40 Actors & Filmmakers to Watch in 2026
As we look toward 2026, Popternative: On Our Radar highlights 40 actors and filmmakers from across the globe who are poised to make their mark in the new year. This isn’t just a roundup of recent work, it’s a curated glimpse at projects we believe will define careers, spark conversations, and shape the cultural moment. From breakout performances to visionary filmmaking, these are the talents to watch as they step into the spotlight and push boundaries in the year ahead.
Samantha Cochran
Samantha Cochran recently made a strong impression with her chilling performance in the segment “Coochie Coochie Coo” from Shudder’s horror anthology V/H/S/Halloween, and her work in the genre is far from over. She’s set to appear next in the horror-thriller The Cure, starring alongside David Dastmalchian and Ashley Greene. Cochran will also headline the highly anticipated K-pop-themed thriller-horror Perfect Girl, opposite K-Pop Demon Hunters stars Arden Cho and May Hong, as well as K-pop sensation Jeon Somi. With a growing slate of high-profile projects and collaborations, Cochran has an exciting path ahead.
Instagram: @samanthaacochran
Rohan Campbell
Rohan Campbell is having a standout 2025 with multiple high-profile roles. He stars as Billy Chapman in the Silent Night, Deadly Night slasher reboot, which premiered at Fantastic Fest and hits theaters this holiday season, and appeared in Osgood Perkins’ horror-comedy The Monkey, adapted from a Stephen King story. Campbell will next be seen in Ron Howard’s upcoming military drama Alone at Dawn, alongside Adam Driver and Anne Hathaway, as well as in the untitled Netflix Newfoundland series with Josh Hartnett and Charlie Heaton. With a diverse slate of projects on the horizon, Campbell is proving himself a versatile and in-demand talent to watch.
Instagram: @campbellrohan
Whitney Peak
Whitney Peak, best known for her role as Zoya in HBO Max’s Gossip Girl revival, is gearing up for a major year. She will star as Lenore Dove Baird in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the highly anticipated sixth installment of the iconic franchise, set for release on November 20, 2026. Peak also leads the upcoming shark thriller Shiver, opposite Phoebe Dynevor and Djimon Hounsou, another high-profile genre project. With these standout roles, Peak continues to establish herself as one of today’s most exciting young talents.
Instagram: @whitneypeak
Alfie Williams
English teen actor Alfie Williams had his major breakout role this year in the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Years Later, starring alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes. He is now set for another major year in 2026. Building on his standout performance as Spike, Williams will reprise the role in the highly anticipated sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the next chapter in the planned trilogy, scheduled for theatrical release on January 16, 2026. Beyond the 28 Years Later universe, he will also star in the supernatural thriller Banquet, directed by The Platform filmmaker Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia and co-starring Meghann Fahy and Corey Mylchreest. With projects alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, Williams is quickly establishing himself as a young actor to watch.
Instagram: @alfie_williamsofficial
Tanzyn Crawford
Tanzyn Crawford made her breakout appearance in the 2023 Hulu miniseries Tiny Beautiful Things, starring alongside Kathryn Hahn as Clare’s daughter, Rae Kincade. The African American Australian actress is now set to journey to Westeros, where she will portray Tanselle in the highly anticipated Game of Thrones prequel series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The series, set a century before the events in Game of Thrones, will premiere on January 18, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max.
Instagram: @tanzyncrawford
Curry Barker
Curry Barker is a filmmaker, actor, and comedian whose genre-blending is quickly attracting attention, with his horror feature Obsession already generating buzz ahead of its 2026 release from Focus Features. Starring Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter, the film explores the dark consequences of a supernatural wish gone wrong. After making its debut at TIFF’s 2025 Midnight Madness section, the film cemented Barker as a bold new voice in horror.
Instagram: @curry.barker
Chase Infiniti
Chase Infiniti is having a true breakout moment. She recently turned heads as Willa Ferguson, the daughter of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in Paul Thomas Anderson’s black-comedy action thriller One Battle After Another. The film has emerged as a major awards contender, earning multiple 2026 Golden Globe nominations, including Infiniti for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Next, Infiniti is set to step into the leading role of Agnes in The Testaments, Hulu’s highly anticipated sequel series to The Handmaid’s Tale, premiering in April 2026. She will star alongside Ann Dowd, who reprises her role as Aunt Lydia Clements.
Instagram: @chaseinfiniti
Pierson Fodé
Pierson Fodé is enjoying a standout year with a slate of high‑profile projects. He gained attention starring opposite Miranda Cosgrove in Netflix’s romantic comedy The Wrong Paris, and continues his momentum with roles in Hulu’s Swiped and the Netflix holiday film A Merry Little Ex‑Mas. He recently wrapped production on Netflix’s psychological thriller The Last Mrs. Parrish, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Jennifer Lopez, Nikolaj Coster‑Waldau, and Isabel May, positioning him for another big year ahead.
Instagram: @piersonfode
Nia DaCosta
Filmmaker Nia DaCosta arrived onto the scene with her critically acclaimed 2018 feature debut Little Woods, a Western crime drama starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James. She recently reunited with Thompson for her latest film, the period drama Hedda, which earned Thompson a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Now, DaCosta is poised to return to horror directing the highly anticipated 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, written by Alex Garland and Danny Boyle.
Joshua Odjick
Joshua Odjick is having a breakout year with major roles in high-profile projects. He stars as Taniel in HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry, the prequel series expanding Stephen King’s iconic universe, and appears as Collie Parker in the film adaptation of King’s The Long Walk, delivering two standout genre performances in 2025. Looking ahead, Odjick joins the cast of the upcoming Bon Cop, Bad Cop series for Crave in a series regular role, playing Joe, an intrepid Mi’kmaq police officer, alongside Henry Czerny. With roles spanning horror, thriller, and dramedy, Odjick is proving himself a rising talent to watch across both television and film.
Instagram: @joshuaodjickofficial
Sasha Bhasin
Sasha Bhasin made her first major splash this year in the second season of Netflix’s YA hit XO, Kitty, portraying Praveena, a new love interest for Kitty (Anna Cathcart). The character quickly resonated with viewers, standing out as both captivating and fun. Bhasin also appeared in the Emmy-winning medical drama series The Pitt as a patient brought into the emergency room while experiencing psychosis. Next, she will be seen in Netflix’s upcoming coming-of-age comedy Best of the Best, which follows a competitive college Bollywood dance team, starring alongside Hasan Minhaj, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Priyanka Kedia, and Lilly Singh.
Instagram: @sashabhasin
Chad Archibald & Cody Calahan (Black Fawn Fims)
Chad Archibald and Cody Calahan, co‑founders of Canada’s genre powerhouse Black Fawn Films, continue to make waves in horror cinema. Archibald wrote and directed It Feeds, a chilling supernatural thriller starring Ashley Greene and Shawn Ashmore, now available on major streaming platforms and VOD. Meanwhile, Calahan produced The Undertone, an eerie paranormal horror featuring Nina Kiri, Michèle Duquet, and Kris Holden‑Ried, which premiered at the 2025 Fantasia International Film Festival and was recently acquired by A24.
Instagram: @blackfawnfilms
Miku Martineau
Miku Martineau is having a standout year, earning major attention for her lead role as Yumeko in Netflix’s live-action gambling drama Bet, based on the popular Kakegurui manga series. Already renewed for a second season, the series has further elevated Martineau, who continues her momentum as the star of another upcoming Netflix project. She leads the new teen drama Crew Girl as Teagan, a female rower who becomes the coxswain for a dysfunctional all-boys rowing team, cementing her status as a rising talent to watch. The series just recently wrapped production and is slated for a 2026 release.
Instagram: @miku.martineau
Stephen Kalyn
Stephen Kalyn, who appeared as Greg in the second season of Gen V, the hit superhero drama spinoff of The Boys, is gearing up for a big 2026 with a starring role in Prime Video’s upcoming series Off Campus. He brings hockey player Dean Di Laurentis to life in this college-set romantic drama, adapted from Elle Kennedy’s best-selling novels. The first season will cover the opening book of the series, offering fans a faithful and engaging introduction to these beloved characters. With readers around the world eagerly awaiting, Off Campus is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new series of 2026.
Instagram: @stephenkalyn
Emanuela Postacchini
Known for her role in the American crime comedy Riff Raff, Italian actress Emanuela Postacchini is making her mark internationally with a slate of high-profile projects. She stars in the upcoming action thriller The Sicilian, alongside Michele Morrone, Megan Fox, and Iain Glen, and the erotic thriller Eternity, opposite William H. Macy and Greg Kinnear. Postacchini is poised for a big year on the global stage, solidifying her status as a rising international talent.
Instagram: @emanuelapostacchini
Aidan Laprete
Known for his role as Henry Tanaka in Prime Video’s survival drama The Wilds, Aidan Laprete is coming off a momentum-building year and stepping into his biggest projects yet. He stars in Bobby Farrelly’s comedy Driver’s Ed alongside Sam Nivola, Sophie Telegadis, Molly Shannon, and Kumail Nanjiani, which premiered at TIFF this year. He is also set to appear in Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning, one of the most talked-about upcoming films examining the modern social media era. With these projects on the horizon, Laprete continues to showcase his place as a rising presence on the screen.
Instagram: @aidanlaprete
Jess McLeod
Best known for their role as Janae Matthews in the YA mystery thriller series One Of Us Is Lying, Jess McLeod is coming off a breakout year with a role in Ben Wheatley’s crime action feature Normal alongside Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, and Lena Headey. Up next, they will appear in AMC’s tech satire The Audacity, starring Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, and Sarah Goldberg, set to premiere in 2026.
Instagram: @itsjessmcleod
Clayton Royal Johnson
Clayton Royal Johnson has had a big year with his recurring role as Andy in Netflix’s Stranger Things and a strong turn in the dystopian thriller The School Duel, directed by Todd Wiseman Jr. and co-starring Kue Lawrence and Oscar Núñez. The film played at festivals including Deauville, Miami Film Festival, Florida Film Festival, Sunscreen Film Festival, and the Fantasia International Film Festival. He’s next set to star in the indie drama Ghost Complex alongside Brenna D’Amico and Genny Wick, continuing to expand his presence across both film and television.
Instagram: @claytonroyaljohnson
Michelle Mao
Michelle Mao is poised for a breakout year and is quickly becoming a talent to watch. She joins Netflix’s highly anticipated fourth season of Bridgerton as Rosamund Li, starring alongside Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, and Katie Leung. Mao will also appear in acclaimed director Kogonada’s upcoming drama Zi, opposite Haley Lu Richardson and Jin Ha, set to premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. With a high-profile TV role and a Sundance-bound feature, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Mao.
Instagram: @michelleforbreakfast
Andy Chen
Andy Chen is a director and cinematographer whose visually driven approach has made him an emerging voice in genre storytelling. Known for crafting atmospheric tension and striking imagery, Chen is currently directing the psychological horror feature Another, starring Bob Morley and India de Beaufort, with horror icons Doug Jones and Heather Langenkamp. In addition to his work behind the camera as a director, Chen has established himself as a sought-after cinematographer, shaping the distinctive look of the horror short Adjoining, starring Brenna D’Amico. With a growing body of work defined by mood, precision, and bold visual language, Chen continues to carve out a new presence in contemporary horror.
Instagram: @locustgarden
Cailyn Rice
Cailyn Rice made her first major on-screen impression in 1923, the Yellowstone prequel series, whose second and final season concluded in April 2025, where she starred alongside Timothy Dalton and Madison Elise Rogers. She’ll next appear in a recurring role in the highly anticipated third season of HBO’s Euphoria. Returning after a nearly four year hiatus, the series is set to premiere in April 2026, with details of Rice’s character still under wraps. She is also set to star in the upcoming supernatural horror feature Sigil, opposite Sierra McCormick and Francesca Xuereb, which is set to enter production in the new year. With a slate of high-profile projects across television and film, Rice is quickly emerging as one to watch.
Instagram: @cailyn_r
Jalen Thomas Brooks
Jalen Thomas Brooks is poised for an exciting 2026 with major roles across television. He continues to appear as nurse Mateo in the hit medical drama The Pitt, which returns for its second season on HBO Max in January 2026. Brooks will also star as John Tucker in Off Campus, Prime Video’s upcoming series adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s best-selling young-adult romance series, bringing the beloved Briar University hockey world to screens worldwide. Known for his standout performance in Eli Roth’s slasher Thanksgiving, Brooks is proving himself a versatile talent across genres.
Instagram: @jalenthomasbrooks
Renata Vaca
Renata Vaca is poised for a breakout year, following her standout role as Gabriela in Saw X and her leading performance in Netflix’s Mal de amores alongside Juan Pablo Fuentes and Iván Amozurrutia. She also joins the international cast of Paramount and HYBE America’s upcoming untitled K‑pop film, directed by Benson Lee and featuring Eric Nam and Tony Revolori, set to shoot in Seoul and release in 2027. Tackling horror, historical drama and international musical cinema, Vaca is establishing herself as a standout rising talent.
Instagram: @renatavaca
Jessica Clement
Jessica Clement has had a standout year, starring in Shudder’s ‘80s-set slasher Night of the Reaper, alongside Ryan Robbins and Summer H. Howell. She also returned as Harper in Prime Video’s latest season of The Boys spinoff, Gen V. Clement is set to build on this momentum with another Prime Video spinoff, the Reacher series Neagley, and will star in the feature film Lucky Weekend. From horror to drama to comedy, Clement is proving her range and establishing herself as a performer to watch.
Instagram: @jessicahclement
Jacob Moran
Jacob Moran, known for his roles in The Black Phone and The Curse of the Necklace, is stepping into two exciting lead roles. He stars alongside Casey Likes in Delfine Paolini’s upcoming psychological thriller Sky, Zyprexia Night, a gripping exploration of faith and the human psyche. Moran also leads The Greatest Night of Summer with Christian Convery and Scarlett Estevez, serving as an executive producer on this heartfelt, character-driven story set in a small Tennessee town. With performances spanning psychological thriller and drama, and expanding into behind-the-scenes roles, Moran is proving himself a talent to watch.
Instagram: @thejacobmoran
Ingrid Torelli
Australian/Italian actress Ingrid Torelli is a horror darling, breaking out in hit feature Late Night With The Devil, with Ariana Grande praising the film as one of her favorite films of the year noting “it’s worth watching for the performances alone.” Horror fans buzzed at the announcement of her next leading role in Breathe Deep which follows Addy Frost (Torelli), who, thirteen years after witnessing her father’s death by a shark, returns to the fateful site wearing a replica of his vintage diving suit, only to face a deadly battle against a great white shark, and her own fears. Breathe Deep is from writer/director James Kermack and is currently in post-production.
Maclean Fish
Maclean Fish is widely known for his fan-favorite role of Jory Jordan in the popular Canadian comedy Shoresy, a spinoff of the hit series Letterkenny. He’s now turning to a different genre with an upcoming role in Netflix’s new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie, based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved books. Set in the 19th century, Fish will play Adam Scott, and the series is currently in post-production. Known for his sharp comedic timing, Fish’s move into a period drama signals an exciting chapter in his career.
Instagram: @macleanfish
Christian Fandango Sundgren
Known for his breakout role as Chris Olsen in the Swedish psychological thriller series A Nearly Normal Family, Christian Fandango Sundgren is set for a big year with two exciting projects. He will star in the psychological thriller Doktor Glas, a modern adaptation of the classic novel, directed by Erik Leijonborg, alongside Isac Calmroth and Thea Sofie Loch Næss. He will also lead Netflix’s upcoming 18th‑century period drama, The Von Fersens as Axel von Fersen, showcasing his range from intense thrillers to historical dramas.
Cassandra Naud
Cassandra Naud is poised for a big year following her breakout role in the 2022 psychological horror, Influencer. She recently reprised her chilling, complex performance in the sequel, Influencers, starring alongside Emily Tennant, Georgina Campbell, Dylan Playfair, and Lisa Delamar in a globe-spanning story of obsession and identity. At the same time, Naud joins Prime Video’s highly anticipated Carrie miniseries, a reimagining of Stephen King’s classic, putting her at the center of one of 2026’s most anticipated horror projects.
Instagram: @cassandranaud
Sarah Abbott
Sarah Abbott is poised for a breakout year with two exciting projects in the horror and thriller genres. She stars in Eli Roth’s upcoming horror feature Ice Cream Man, alongside Ari Millen, Benjamin Byron Davis, Karen Cliche, and Dylan Hawco. Set for a theatrical release in 2026, the film follows an ice cream man whose sweet treats come with terrifying consequences. At the same time, Abbott takes on the role of Olivia in Netflix’s new thriller drama series The Body, created by Quinn Shephard, where she stars alongside Kristina Bogic, Sara Boustany, and Geena Meszaros. With these roles, Abbott is demonstrating her range and establishing herself as a talent to watch in suspense-driven storytelling.
Instagram: @sarah_abbott_
Lorenzo de Moor
Dutch-Italian actor Lorenzo de Moor recently played Matteo in Paul Feig’s Another Simple Favor, the sequel to A Simple Favor, starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively set in the Italian island of Capri. Up next, de Moor will star in the romantic comedy You, Me & Tuscany, alongside Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page. Set against the sun-soaked backdrops of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tuscany, the film is slated for a theatrical release on April 10, 2026.
Instagram: @lorenzodemoor
Georgie Murphy
Georgie Murphy has had a busy year taking on a range of roles across television. She played Ally in Prime Video’s Gen V and starred in the supernatural thriller Safehaven alongside Bob Frazer and Melissa Marie Elias. She also appears in NBC’s new mockumentary series Stumble, alongside Kristin Chenoweth, Taran Killam, and Jenn Lyon; the series will return with new episodes in 2026. Looking ahead, Murphy will appear in the upcoming erotic thriller series 56 Days, starring Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia, which premieres February 18, 2026, on Prime Video. With these projects, she has plenty to look forward to in the year ahead.
Instagram: @georgiemurphy
Emma Higgins
Canadian filmmaker Emma Higgins is gearing up for a breakout year with her feature film Sweetness set to reach wider audiences in 2026. The psychologically charged thriller, which Higgins wrote and directed, premiered to acclaim at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival and explores obsession and fandom in a striking coming‑of‑age story. Sweetness, starring Kate Hallett, Herman Tømmeraas and a strong ensemble cast, is scheduled for broader release in February 2026, in the US.
Instagram: @emmaaverage
Johnny Sequoyah
Johnny Sequoyah, known for her role as Audrey in the Dexter sequel series Dexter: New Blood, will soon be seen in a high-profile role. She stars as Lucy in the upcoming horror feature Primate, directed by Johannes Roberts and co-starring Troy Kotsur and Jessica Alexander. The film, which premiered at Fantastic Fest and is set for wide theatrical release on January 9, 2026, has already generated significant buzz. Primate follows a beloved family chimpanzee named Ben who contracts rabies and turns violent, trapping his human family and friends in a terrifying fight for survival.
Instagram: @johnnysequoyah
Erika Swayze
Erika Swayze has an exciting year ahead with two standout television projects. She joins the third season of Paramount+’s hit supernatural drama School Spirits in a recurring role, appearing alongside Jennifer Tilly and Ari Dalbert. Swayze will also star in Netflix’s Hollywood Arts, the upcoming spinoff of the beloved Nickelodeon sitcom, Victorious. The series sees Daniella Monet reprise her fan-favorite role as Trina Vega, now an aspiring actor still waiting for her big break, who turns to teaching a new generation of performing arts students.
Instagram: @erikaswayze
Brady Hepner
Brady Hepner, known for his standout performances in The Black Phone and The Holdovers, recently appeared in Netflix’s The Waterfront and Shudder’s Abraham’s Boys, starring opposite Titus Welliver, further building his rising profile. Continuing his momentum, Hepner is set to star in the upcoming coming-of-age adventure horror feature The All-Nighter, alongside Outer Banks star Austin North and Legacies star Danielle Rose Russell. With roles spanning horror, drama, and adventure, Hepner is establishing himself as a young talent to watch.
Instagram: @brady_hepner
Yarine Pernia
New to the scene, Yarine Pernia is set for a standout year with two high-profile projects. She will appear in the historical horror film The Casket Girls, a chilling period-inspired story set in 18th-century New Orleans, alongside Gabrielle Union and Mike Colter. and stars in the action-packed The Gambit alongside Michael Bisping, Kim Coates, Milo Gibson, and Skylar Park, blending intense action and suspense. With these diverse roles, Pernia is showcasing her versatility as a rising talent to watch in both horror and action genres.
Instagram: @itsmeyari
Annie Shapero
Australian actress Annie Shapero is best known for her theatre work in Australia before joining two of the hottest shows for 2026. In Season 3 of HBO’s House of the Dragon, which is slated for a summer release, Shapero will take on the role of Alysanne Blackwood, also known as “Black Aly,” a fan-favorite character from George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Expanding her presence across franchise spinoffs, Shapero will also appear in a recurring role in the highly anticipated The Boys prequel series, Vought Rising, alongside Jensen Ackles, Aya Cash, and Mason Dye. She will also be on the big screen at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival where she will play Melissa in Natalie Erika James’s highly anticipated next feature feature, Saccharine, set to premiere at the Midnight section on January 22.
Instagram: @annieshapero
Swayam Bhatia
Swayam Bhatia recently turned heads as a nightwalker vampire in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the latest installment in Disney’s hit franchise. Continuing her foray into the supernatural, she will next appear in Disney’s Coven Academy, created by Tim Federle (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series). Set to premiere in 2026, the series follows teenage witches-in-training navigating the ups and downs of coming-of-age. Expanding her range even further, Bhatia has also joined the cast of Netflix’s upcoming drama series Unaccustomed Earth, adapted from Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed short story collection, where she stars alongside Freida Pinto and Siddharth. With roles spanning supernatural teen series to drama, Bhatia is a versatile young talent to watch for.
Instagram: @sway_bhatia
Enzo Vogrincic
Uruguayan actor Enzo Vogrincic rose to international prominence with his powerful breakout performance as Numa Turcatti in Netflix’s Oscar-nominated Society of the Snow (La sociedad de la nieve), earning widespread acclaim for his emotional depth and screen presence. He continues his momentum starring in Netflix’s upcoming sci-fi dystopian series, The Future is Ours (El futuro es nuestro), adapted from Philip K. Dick’s novel The World Jones Made, due out in 2026.
Instagram: @vogrincicenzo
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