The Next Big Role: 5 Must-See John Goodman Film & TV Projects Hitting Screens In 2025 And 2026

John Goodman remains one of Hollywood’s busiest and most versatile actors, and as of December 18, 2025, his calendar is packed with high-profile projects that span from gritty drama and action to major animated features. The biggest news surrounding the beloved star is his significant role in a highly secretive, untitled film from Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, which has been operating under the working title *Judy*. This project, co-starring Tom Cruise, promises to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2026, showcasing Goodman's continued ability to land complex, challenging roles. The actor, known for his incredible range from the sitcom dad Dan Conner to the intense Walter Sobchak, is also expanding his voice acting portfolio with major animated releases. From an action-packed thriller with a legendary director to family-friendly fare, John Goodman's upcoming slate confirms his status as a true industry powerhouse. Fans should brace themselves for a string of new performances that will undoubtedly add more acclaim to his already storied career.

John Goodman: A Brief Biography and Key Accolades

John Stephen Goodman was born on June 20, 1952, in Affton, Missouri. He is one of the most recognizable and acclaimed American actors, known for his distinctive voice and imposing presence. * Born: June 20, 1952 (Affton, Missouri) * Education: Graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama. * Breakthrough Role: Dan Conner in the sitcom *Roseanne* (1988–1997, 2018). * Key Film Collaborations: A frequent collaborator of the Coen Brothers, appearing in classics like *Barton Fink* (1991), *The Big Lebowski* (1998), and *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* (2000). * Major Awards and Nominations: * Golden Globe Award: Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy for *Roseanne*. * Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for *Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip*. * Seven Emmy Nominations for his work on *Roseanne*. * Current TV Roles: Continues to star as Dan Conner in *The Conners* (2018–present) and as Eli Gemstone in the critically acclaimed HBO series *The Righteous Gemstones*.

The Untitled Iñárritu/Cruise Project: Why 'Judy' Is His Biggest Film in Years

The most buzz-worthy entry on John Goodman's upcoming schedule is his role in the currently untitled film directed by five-time Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu. While the official title is still under wraps, the project has been filming under the working title *Judy*. This action-thriller is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026, marking a major cinematic event.

A High-Stakes Cast and Plot Details

The film boasts an A-list ensemble, placing Goodman alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. The cast is led by action superstar Tom Cruise, who is reportedly playing a challenging, complex character: "the most powerful man in the world, a megalomaniac." Key co-stars joining Goodman and Cruise include:

• Sandra Hüller (Oscar nominee for *Anatomy of a Fall*)
• Jesse Plemons (Oscar nominee for *The Power of the Dog*)
• Riz Ahmed (Oscar winner for *The Long Goodbye*)
• Michael Stuhlbarg
• Sophie Wilde

While specific plot details for Goodman's character are scarce, his involvement suggests a significant, meaty role. Iñárritu is known for his intense, character-driven narratives (*Birdman*, *The Revenant*), and this project is anticipated to be a departure from Cruise’s typical action fare, offering a deeper, more challenging performance for the entire cast.

On-Set Injury and Production Pause

The production of *Judy* made headlines recently when filming had to be paused due to an injury sustained by Goodman. The actor injured his hip while on set. While the exact nature of the incident was not fully detailed, the news highlighted the demanding nature of the production and Goodman's commitment to the role, even leading to a temporary halt in shooting to ensure his recovery.

John Goodman’s Animated Universe: From Smurfs to Disney Shorts

Beyond the intense drama of the Iñárritu film, John Goodman is returning to the world of animation, a genre where his distinctive voice has made him a legend, notably as Sulley in the *Monsters, Inc.* franchise.

1. The Smurfs Movie (2025)

Goodman is set to lend his voice to *The Smurfs Movie*, an upcoming animated musical adventure from Paramount Animation. This project is generating significant buzz due to its all-star voice cast, which includes Rihanna, Dan Levy, and Kurt Russell. The film is currently slated for release in 2025. This return to a major animated feature confirms Goodman’s appeal across all audience demographics.

2. Disney’s New Holiday Short (2025)

Further cementing his relationship with Disney, Goodman will be voicing the character 'Doodle' in a new 2025 holiday short. This short is particularly notable as it is directed by the visionary Taika Waititi, known for his unique comedic and emotional storytelling in films like *Jojo Rabbit* and *Thor: Ragnarok*. The collaboration between Goodman’s warm, familiar voice and Waititi’s distinctive style is highly anticipated and promises to be a holiday classic.

The Continuing Reign of John Goodman on Television

While the focus is often on his new films, John Goodman’s television work provides the backbone of his current career and topical authority.

3. The Righteous Gemstones (HBO)

Goodman continues to star as Eli Gemstone, the patriarch of the dysfunctional televangelist family in the dark comedy *The Righteous Gemstones*. The series, created by Danny McBride, has been a critical and commercial success for HBO, showcasing Goodman's ability to balance powerful dramatic moments with pitch-perfect comedic timing. The show's ongoing popularity ensures his continued presence in high-quality, prestige television.

4. The Conners (ABC)

As Dan Conner, Goodman anchors the popular spin-off series *The Conners*. This role, which he originated decades ago in *Roseanne*, is a testament to his enduring relatability and connection with a massive network television audience. The show’s long run and consistent ratings keep Goodman front and center in American pop culture.

5. Pope Joan (TBA)

Another project listed on his upcoming slate is *Pope Joan*, which is currently listed as 'TBA' (To Be Announced). While details are sparse, the historical nature of the subject suggests a potential period drama, offering yet another genre for Goodman to explore. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information on this project, which could see him take on a role with significant dramatic weight. John Goodman’s upcoming schedule is a masterclass in career versatility. From the intense, high-stakes drama of the Iñárritu film to the joyful, broad appeal of *The Smurfs* and a Taika Waititi-directed Disney short, the actor is proving that at this stage of his career, he is more active and diverse than ever. The 2025–2026 slate confirms that audiences will have plenty of opportunities to see the legendary actor shine across all major platforms.