The summer of 2025 has brought many new movies, and with that, rising actors who have just starred in their breakout roles. Here are a few rising actors to look out for:
David Corenswet – Superman in Superman
David Corenswet plays the titular role in James Gunn’s superhero movie Superman, the first film installation in the reboot DC Universe franchise. Released by Warner Bros. on July 7, Superman has been positively regarded by fans and critics alike, with praise to Corenswet’s performance, portraying his role as encouraging and optimistic for the future.
After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama from the Julliard School in 2016, Corenswet starred in leading roles such as the drama television show The Politician (2019), and more recently, movies like the horror film Pearl (2022) and Twisters (2024). His role in Pearl led to Superman’s director Gunn discovering Corenswet.
Corenswet will star in the upcoming biographical film Mr. Irrelevant, in which he will play the leading role of John Tuggle. Tuggle was the last NFL player who was drafted in the 1983 NFL draft, giving him the title “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Mason Thames – Hiccup in How To Train Your Dragon
Mason Thames portrays the awkward Hiccup in the fantasy film How To Train Your Dragon, a live-action remake of the 2010 animated movie. The movie was released by Universal Pictures on June 13.
At just 18 years old, Thames has already achieved a lot. Originally a ballet dancer, he starred in his first movie role in the horror-thriller Black Phone (2021), where he portrayed the lead role of Finney Blake. He has also starred in lead roles in movies such as Incoming (2024) and Monster Summer (2024).
Thames is booked and busy, starring in lead roles in movies coming out later this year. He will reprise his role as Finney Blake in the horror sequel Black Phone 2, releasing Oct 17. Additionally, he will portray Miller in the romance film adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel Regretting You, releasing Oct 24.
He is set to reprise his role of Hiccup in the live-action remake sequel How To Train Your Dragon 2, which is expected to be released on June 11, 2027.
Nico Parker – Astrid in How To Train Your Dragon
Nico Parker portrays the brave Astrid in the fantasy How To Train Your Dragon live-action remake film, in which Astrid is the love interest to Hiccup.
Parker’s mother is actress Thandiwe Newton. Parker’s first role was in the Disney live-action remake of Dumbo (2019), where she portrayed Milly. She also played the role of Sarah Miller in 2 episodes of the HBO television series The Last of Us (2023).
Parker is set to star in the movie Poetic License, which will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 6. She is also set to reprise her role of Astrid in the sequel How To Train Your Dragon 2, which is expected to be released on June 11, 2027.
Ben Wang – Li Fong in Karate Kid: Legends
Ben Wang portrays Li Fong, the protagonist of Karate Kid: Legends, the sixth film in the Karate Kid franchise. Released on May 30, Wang stars alongside established actors Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles.
Wang, who was born in China, immigrated to the United States when he was six and studied musical theatre at New York University. With fluency in both English and Mandarin, Wang has acted in roles such as the main character Jin in the Disney+ show American Born Chinese (2023) and as Jacob in the Mean Girls (2024) musical movie, alongside some other minor roles.
Expect to see Wang in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, releasing in 2026. An adaptation of the 2025 novel by Suzanne Collins, he will portray the role of Wyatt Callow.
