55 of the Most Anticipated Film Performances of 2025: Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Julia Roberts, Nia Long and More

Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova in Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*” (don’t forget the asterisk), leading an ensemble cast of antiheroes in one of the MCU’s most anticipated projects. With her standout performances in “Black Widow” and “Hawkeye,” Pugh has already stolen the spotlight in the franchise. Not to mention, she’s an Oscar-nominated actress for “Little Women” and continues to dazzle in consumer-friendly titles like last year’s “We Live in Time.” Now, in a leading role, she’s set to bring her signature mix of humor, charm and lethal precision to a film that promises to be action-packed.

After his breakout performance in Todd Haynes’ “May December” (2023), Charles Melton takes on an intense action role in A24’s “Warfare,” a gripping military thriller. Melton, who proved his dramatic chops alongside Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, now shifts gears into physical, high-stakes storytelling. Could “Warfare” mark his full arrival as a Hollywood leading man? We’ll see what directors Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza have in store for him.

Lindsay Lohan makes a long-awaited return to mainstream Hollywood in “Freakier Friday,” the sequel to Disney’s 2003 body-swap classic. Reuniting with Jamie Lee Curtis, the film shows what happens when mother and daughter swap lives once again. After a career resurgence that included Netflix’s “Falling for Christmas,” Lohan is back in her comedic element, which could bring nostalgia and fresh energy to the beloved role of Anna Coleman. With Curtis riding the wave of her Oscar win (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), the duo’s reunion promises hilarious hijinks and heartfelt moments, making this a must-see for longtime fans and new audiences.

Will Arnett steps into more introspective territory with Bradley Cooper’s next directorial venture, “Is This Thing On?” The film tells the story of a couple’s marriage crumbling as they pursue separate paths, and the husband explores stand-up comedy in NYC. Known for his sharp comedic timing in “Arrested Development” and the hilarious “Murderville,” Arnett could bring a balance of humor and heartbreak to the role, perhaps similar to what Will Forte achieved in “Nebraska.” The Searchlight Pictures push could make him one to watch in 2025 (if it comes in time).

Oscar winner Olivia Colman (“The Favourite”) stars in “The Roses,” a reimagining of the hit film “The War of the Roses.” Colman’s ability to seamlessly switch between humor and drama makes her a perfect fit for this sharp, satirical drama. With her impeccable comedic timing and undeniable dramatic depth, this could be (yet another) memorable addition to her already stellar filmography.

David Corenswet dons the cape once occupied by Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill in James Gunn’s highly anticipated DC Studios film “Superman,” ushering in a new era for the studio. Known for his work in the horror film “Pearl” and last year’s sequel “Twisters,” Corenswet could bring the classic Superman charm with a modern sensibility. With Gunn’s fresh vision and Corenswet’s rising star power, this film could redefine the Man of Steel for a new generation.

It’s currently Glen Powell’s world, and we’re just living in it.

Powell is undeniably Hollywood’s newest star after “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Anyone But You” led the box office. Now, he steps into Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man,” a reimagining of the 1987 dystopian thriller. That million-dollar smile, natural charisma, and physicality make him an ideal fit for the adrenaline-fueled spectacle, and with Wright’s visual style, we expect a wildly entertaining ride.

Very little is known about Kathryn Bigelow’s anticipated film set within the White House, and rumors say it’s a huge acting ensemble that gets to stretch themselves. So why not for the man who is still without an Oscar nom despite a SAG win for “Beasts of No Nation?” Just a guess.

We hoped 2024 was going to bring our talented Irish sensation Saoirse Ronan back to the Oscars with two outstanding performances in “The Outrun” and “Blitz.” The woman doesn’t know how to deliver a bad performance. Ergo, we have the jitters about her forthcoming work in “Bad Apples,” a comedic thriller about a primary school teacher who finds herself and two of her pupils in a terrible scenario. Someone knowledgeable about the film described it as “something Ruben Östlund would have made.”

We’re down for it.

The Oscars are missing out on one of today’s most eclectic and invigorating talents with Danielle Deadwyler after passing her over for “Till” and “The Piano Lesson.” While she’s been cast in the Channing Godrey Peoples biopic “Otis & Zelma” as the soul legend’s widow and would likely top this list, it seems likely to come our way in 2026. We set our eyes on a film of hers that premiered at the TIFF 2024 festival last year, R.T. Thorne’s apocalyptic thriller “40 Acres,” which was acquired by Magnolia Pictures. Variety praised Deadwyler in its review, writing: “In full-fledged action mode, however, the combination of her gravitas and physical prowess are mightily intimidating.”

More Deadwyler, please.

Coming off his Emmy-winning turn in the limited series “Black Bird,” Paul Walter Hauser leads “The Luckiest Man in America,” a darkly comedic crime drama where he plays a man who appears on a game show. Hauser has wowed critics with his remarkable turns in “I, Tonya” and “Richard Jewell” and continues to carve out a niche as one of the most compelling character actors. With his ability to balance humor and menace, this role, which got picked up by IFC Films after premiering at the Toronto Film Festival in 2024, could solidify his status as a leading man in offbeat, gripping narratives.

After terrifying moviegoers as Pennywise in “It” and most recently as the titular vampire in “Nosferatu,” Bill Skarsgård shifts gears to the historical crime drama “Dead Man’s Wire,” directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Gus Van Sant. Starring alongside Dacre Montgomery, Al Pacino, Myha’la and Colman Domingo, Skarsgård portrays Tony Kiritsis, who, in the 1970s, made national headlines by taking his bank mortgage officer hostage. Could this be the transformative role that earns mainstream recognition and critical acclaim?

Amy Adams has to win an Oscar someday, right?

The six-time nominee hasn’t been back to the ceremony since “Vice” (2018), and she’s quite busy in 2025 with a mixture of TV and film projects. In the theatrical window, she’ll star in “Pieces of a Woman” director Kornél Mundruczó’s drama “At the Sea” alongside Chloe East and Murray Bartlett. The film tells the story of a woman who, after rehab, returns to her family’s beach home, readjusting to her old life without her career. That could be just what the Oscar ordered.

She also has an intriguing role in Taika Waititi’s “Klara and the Sun,” playing a mother dealing with the loss of her child, which could remind us of her egregiously snubbed (and career-best work) in “Arrival” (2016).

Margot Robbie follows up “Barbie” with Sony Pictures’ “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” a whimsical drama about self-discovery and reinvention by director Kogonada. The two-time Oscar nominee (“I, Tonya” and “Bombshell”) continues to push boundaries, bringing her signature blend of beauty, charm and emotion to a heartfelt, visually inventive roster of films. Her magnetic presence could build an uplifting narrative, making this a considerable box-office success.

Writer and director Lynne Ramsay helming Jennifer Lawrence in a horror film? Yes, please. Taking place in a remote, forgotten rural area, Lawrence plays a mother who struggles to maintain her sanity as she battles with psychosis. She leads an all-star cast that includes Robert Pattinson, Sissy Spacek, Nick Nolte and Lakeith Stanfield, and it could be just quirky and different enough to work for audiences.

The excitement that’s already building for “Past Lives” director Celine Song’s follow-up, “Materialists,” is already palpable with its starry cast. Alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, there’s Dakota Johnson in a story about a matchmaker’s lucrative business that becomes complicated when she falls into a toxic love triangle that threatens her clients. There aren’t enough words to adequately convey: I can’t wait for this.

A new Jim Jarmusch joint is on the horizon with Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver, and I’m giddy just thinking about it. The new “Father, Mother, Sister, Brother” tells the story of estranged siblings who reunite after years apart; they are forced to confront unresolved tensions and reevaluate their strained relationships with their parents. Blanchett is a two-time Oscar winner for “The Aviator” and “Blue Jasmine” — how could we not be excited for this?

Following his Oscar-winning comeback in “The Whale,” Brendan Fraser takes on “Rental Family,” a moving drama about a man who hires actors to play his loved ones, directed by Hikari (“Beef”) for Searchlight. Fraser’s ability to bring warmth and fearless depth to his roles could make him a perfect fit for this touching, unconventional story. Given his resurgence, this could be another critically acclaimed performance in this second chapter. He’s also playing Dwight D. Eisenhower in Focus Features’ “Pressure,” which has a shot at dropping in 2025.

Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt for what’s rumored to be his farewell to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. After the high-octane spectacle in “Top Gun: Maverick,” “The Final Reckoning” promises even bigger stunts, jaw-dropping action, and an emotional send-off for one of cinema’s greatest action heroes. The three-time Oscar nominee, who’s redefined what’s possible in blockbuster filmmaking, will surely leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Emmy winner Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) is coming off his unforgettable role in the hottest tennis throuple of all time in “Challengers.” This year, the British star has a packed slate, with leading roles in the romantic drama “The History of Sound” opposite Paul Mescal and the crime thriller “The Mastermind” alongside John Magaro and Alana Haim. However, the most buzz surrounds his role in Rian Johnson’s next installment of the “Knives Out” franchise, “Wake Up Dead Man,” for Netflix. Social media chatter believes he could be the film’s lead, at least based on the sole image released in January; O’Connor could deliver big laughs and sharp one-liners, potentially making him the latest social media sensation and a bonafide A-lister.

Nicolas Cage will become legendary NFL coach John Madden in “Madden,” a sports biopic directed by David O. Russell for Amazon MGM. The Oscar winner of “Leaving Las Vegas” has had a fantastic second chapter to his eclectic career. With Russell’s signature character-driven storytelling and Cage’s ability to disappear into roles, “Madden” is said to be an emotional, behind-the-scenes look at one of football’s most influential figures. This could be another late-career triumph for Cage.

Following his dramatic success in “Uncut Gems” and “Hustle,” Adam Sandler steps into a new type of role in Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly.” Given his ability to balance humor and intensity and an anticipicated return to “Happy Gilmore 2,” this could be another thrilling reinvention for the comedian-turned-dramatic actor. If Baumbach delivers the same frenetic energy as “Marriage Story,” expect an anxiety-inducing, awards-worthy turn from Sandler.

In “Mother Mary,” two talented powerhouses — Emmy winner Michaela Coel (“I May Destroy You”) and Oscar winner Anne Hathaway (“Les Misérables”) — collide in a bold, stylish melodrama. Directed by David Lowery (“The Green Knight”), the film follows a fictional pop icon (Hathaway) and her intense relationship with a fashion designer (Coel). With both actresses known for transformative performances, A24’s “Mother Mary” could be a magnetic, thought-provoking spectacle.

Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington (“Glory” and “Training Day”) returns to the screen for his fifth collaboration with writer-director Spike Lee on “Highest 2 Lowest,” an English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese film “High and Low.” A veteran of commanding performances in films like “Fences” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Washington will once again prove why he’s one of Hollywood’s most respected actors in the anticipated A24-Apple collaboration.

Ethan Hawke dives into a startling transformation in “Blue Moon,” the story of composer Lorenz Hart’s struggle with alcoholism and mental illness, which premiered at Berlin. The four-time Oscar nominee has long been one of Hollywood’s most adventurous artists, balancing indie gems with mainstream hits. Directed by Richard Linklater, a frequent Hawke collaborator, “Blue Moon” promises a poignant and deeply human exploration of time, regret, and redemption. With the assistance of Sony Pictures Classics, expect another soulful, deeply felt performance from one of the industry’s most consistently brilliant actors.

Jenna Ortega is taking on a dramatic turn in Taika Waititi’s “Klara and the Sun,” based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel. The rising star, known for her breakout performances in Netflix’s “Wednesday” and the “Scream” franchise, plays Klara, an artificial friend who observes human emotions in a near-future world, said to blend sci-fi and human drama. With Ortega’s career skyrocketing, this could be a defining moment that cements her as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young stars.

Pedro Pascal enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The “Last of Us” and “The Mandalorian” star is no stranger to franchise dominance, but this marks his first foray into the superhero world. Pascal’s natural charisma, gravitas, and ability to bring depth to even the most action-heavy roles make him an exciting choice to lead Marvel’s first family. With helmer Matt Shakman, and a stellar cast that includes Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn, Pascal’s take on Reed Richards could redefine the iconic character for a new generation.

Joel Edgerton stars in the adaptation of Denis Johnson’s celebrated novella “Train Dreams,” a sweeping American odyssey set in the early 20th century. Directed by Clint Bentley, who co-writes with Greg Kwedar — the same duo behind “Sing Sing” — the film follows a solitary railroad worker navigating love, loss, and the changing landscape of America. Picked up at Sundance by Netflix, Edgerton, who’s delivered standout performances in films like “Loving” and “The Gift,” thrives in quiet, deeply internal roles. There’s already huge excitement surrounding his performance, and he co-stars alongside Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy and Clifton Collins, Jr.

Tessa Thompson takes on a new challenge in “Hedda,” a bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic “Hedda Gabler.” Directed by Nia DaCosta, this contemporary take on the iconic character places Thompson at the center of a gripping psychological drama with the backing of Amazon MGM. The “Creed” and “Westworld” star has already proven her range, from intimate indie work like “Passing” to commanding blockbusters like “Thor: Ragnarok.” Perhaps “Hedda” can give her the chance to deliver one of her most transformative turns yet.

Miles Teller made a name for himself with critically acclaimed performances in “Rabbit Hole” and “Whiplash” before balancing his career with blockbuster roles such as “Top Gun: Maverick.” Already generating buzz with the TV series “The Gorge,” he delivers a one-two punch this year as John Branca in the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael.” The other is in David Freyne’s romance film “Eternity,” co-starring Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner and Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The A24 film follows Joan, who, after death, must choose between spending eternity with her first love or the man with whom she built her life. Early buzz suggests it’s a promising showcase—perhaps with Oscar and Emmy nominations on the horizon.

Fresh off her Oscar-nominated performance in “Barbie,” America Ferrera returns with another emotionally charged role in the true life drama “The Lost Bus.” Directed by Paul Greengrass, and co-starring Matthew McConaughey, the film explores what went wrong in California’s Camp Fire, the nation’s deadliest wildfire in a century. McConaughey and Ferrera, play a bus driver and school teacher who showed incredible bravery. Known for her fearless turns in “Real Women Have Curves” and the classic comedy TV show “Ugly Betty,” we expect another tour de force in this Apple film, that cements her status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling leading ladies in the biz.

Channing Tatum will be a real-life burglar in Paramount Pictures’ “Roofman,” a crime drama based on a bizarre true story. Known for his dancing skills in “Magic Mike” and comedic charisma in “21 Jump Street,” Tatum has shown he has what it takes for dramatic chops, as seen in “Foxcatcher.” Roofman could allow him to blend offbeat humor and intensity opposite Kirsten Dunst and Peter Dinklage, making this an exciting new challenge for the actor.

Brad Pitt is revving up for some high-speed thrills in “F1,” a Formula One drama that teams him up with “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski. Pitt, an Oscar winner for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and for producing “12 Years a Slave,” stars as a former driver who returns to the track to mentor a rising rookie, played by Damson Idris (also rumored to be very promising). With real-life F1 involvement — and the backing of Apple Original Films (and Warner Bros. who will be handling theatrical distribution), the film aims to bring an unprecedented level of realism to the racing genre. Given Pitt’s history of great performances in films like “Fight Club,” “The Tree of Life” and “Moneyball,” expect Pitt to bring adrenaline and depth to the world of elite racing.

Mia Threapleton, daughter of Oscar winner Kate Winslet, enters the spotlight in Wes Anderson thriller “The Phoenician Scheme.” Threapleton, coming off the one-two punch of the period drama “Firebrand” and the television movie “Scoop,” will co-star in Anderson’s movie with Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Benicio del Toro. This could be a breakout role in the Focus Features film, showing she’s more than Hollywood royalty.

Willem Dafoe is not slowing down, and with four Oscar nominations, who would expect him to. Another barrage of Dafoe roles is coming in 2025, and the one that piqued our interest is “The Birthday Party” from Miguel Ángel Jiménez. It tells the story of Markos Timoleon (Dafoe), a wealthy Greek businessman, who hosts his daughter’s 25th birthday party on his private island. When unforeseen events unfold, his power is jeopardized.

Count me in.

Coming off his Oscar-nominated performance in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Colin Farrell looks to continue his hot streak in “The Ballad of a Small Player.” Based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne and helmed by the recently Oscar-snubbed director Edward Berger (“Conclave”), the film follows a high-stakes con artist hiding out in Macau. Already sure to be on the Emmy Awards circuit with HBO/Max’s “The Penguin,” the chameleonic star will likely be front and center of the Netflix team, along with his co-star Tilda Swinton.

It’s two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone. Of course we’re excited.

Fresh off her second Oscar win for “Poor Things,” Stone is back in the realm of the weird and wonderful world of auteur Yorgos Lanthimos with “Bugonia,” a genre-defying film from Focus Features. Plot details are scarce, but the film reportedly follows two conspiracy-obsessed young men, who kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, and are convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth. If Stone is the CEO, count us in. Even if she isn’t, we’re always on board.

After his Oscar-nominated performance in “Aftersun” and his battle with boats and baboons in “Gladiator II,” Irish sensation Paul Mescal continues to showcase his range. The 29-year-old takes on two very different roles in 2025. The first is in the period romance “The History of Sound,” based on Ben Shattuck’s short story. The other is playing the legendary English playwright William Shakespeare in Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet,” telling a fictional account of the writer and his wife (Jessie Buckley) following the death of their 11-year-old son. Mescal can break your heart in any number of given roles. Known for his emotionally raw performances in Normal People and All of Us Strangers, Mescal brings depth and tenderness to the role, making this a highly anticipated (and hopefully awards-worthy) performance.

Renate Reinsve was the breakout star of the Norwegian rom-com “The Worst Person in the World,” she’s reuniting with director Joachim Trier for the familial drama “Sentimental Value” for Neon. Following two sisters who return home to their estranged father (played by Stellan Skarsgård) following the death of their mother could be the next step in the Hollywood machine. With her magnetic presence and Trier’s adept storytelling with co-writer Eskil Vogt, this could be an entertaining and moving piece during the year.

Likely to carry the title “One Battle After Another,” the still-not-officially-titled movie from Paul Thomas Anderson already has the town buzzing.

With Leonardo DiCaprio and PTA teaming up for the first time and plot details remaining under wraps, the pairing of the Oscar-winning star of “The Revenant” and “The Departed” with the mind behind “There Will Be Blood” and “Licorice Pizza” promises something bold and unforgettable. With Anderson’s signature storytelling and DiCaprio’s track record of awards-caliber performances and already buzzy roles from Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall, expect a cerebral, gripping film that will dominate the conversation.

Following her critically acclaimed performance in “Past Lives,” Greta Lee takes on a buzzy role in “Late Fame,” from director Kent Jones and written by “May December” scribe Samy Burch. It’s a drama exploring ambition, identity, and second chances. Lee, known for her sharp wit and beautiful nuance, has been on an incredible trajectory, and this project could further solidify her as a powerhouse performer.

An Oscar nominee for “Nebraska,” June Squibb still surprises us in riveting films like “Thelma” this past year. Taking on the lead role in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut for Sony Pictures Classics, the film tells the story of Eleanor (Squibb), who moves to New York City for a fresh start with her best friend. Making new friends at ninety proves difficult. Longing for connection, she befriends a 19-year-old student. I’m ready for the tear ducts to go into overdrive with this one.

I believe we’re on the verge of a Keanu Reeves awards run in the next two years, with a lineup of very interesting roles garnering some early buzz. Perhaps our Demi Moore part 2?

In Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut for Lionsgate, “Good Fortune,” a film about a man named Gabriel who meddles in the lives of a gig worker and venture capitalist, the early word is he’s a scene-stealer in this comedy. He’s also in Jonah Hill’s next directorial film, “Outcome,” and Ruben Ostlund’s next venture, likely in 2026.

Who’s not going to welcome this possibility?

Broadway’s beloved “Wicked” finally soared onto the big screen with the first half of the story that garnered 10 Oscar nominations. Now, with “Wicked: For Good,” Jon M. Chu will conclude the beautiful story with his two Oscar-nominated stars: Cynthia Erivo, the Tony and Grammy winner, who already brought powerhouse vocals and raw emotion to Elphaba in “Defying Gravity.” At the same time, pop icon Ariana Grande dazzled as the bubbly yet complex Glinda brings wit and charm in “Popular.” The first film showed their electric chemistry, but the sequel promises even greater emotional stakes as the two witches’ destinies collide. With its star-studded cast, jaw-dropping visuals, and showstopping numbers, “For Good” is set to be a spellbinding finale that could land both leads in serious awards contention (once again).

Two-time Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet is no stranger to taking bold, unexpected roles, and in “Marty Supreme,” he’s diving headfirst into the story of American table tennis legend Marty Reisman. The film, helmed by Josh Safdie, could be one of A24’s most promising films this year. Chalamet, known for his heart-wrenching turns in “Call Me by Your Name” (2017) and most recently playing Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” has flexed his blockbuster chops in “Dune” and “Wonka” franchises, but “Marty Supreme” seems poised to be another fascinating addition to his filmography.

Guillermo del Toro is bringing Mary Shelley’s classic monster tale to life in “Frankenstein” with the help of Netflix. The incredible Oscar Isaac will tackle the role of Victor Frankenstein, a man consumed by his obsession with creating life. With del Toro’s signature gothic visuals and Isaac’s magnetic screen presence, shown in films like “A Most Violent Year” and “Inside Llewyn Davis,” expect a rich, layered performance that explores the moral and emotional complexities of Shelley’s timeless story.

Auteur Luca Guadagnino, fresh off his 2024 double feature with “Challengers” and “Queer,” teams up with megastar Julia Roberts for the Amazon MGM thriller “After the Hunt.” The film follows a college professor forced to confront her past after a colleague faces a serious accusation. Roberts leads a star-studded ensemble that includes Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny. An Oscar winner for “Erin Brockovich” and one of the most revered actresses of her generation, Roberts, under the direction of Guadagnino, could a perfect cinematic pairing, one that would win over any of their harshest critics.

We’re going to get a double-dose of Jessie Buckley this year, both with the vision of two powerhouse female directors — Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet” and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride.”

Following her Oscar-nominated performance in “The Lost Daughter” and her electric turn in “Women Talking,” Buckley takes on one of her most anticipated roles yet as Frankenstein’s bride in Warner Bros’ “The Bride!” alongside Christian Bale and Penélope Cruz. In Focus Features’ “Hamnet,” an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, she’s the wife of the legendary writer William Shakespeare. She’ll likely deliver in both, but I’ll give a slight edge to her genre work (especially since her “Hamnet” co-star is also represented on this list).

Sydney Sweeney has been on a steady incline toward Hollywood superstardom. This year, she’ll dive into a few roles, such as the gothic horror flick “The Housemaid.” More notably, she may get a shot at the Oscar gold with the still-untitled biopic of boxer Christy Martin from “Animal Kingdom” director David Michôd.

The film will follow the illustrious boxer who survived a stabbing by her ex-husband Jim Martin in 2010, who the incredibly underrated Ben Foster will portray. The Emmy nominee, known for “Euphoria,” “The White Lotus” and “Immaculate,” can genuinely go for broke in layered, emotionally charged characters. This could be Sweeney’s big ticket to the big show.

Dwayne Johnson trades in his usual larger-than-life action heroes for a gritty, transformative role in Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine.” The film tells the true story of Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter whose dominance in the ring was overshadowed by his battles with addiction and personal demons. This could be one of “The Rock’s” most daring outings. Paired with one-half of the Safdie brothers, who have a knack for visceral storytelling (i.e., “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time”), Johnson could find himself with a personal invitation to a few ceremonies next year (at least based on very early buzz).

As Hollywood continues to celebrate revered stars from the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s with Oscar-worthy recognition (i.e., Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Demi Moore), I’d like to put a request for Nia Long to be added to that list. Long, who plays Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic, has delivered memorable performances for decades, with classics like “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) and “Friday” (1995) to “Soul Food” (1997). While she has worked steadily on projects such as “The Best Man” franchise, audiences have long waited for that defining role that will earn her a well-deserved place in awards season conversation. With Colman Domingo on a two-year Oscar nomination streak, set to play the controversial patriarch Joe, and Jaafar Jackson stepping into the role of the King of Pop, the Lionsgate drama could be the moment fans have been waiting for.

Following his breakout success in “The Bear,” Jeremy Allen White steps into the shoes of “The Boss” himself, musician Bruce Springsteen in Scott Cooper’s “Deliver Me From Nowhere.” The film explores the making of “Nebraska,” one of Springsteen’s most haunting albums. White, who won two Emmys for his intense performance as Carmy Berzatto, now takes on one of rock’s most enigmatic figures in what could be his most transformative role yet. The 20th Century Studios feature also stars recent Oscar nominee Jeremy Strong as Springsteen’s manager, Jon Landau, and Gaby Hoffman as Springsteen’s mother, Adele.

In the past few years, we’ve seen so many of our beloved 90s and early aughts stars land roles that let us all know that Hollywood isn’t done with them yet.

“Charlie’s Angels” star Lucy Liu could be following in her “Full Throttle” co-star’s footsteps in debut director Eric Lin’s “Rosemead.” Inspired by actual events, she plays an immigrant mother who takes desperate measures to help her son, who is obsessed with mass shootings. Who wouldn’t welcome an outstanding talent like Liu, who also produces, back into the fold and in the headlines for what’s said to be one of the most daring roles of her career?

Here’s Danny!

Daniel Day-Lewis, the three-time Oscar-winning legend (“There Will Be Blood,” “Lincoln” and “My Left Foot”), is coming out of retirement for “Anemone,” a Focus Features film directed by his son Ronan, which they co-wrote together. It’s his first feature since “Phantom Thread” (2017). While details regarding the project remain under wraps, Day-Lewis’ involvement alone makes this one of the most highly anticipated projects of the decade. Known for his intense method-acting approach, we expect nothing short of a masterclass from the English thespian.