12 Breakout Actors Under 20 Who Are Redefining Hollywood In 2025

The landscape of Hollywood is undergoing a dramatic generational shift, with a new wave of exceptionally talented performers, all aged 20 or under, stepping into leading roles across major film franchises and critically acclaimed streaming series. As of December 2025, the industry's focus is no longer on the former child stars who have recently crossed the 21-year threshold, but on a fresh cohort of Gen Z talent whose work ethic, social media presence, and fearless acting choices are setting new standards for the entertainment world.

This article dives deep into the biographies and recent projects of the most influential young actors and actresses—the true breakout performers who are currently 20 and under. Their collective filmography includes some of the biggest hits of 2024 and highly anticipated upcoming projects for 2026, confirming their status as the next generation of Hollywood heavyweights. We will explore the careers of these teen idols and child actors, highlighting why they are the names to watch in the coming years.

The New Guard: Young Hollywood's Elite 20 and Under (2025)

The following list details the young stars who are currently 20 years old or younger as of late 2025, cementing their place as the most promising and sought-after talent in Young Hollywood. Their diverse résumés showcase topical authority in major genres, from blockbuster action to prestige drama.

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• Walker Scobell: (Age 16, Born January 5, 2009). The American actor is the definitive teen idol of the moment, best known for his lead role as Percy Jackson in the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. His breakout performance came in the 2022 Netflix film The Adam Project, where he played the younger version of Ryan Reynolds' character, earning a Critics’ Choice Movie Award nomination. His upcoming projects are highly anticipated by fans of streaming sensations.
• Xochitl Gomez: (Age 19, Born April 29, 2006). A true Marvel breakout performer, Gomez rose to global fame as America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Her recent success on Dancing with the Stars further solidified her mainstream appeal. Gomez represents the diverse future of Hollywood, balancing major blockbuster roles with television appearances.
• Mckenna Grace: (Age 19, Born June 25, 2006). Often cited as one of the most prolific young actresses of her generation, Grace has an extensive filmography. She is known for Ghostbusters: Afterlife and its sequel, as well as her chilling lead performance in the limited series A Friend of the Family. Her ability to transition between major franchise films and dark, complex dramatic roles is unmatched.
• Jacob Tremblay: (Age 19, Born October 5, 2006). A veteran child actor, Tremblay gained critical acclaim and a Critics’ Choice Award at age nine for his role in Room. More recently, he voiced Flounder in Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid, and continues to take on diverse, high-profile upcoming projects, proving his longevity as a Gen Z talent.
• Ariana Greenblatt: (Age 18, Born August 27, 2007). Greenblatt is a key figure in young Hollywood after her memorable role as Sasha in the 2023 phenomenon Barbie. She also appeared in the Disney+ series Ahsoka, demonstrating her versatility across major studios and franchises. Her career trajectory is a perfect example of a rising star.
• Iain Armitage: (Age 17, Born July 15, 2008). Armitage is internationally recognized as the titular character, Sheldon Cooper, in the popular sitcom Young Sheldon. Having successfully anchored a major network show for years, his transition to new roles following the series' conclusion is a major talking point in the industry.
• Christian Convery: (Age 16, Born November 10, 2009). A Canadian-American actor, Convery is best known for his leading role as Gus in the Netflix fantasy drama Sweet Tooth. His next major project is the highly anticipated film The Monkey, a clear sign of his status as a major breakout performer in the streaming era.
• Raegan Revord: (Age 17, Born January 3, 2008). Revord stars alongside Iain Armitage as Missy Cooper, Sheldon's twin sister, in Young Sheldon. Her comedic timing and dramatic depth have made her a fan favorite and a prominent name among young television stars.
• Noah Jupe: (Age 20, Born February 25, 2005). Jupe is a British actor known for his acclaimed performances in films like A Quiet Place and Honey Boy, the latter earning him a Critics’ Choice Award nomination. His mature, nuanced acting style has made him a go-to choice for complex dramatic roles, securing his position among the top young Hollywood talent.
• Archie James Yates: (Age 16, Born February 22, 2009). Yates gained international attention for his role as Yorki in Taika Waititi's Oscar-winning film Jojo Rabbit. He later starred in the Disney+ film Home Sweet Home Alone, showcasing his comedic range as a young actor.
• Evan Whitten: (Age 16, Born July 8, 2009). Whitten has impressed critics with his roles in the Netflix film Chupa and the series Mr. Robot. He is one of the younger stars on this list, demonstrating the rapid rise of new talent in the industry.
• Owen Vaccaro: (Age 19, Born December 16, 2005). Known for his roles in the Daddy's Home film series and The House with a Clock in Its Walls, Vaccaro is a seasoned teen idol with a knack for family-friendly blockbusters.

The Changing Face of Stardom: From Child Actor to Gen Z Icon

The career trajectory for actors 20 and under today is radically different from previous generations. Gone are the years of slow, incremental growth; the modern path is defined by rapid, high-stakes breakout performances, often facilitated by streaming platforms and major superhero franchises. The young Hollywood stars of 2025 are not just actors; they are multi-hyphenate artists, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers with direct connections to their fan bases. This shift grants them unprecedented control over their personal brand and career choices.

The current crop of Gen Z talent, including Mckenna Grace and Xochitl Gomez, are known for choosing roles that challenge them, embracing complex, often darker material that speaks to their generation’s interests. Grace’s work in A Friend of the Family, for instance, tackled a harrowing true-crime story, earning her praise for her dramatic chops. Similarly, the success of Walker Scobell’s Percy Jackson confirms that major studios are now comfortable entrusting their most valuable IP to these young performers, recognizing their immense drawing power and global appeal. This trend is a clear indicator of their topical authority in the modern entertainment sphere.

Furthermore, the streaming wars have created a massive demand for fresh faces, propelling actors like Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth) and Archie James Yates (Disney+) into the international spotlight almost overnight. These streaming sensations are building global fan bases that rival those of traditional movie stars, making them incredibly valuable assets to studios looking to secure long-term franchises. The search for the next generation of teen idols is a continuous, high-stakes game for platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

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Upcoming Projects and Career Trajectories for 2026 and Beyond

The true measure of a young actor's influence lies in their upcoming projects. The actors 20 and under listed here have already secured major roles that will define the box office and streaming charts for 2026 and beyond. This foresight in career planning is what separates the fleeting child star from the enduring breakout performer.

Franchise Anchors and Tentpole Films:

• Walker Scobell is expected to continue his run as Percy Jackson, with the Disney+ series likely to secure multiple seasons, making him a central figure in the fantasy genre for years.
• Mckenna Grace has secured a role in the next installment of the Ghostbusters franchise, demonstrating her value as a reliable anchor for major studio tentpoles. Her continued work in both indie and blockbuster films highlights a strategic career path.
• Christian Convery’s move to the big screen with The Monkey, based on a Stephen King story, shows a calculated effort to diversify away from his breakout streaming role and into the horror/thriller genre, a common path for young Hollywood stars seeking credibility.
• Ariana Greenblatt is actively pursuing more roles in major action and sci-fi films, building on her success in Barbie and Ahsoka, positioning herself as a future leading lady in big-budget productions.

The intentionality behind these choices speaks to a level of maturity and strategic planning rarely seen in previous generations of child actors. They are not simply taking any role; they are building a portfolio designed for longevity, aiming to avoid the pitfalls that plagued many former teen idols.

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The Impact of Social Media and Gen Z Authenticity

One of the most significant differences between this group of actors and their predecessors is their relationship with social media. For the actors 20 and under, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are not just promotional tools; they are extensions of their personal brand and a direct line to their fan communities. This authenticity is a key element of their Gen Z talent appeal.

Actors like Xochitl Gomez use their platforms to share genuine, unscripted moments, fostering a deeper connection with their audience that translates directly into box office and streaming viewership. This transparency has become a non-negotiable expectation from the audience, forcing young Hollywood to balance their professional, highly-produced on-screen personas with a more relatable, accessible off-screen identity. This dual-life management is a unique challenge and strength for the current generation of rising stars.

The career paths of these breakout performers—from Iain Armitage’s transition from a beloved sitcom to new ventures, to Jacob Tremblay’s consistent critical acclaim—demonstrate that this generation is more than just a passing trend. They are highly skilled, strategically minded, and ready to dominate the industry for the next decade. Their presence ensures that the future of Hollywood will be dynamic, diverse, and exceptionally talented.