studded action thrillers.

1. Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)

This independent feature film has already made a significant splash on the festival circuit. Leguizamo stars in this poignant drama, which premiered at SXSW in 2024 and walked away with two major accolades: the Narrative Feature Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.

The film's success highlights his ability to carry a compelling narrative, focusing on themes of family, identity, and complex relationships. Winning both the jury and audience awards is a rare feat, signaling a performance that resonated deeply with both critics and the public, cementing it as one of the must-watch independent films of the year.

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2. The Green Veil (2024)

A true career milestone, The Green Veil marks John Leguizamo’s first-ever leading role in a television series. This scripted anthology series, co-created by Leguizamo and Aram Rappaport, is a powerful exploration of oppression in America.

Leguizamo's performance in this high-stakes drama is a departure from his usual supporting roles, placing him front and center in a story that is both timely and challenging. The series is a vital part of his ongoing mission to use his platform to tell stories that shine a light on marginalized experiences and historical injustices, a theme he has consistently championed throughout his career.

3. Tin Soldier (2025)

Set for a major theatrical release in 2025, Tin Soldier is a high-octane action thriller that boasts an absolutely stacked ensemble cast. Leguizamo is set to star as a character named Luke, alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro, and Scott Eastwood.

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Directed by Brad Furman, the film centers on a group of veterans who gather for an underground mission, led by a character known as The Bokushi (Jamie Foxx). This project places Leguizamo firmly back in the action genre, reminiscent of his fan-favorite role as Aurelio in the John Wick universe, and is highly anticipated for its star power and intense premise.

4. Smoke (TV Series, 2025)

Adding to his busy television slate, Leguizamo will appear in the Apple TV+ crime drama series Smoke, created by acclaimed writer Dennis Lehane. The series, which premiered in mid-2025, is a gritty, character-driven drama about an American arson investigator (played by Taron Egerton) working to catch a serial fire-starter.

Leguizamo plays the role of Esposito, contributing to a powerful cast that also includes Jurnee Smollett. The collaboration with Dennis Lehane, known for his dark, complex crime narratives (like Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone), suggests a role with significant dramatic weight and intensity.

5. Zootopia 2 (2025)

Leguizamo continues his successful career in voice acting with a role in the highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2. Known globally as the voice of Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age franchise and the beloved Bruno Madrigal in Encanto, his vocal talents are instantly recognizable and celebrated.

In Zootopia 2, he is slated to voice the character Antony Snootley. This project ensures that Leguizamo remains a key figure in major animation franchises, appealing to a massive, multi-generational audience and adding another beloved animated character to his repertoire.

Theatrical Authority: Leguizamo's Enduring Stage Presence

Beyond the screen, John Leguizamo maintains a profound connection to the theater, which is where his career began. His stage work often serves as a powerful vehicle for his personal storytelling and cultural commentary, further cementing his topical authority on Latino issues.

• The Other Americans: His play, The Other Americans, has seen multiple extensions at Off-Broadway's Public Theater, demonstrating its critical success and audience demand. The play is part of a long line of his acclaimed one-man shows, including Freak and Ghetto Klown, which blend comedy, drama, and autobiography.
• New Public Theater Play (2025-2026): Leguizamo is set to star in a new play at The Public Theater's 2025-2026 season, where he will portray Nelson Castro, a Colombian-American laundromat owner in Queens. This continues his tradition of developing original material that speaks to the Latino experience in New York.
• A Wrinkle in Time Musical (2025): He is also involved in the world premiere of a new musical adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time at Arena Stage in 2025, showcasing his continued interest in diverse and ambitious theatrical projects.

Classic Roles: The Essential John Leguizamo Filmography

To fully appreciate his current work, it’s essential to look back at the roles that cemented his status as a cinematic icon. These classic films are crucial LSI keywords that define his career's topical authority:

• Benny Blanco from the Bronx (Carlito's Way, 1993): A quintessential 'scumbag' role that many consider one of his best, where he played a young, ambitious gangster trying to get on Carlito's good side.
• Tybalt (Romeo + Juliet, 1996): His electrifying performance as the hot-headed cousin of Juliet in Baz Luhrmann's modern adaptation.
• Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (Moulin Rouge!, 2000): A memorable, flamboyant role in another Baz Luhrmann spectacle, demonstrating his range in musical drama.
• Aurelio (John Wick Franchise, 2014): As the no-nonsense garage owner, he became a key supporting player in the high-stakes action world of Keanu Reeves’ assassin.
• Chi-Chi Rodriguez (To Wong Foo..., 1995): A Golden Globe-nominated performance as a drag queen, a role that was both bold and tender, winning him widespread acclaim.

From the gritty drama of Smoke to the blockbuster animation of Zootopia 2, John Leguizamo's 2024-2025 slate is a masterclass in career versatility. His commitment to both commercial success and powerful, personal storytelling ensures that he remains one of the most relevant and exciting actors working today. Whether you’re a fan of his high-energy stand-up, his dramatic film roles, or his beloved voice characters, the next two years promise a wealth of new material that will only enhance his already legendary status.