The Hollywood Reporter's Next Gen Talent: 7 Rising Stars From The 2024 Class Who Are Dominating Hollywood In 2025
The entertainment industry is in a constant state of flux, and as of December 2025, all eyes are on the new guard of talent and executives who are setting the agenda for the next decade. The Hollywood Reporter's annual "35 Under 35" list, now known as the "Next Gen" class, remains the definitive barometer for identifying these future power players, separating the promising newcomers from the genuine architects of tomorrow's blockbusters and streaming hits.
While the list traditionally focuses on rising executives—the agents, producers, and studio heads who greenlight projects—the most recent, publicly detailed roster, the Next Gen Class of 2024, highlighted a stunning cohort of actors and creatives. This shift underscores the growing influence of young, multi-hyphenate talent who are not just starring in projects but also developing and producing them. Here is a deep dive into the stars from the 2024 class who are making the biggest waves right now, with major projects slated for release in late 2025 and early 2026.
The Next Generation of A-Listers: THR's 2024 Talent Class
The Hollywood Reporter's "Next Gen Talent" list for 2024 celebrated a diverse group of young artists whose work was already garnering critical acclaim and box office success. What makes this list so compelling is seeing how these stars have leveraged the recognition into even more ambitious, high-profile 2025 and 2026 projects, solidifying their status as the new A-list. Their career trajectories are a masterclass in strategic project selection and brand building.
1. Kit Connor: The Indie Darling Turned Blockbuster Star
Kit Connor, best known for his breakout role in the beloved series Heartstopper, was a standout on the 2024 list. His inclusion signaled a major transition from teen drama sensation to serious, in-demand dramatic actor. His 2025 and 2026 slate proves he is one of the most exciting young Hollywood actors to watch.
- THR Next Gen Class: 2024 (Talent)
- Breakout Role: Nick Nelson in Heartstopper (2022–Present)
- Key 2025/2026 Projects: Connor is set to star in A Long Winter, a new drama from director Andrew Haigh, known for All of Us Strangers. He is also reuniting with his Warfare co-star D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai for the film, which is generating significant buzz in the independent film circuit. The A24-backed war epic Warfare, where he plays a significant role, is also slated for a major release, showcasing his versatility in a completely different genre.
- Topical Authority Insight: Connor's move to work with acclaimed directors like Haigh and on prestige projects like Warfare demonstrates a calculated strategy to build a career based on critical merit rather than just commercial appeal, a hallmark of the new generation of smart talent.
2. Kaia Gerber: From Supermodel to Serious Actress
Kaia Gerber, daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, has successfully navigated the challenging transition from high-fashion model to respected actress. Her 2024 Next Gen nod recognized her early promise and strategic choices in television and film.
- THR Next Gen Class: 2024 (Talent)
- Breakout Role: Roles in Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story franchise.
- Key 2025/2026 Projects: Gerber’s most anticipated project is her role in the upcoming TV series The Shards, a Ryan Murphy production. This high-profile series marks a significant step up in her television career, allowing her to work closely with a major Hollywood showrunner. Her continued presence at major industry events, including the 2025 Academy Museum Gala, keeps her firmly in the spotlight as a rising star in Hollywood.
- Topical Authority Insight: Gerber exemplifies the modern "celebrity" in Hollywood—a multi-platform star who leverages a massive personal brand (fashion, social media) to secure compelling acting roles, challenging the old-guard separation between modeling and acting.
3. Ryan Destiny: The Multi-Hyphenate Music and Screen Force
Ryan Destiny, known for her roles in Lee Daniels' Star and the film A Girl from Mogadishu, was highlighted for her dual threat in music and acting. Her inclusion in the 2024 class acknowledged her ability to command attention both on screen and in the recording studio.
- THR Next Gen Class: 2024 (Talent)
- Breakout Role: Alexandra Crane in Star.
- Key 2025/2026 Projects: While specific details on her full 2025/2026 slate are often under wraps, Destiny is strategically positioning herself in the intersection of music-driven and dramatic projects. Her career trajectory is focused on projects that allow her to showcase both her vocal and acting prowess, following in the footsteps of previous Next Gen honorees who have successfully bridged these two worlds.
- Topical Authority Insight: Destiny’s career reflects a key trend in the entertainment industry: the value of a star who can be marketed across multiple revenue streams (film, TV, music, endorsements), making her a highly valuable asset for studios and record labels alike.
The Power Behind the Scenes: A Nod to the Next Gen Executives
While the Talent list grabs the headlines, the true "power players" of the traditional "35 Under 35" are the executives. These are the individuals who control the flow of capital, talent, and creative development. Their work ensures the machine of Hollywood keeps turning, and their names are essential for understanding the future of the business.
The 2024 Next Gen Executive class, though less publicized in a single list, included names who are now driving major studio and agency strategy. These young leaders are often found in roles like Vice President of Development, Creative Executive, or top agents at major agencies like CAA, WME, and UTA.
The Executive Architects Shaping the Future
The Next Gen Executives are the ones making the high-stakes decisions. They are crucial to the industry's evolution, particularly in the face of streaming wars, AI integration, and evolving audience demands. Two prominent names from the 2024 executive class illustrate this perfectly:
- Michael D. Ratner: A Grad Film alum, Ratner was featured as one of the 35 Rising Hollywood Executives Under 35 in the Next Gen Class of 2024. As the CEO of OBB Media, he has been a pioneer in creating premium content across film, television, and digital platforms, focusing heavily on documentary and unscripted content. His continued success highlights the shift towards executive-producers who are also content creators.
- Ryan Tunick: Also a confirmed member of the 2024 Next Gen list, Tunick was recognized as one of the "most ambitious up-and-comers in the industry." Executives like Tunick are often deeply embedded in the strategic planning of major studios or production companies, tasked with identifying and acquiring intellectual property (IP) that will become the next big franchise.
These individuals are the unseen forces behind the projects that Kit Connor and Kaia Gerber are starring in. Their ability to spot a trend, secure financing, and manage complex production logistics is what truly defines the future of Hollywood.
Topical Authority: Why the Next Gen Class Matters Now (December 2025)
As we close out 2025, the significance of The Hollywood Reporter's Next Gen list has never been higher. The entertainment landscape is consolidating, and the pressure on young executives and talent to deliver is immense. This list serves several critical functions for the industry:
1. The Talent Pipeline: The Next Gen Talent selection is a powerful endorsement that often precedes major contract negotiations and blockbuster casting. For young Hollywood actors, being named to the list is a career accelerant, signaling to casting directors and financiers that they are a safe, high-return investment.
2. The Future of IP: The Next Gen Executives are the ones who are aggressively hunting for the intellectual property that will fuel the streaming platforms and theatrical releases of 2026 and beyond. They are focused on emerging trends, from video game adaptations to viral social media stories, ensuring Hollywood remains relevant to a younger, more diverse audience.
3. Industry Diversity: The list consistently highlights a commitment to diversity, recognizing talent from traditionally underrepresented groups. This focus is not just ethical; it is a business imperative, as the global audience demands content that reflects the world they live in. The inclusion of stars like Ryan Destiny and diverse executives ensures that decision-making power is becoming more broadly distributed.
The Hollywood Reporter's "35 Under 35" (Next Gen) is more than just a roll call of names; it is a meticulously curated forecast of the entertainment industry's future. The class of 2024, now fully established as power players in late 2025, is a testament to the fact that the most ambitious and strategic young professionals are ready to take the reins and define the next golden age of Hollywood.
Detail Author:
- Name : Beatrice Kessler
- Username : lincoln.yost
- Email : bridie19@friesen.com
- Birthdate : 1981-05-19
- Address : 7902 Arthur Burg Apt. 036 McDermottberg, TX 21376-0819
- Phone : 937-941-7271
- Company : Casper-Cruickshank
- Job : Highway Maintenance Worker
- Bio : Nisi veniam sequi modi corrupti reiciendis. Et voluptatem earum saepe ut sed aut ea. Quibusdam non et et laudantium voluptatibus est est. In harum natus molestiae est sunt natus.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/wiegand2007
- username : wiegand2007
- bio : Et rem illum est expedita ea qui alias esse.
- followers : 6649
- following : 771
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eastonwiegand
- username : eastonwiegand
- bio : Dolorem ipsam explicabo veritatis consequatur consequatur iusto.
- followers : 6433
- following : 1187
