The 7 Most Powerful Brunette Actresses Dominating Hollywood In 2025 And Their Blockbuster New Projects

The landscape of Hollywood is currently being defined by a wave of phenomenally talented actresses, many of whom share the classic, powerful aesthetic of deep, rich brown hair. This isn't just a coincidence; the "brunette power" aesthetic—often associated with grounded strength, sophistication, and versatility—is experiencing a major resurgence, both on-screen and in the world of fashion and beauty. As of today, December 13, 2025, the biggest names in the industry, from genre-defining stars to Oscar winners, are brunettes, and their upcoming slate of film and television projects for late 2025 and 2026 confirms their complete dominance of the entertainment world.

The actresses with brown hair featured below are not just making headlines for their striking looks; they are delivering career-defining performances in the most anticipated movies and series. Their collective influence is setting major trends, including the popular "Down to Earth Brunette" hair color trend, proving that brown is the color of power and prestige in the current Hollywood era.

The New Guard: Actresses Defining the 2025 Blockbuster Slate

The sheer volume and diversity of projects helmed by young brunette actresses is staggering. They are taking on everything from high-budget sci-fi epics to gritty thrillers, cementing their status as the most bankable stars of their generation.

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Zendaya: The Global Icon and Producer Powerhouse

Zendaya, who famously shifts between different shades of brown and auburn, is arguably the most influential young actress in the world right now, with her natural deep brown hair providing a foundation for her sophisticated style. Following the massive success of *Challengers* in 2024, her career is slated for a colossal 2026 with multiple high-profile projects.

• Dune: Part Three: Her role as Chani is set to expand significantly in the third installment of the Denis Villeneuve-directed sci-fi saga, which is highly anticipated by fans of the Frank Herbert novels.
• Spider-Man 4: She is expected to reprise her beloved role as MJ in the next installment of the Tom Holland-led Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise.
• The Drama: This A24 project, set for 2026, is one of several films that highlight her move into more complex, producer-led roles.
• Ronnie Spector Biopic: Zendaya is attached to star as the legendary lead singer of The Ronettes, a role that will showcase her skills as both an actress and a singer.

Jenna Ortega: The Reigning Queen of Dark Academia and Horror

Jenna Ortega’s naturally dark, almost black-brown hair has become synonymous with the gothic and "dark academia" aesthetic, perfectly complementing her breakout role as Wednesday Addams. Her career trajectory is focused on elevated thrillers and genre-bending dramas.

• Wednesday Season 3: The Netflix sensation is confirmed for a third season, with Ortega returning as the titular character, a role that earned her global recognition and a Golden Globe nomination.
• The Gallerist: She is set to star alongside Natalie Portman in this art world thriller, a pairing that has generated significant buzz for its high-profile cast.
• Ghostwriter: Ortega is part of the ensemble cast for this upcoming fantasy film, written and directed by J.J. Abrams, further diversifying her filmography outside of the horror genre.

Ana de Armas: The Action Star and International Spy

Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas has transitioned from a supporting role in *Knives Out* to a bona fide action star, with her distinctive, glossy brunette waves becoming a signature look. Her upcoming projects highlight her versatility across action, thriller, and prestige television.

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• Ballerina (2025): De Armas will lead this highly anticipated spin-off from the *John Wick* universe, where she plays an assassin seeking revenge. The movie is set for a 2025 release.
• EDEN (2025): She is set to star in this thriller alongside a powerhouse cast including Sydney Sweeney and Jude Law, directed by Ron Howard.
• Bananas: De Armas is making her English-language series debut in this Apple TV+ show, where she will star with Oscar Isaac, marking a return to television.

The Established Icons: Career Resurgence and Anticipated Roles

Veteran actresses with brown hair are not slowing down; they are taking on some of the most complex and buzzworthy roles in the industry, often leading projects that blend high art with commercial appeal.

Anne Hathaway: The Pop Star and Psychological Lead

Anne Hathaway, an Oscar winner known for her consistently rich brunette locks, is entering a new phase of her career, embracing edgier, more dramatic roles that showcase her range.

• Mother Mary (2026): This A24 music drama will see Hathaway play a fictional pop star. The film, directed by David Lowery, is one of the most talked-about indie projects in development.
• Verity (2026): She is attached to lead the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s viral psychological thriller novel, playing the character Lowen. This project is expected to be a major commercial hit.

Lily Collins: The Beloved Rom-Com Star and Producer

With her signature thick, dark brown hair and full brows, Lily Collins has become the face of modern romantic comedy and fashion-forward television. Her role as Emily Cooper continues to be a cultural phenomenon.

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• Emily in Paris Season 5: Collins is set to return for the fifth season of the hit Netflix series, where she also serves as a producer, cementing her control over the show's creative direction.
• Polly Pocket Movie: She is starring in and producing the live-action adaptation of the classic toy, directed by Lena Dunham, which promises a unique, quirky take on the childhood favorite.

The Dominance of Brunette Hair Trends in 2025

The popularity of these actresses has a direct impact on beauty and fashion. The "brunette" shade is no longer just a default; it's a statement, and 2025 hair color trends are heavily influenced by the rich, multi-dimensional tones seen on the red carpet. This focus on depth and gloss is contributing to the overall topical authority of the aesthetic.

Key Brunette Hair Color Trends for 2025

Stylists are reporting a major shift toward sophisticated, low-maintenance brown shades, moving away from high-contrast highlights to embrace a more natural, rooted look.

• Cashmere Brunette: A soft, luxurious, and multi-tonal brown that gives the hair a rich, expensive look without being overly dark.
• Mocha Mousse Brown: Named the Pantone Color of the Year for 2025, this shade is a decadent, deep brown with subtle warm undertones, offering a high-gloss finish.
• Down to Earth Brunette: This trend emphasizes a soulful, grounded take on brown, often featuring a deeper root and subtle dimension throughout the mid-lengths and ends.
• Espresso and Chocolate Tones: These deep, glossy tones are being paired with subtle "money-piece highlights" to add brightness around the face without sacrificing the overall brunette depth.
• Cinnamon Brown: A warmer, slightly red-tinged brown that is perfect for adding warmth during the cooler months.

The embrace of these rich, dimensional shades by Hollywood’s elite, like the glossy brown seen on Zendaya and the deep, sophisticated tones favored by Lily Collins, ensures that the brunette aesthetic remains at the pinnacle of style. These trends prove that the "brown hair" category is diverse, dynamic, and far from boring, offering a multitude of options for a modern, powerful look.

The Versatility and Power of Brunette Actresses

Beyond the current trends, the enduring appeal of actresses with brown hair lies in their dramatic versatility. Throughout cinematic history, the brunette has played the femme fatale, the intellectual, the girl-next-door, and the powerful leader, often with a subtle intensity that contrasts sharply with the "bombshell" blonde stereotype.

Actresses like Natalie Portman, Angelina Jolie, and Mila Kunis established this archetype, which is now being carried forward by the new generation. This versatility allows them to seamlessly transition between genres—from Zendaya's sci-fi and drama roles to Jenna Ortega's horror and comedy work—making them indispensable to modern filmmaking. Their ability to embody complex characters across different cinematic worlds is a testament to the grounded yet striking presence that deep brown hair often conveys on screen.

From the highly anticipated action of Ana de Armas in *Ballerina* to the prestige drama of Anne Hathaway's *Mother Mary*, the actresses with brown hair are not just participating in Hollywood; they are leading it. Their collective body of work in late 2025 and 2026 confirms that the age of the powerful, versatile, and stylish brunette is here to stay, setting both the box office and the beauty world ablaze.