From Black Canary To Firebug: Jurnee Smollett’s 5 Must-Watch Projects Solidifying Her Reign In Hollywood

Jurnee Smollett is currently experiencing one of the most significant career resurgences in modern Hollywood, transitioning from a beloved child star to one of the industry's most respected and in-demand dramatic actresses. As of late December 2025, the actress is headlining multiple high-profile projects, cementing her reputation for taking on complex, challenging roles that demand both emotional depth and gritty intensity. Her recent work, including an acclaimed Apple TV+ series and a major true-crime thriller, showcases a fearless commitment to her craft, proving she is a force to be reckoned with across both film and television.

The veteran performer, who has been working since childhood, is now captivating audiences with a series of powerhouse performances that span genres, from gritty detective work to the DC Extended Universe. Her ability to anchor intense narratives has made her a favorite for showrunners and directors looking to tell layered, compelling stories. This deep dive explores the latest updates on Jurnee Smollett's career, her groundbreaking roles, and the highly anticipated projects that will define her next chapter.

Jurnee Smollett: Biography and Profile

Jurnee Diana Smollett has built an impressive career spanning over three decades, marked by early success and a recent pivot toward critically acclaimed, mature roles. Her journey is a testament to longevity and artistic growth in the demanding world of entertainment.

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• Full Name: Jurnee Diana Smollett
• Date of Birth: October 1, 1986
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 39
• Known For: Her breakout role in Eve's Bayou (1997), her powerful performance in HBO's Lovecraft Country, and her portrayal of Dinah Laurel Lance / Black Canary in the DC film Birds of Prey.
• Early Career Highlights: Appeared on sitcoms like Full House and On Our Own.
• Notable Television Roles: Lovecraft Country (as Letitia "Leti" Lewis), Underground (as Rosalee), Friday Night Lights (as Jess Merriweather).
• Notable Film Roles: Eve's Bayou, The Great Debaters, Birds of Prey, and the recent thriller The Order.
• Family Note: She is one of six acting siblings, including her brother Jussie Smollett.

The Era of the Gritty Detective: 'Smoke' and 'Firebug'

Smollett has recently gravitated toward complex, morally ambiguous roles within the crime and thriller genres, notably partnering with Apple TV+ for two major series that showcase her dramatic range as a detective.

'Smoke': The Slow-Burn Crime Thriller

One of Smollett's most recent and well-received projects is the Apple TV+ series Smoke, which premiered in mid-2024.

In Smoke, Smollett stars as Detective Michelle Calderone, a sharp, no-nonsense police detective paired with an arson investigator, Dave Gudsen (played by Taron Egerton).

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The series is a slow-burn mystery that delves into the moral ambiguities of its characters and the complex world of firefighting and crime investigation.

Smollett’s portrayal of Detective Calderone has been praised for its intensity and the subtle way she navigates a male-dominated environment while pursuing the truth behind a series of suspicious fires. The show has successfully established her as a leading lady in the prestige television space, focusing on character-driven drama rather than simple procedural plots.

'Firebug': A Troubled Detective on the Hunt

Following the success of Smoke, Smollett will reunite with co-star Taron Egerton for the upcoming Apple TV+ drama series, Firebug.

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The series is loosely inspired by the true events surrounding the notorious California serial arsonist, John Leonard Orr, and is being helmed by acclaimed writer Dennis Lehane.

In Firebug, Smollett takes on the role of Michelle, a troubled detective who partners with an enigmatic arson investigator (Egerton) to pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.

This role further solidifies her commitment to playing intricate, flawed characters in high-stakes crime dramas, demonstrating her topical authority in the genre. The anticipation for Firebug is high, as it promises a dark, compelling narrative rooted in a chilling true story.

The Power of Performance: 'The Order' and 'Lovecraft Country'

Beyond her television work, Smollett has continued to make a significant impact on the big screen, often choosing roles that tackle challenging and socially relevant themes, a thread that runs through her most critically acclaimed work.

'The Order': A True-Crime Thriller

The 2024 film The Order saw Smollett star opposite Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult in a gripping thriller based on a true story.

Smollett plays Joanne Carney, a dedicated FBI agent who works with a team to infiltrate and head off a violent uprising planned by a white supremacist group known as The Order.

The film addresses themes of domestic extremism and the complex, dangerous work of federal law enforcement. Smollett’s performance as Agent Carney was noted for bringing a necessary grounding and emotional weight to the intense, real-life narrative.

Her work in The Order, much like her Emmy-nominated performance in Lovecraft Country, highlights her consistent choice of projects that are not only entertaining but also socially and politically resonant, using her platform to explore difficult but important topics.

The Enduring Legacy of 'Lovecraft Country'

While not a new project, it is impossible to discuss Smollett's current standing without acknowledging the impact of her role as Letitia "Leti" Lewis in the HBO series Lovecraft Country. The 2020 show was a monumental success, blending horror, sci-fi, and historical drama to explore racism in 1950s America.

Smollett received an Emmy nomination for her powerful portrayal, which many critics regard as her career-defining performance. The role demonstrated her ability to carry a major prestige television production and established the working relationship with Misha Green, which is now influencing her future DC projects.

The DC Universe: The Highly Anticipated Black Canary Solo Project

Perhaps the most exciting news for fans is the confirmed future of her DC character, Dinah Laurel Lance, better known as the sonic-screaming superhero, Black Canary.

Smollett first debuted the character in the 2020 film Birds of Prey, earning high praise for her portrayal of the powerful, reluctant hero.

It has been confirmed that Smollett will reprise the role for a solo Black Canary film or series, which is currently in development for Max (formerly HBO Max). Crucially, the project will reunite her with Lovecraft Country creator Misha Green, who is attached to write the script.

This reunion suggests a deep, character-driven narrative that will capitalize on the chemistry and creative synergy the two demonstrated on their previous HBO hit. While details remain scarce regarding the timeline within James Gunn's new DCU structure, Smollett has expressed her excitement and willingness to return to the character, teasing that the project is still very much alive and in active development.

The solo project is expected to delve deeper into Black Canary's origin, her powerful "Canary Cry," and her complex role in the DC universe, offering Smollett a massive platform to lead a major superhero franchise.

Personal Life and Public Stance

In addition to her professional achievements, Smollett has continued to navigate her public life with grace and professionalism. She has occasionally addressed the ongoing legal issues involving her brother, Jussie Smollett, maintaining a separation between her personal and professional spheres while offering support to her family.

Despite the constant media scrutiny that comes with a high-profile family, Jurnee Smollett remains focused on her career, choosing roles that align with her desire to tell meaningful, impactful stories. Her journey from the set of Full House to headlining major Hollywood productions is a masterclass in strategic career management and undeniable talent.

With Smoke currently streaming, The Order making waves, and the massive potential of Firebug and the Black Canary project on the horizon, Jurnee Smollett has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood's most essential and compelling leading women for years to come. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting her next powerful performance.