LGBTQ+ Actors Who Said 2025 Was Finally Their Breakout Year

2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood with numerous actors securing roles in major franchises. These performers are stepping into the spotlight with projects ranging from Marvel blockbusters to highly anticipated television finales. Audiences are ready to see diverse stories centered in mainstream narratives like ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Snow White’. The following actors are poised to dominate the conversation and redefine their careers over the next twelve months.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced is set to captivate audiences in the highly anticipated second season of ‘The Last of Us’. She steps into the role of Dina who is the romantic interest of Ellie and a fan favorite from the video games. This performance requires her to navigate an intense post-apocalyptic landscape while building a complex emotional bond with her co-star. Critics expect this role to catapult her into a new tier of stardom following her previous work in film. The series provides a massive platform for her to showcase her dramatic range to a global audience.

Zoe Terakes

Zoe Terakes makes history with a significant role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Ironheart’. The Australian actor joins the cast to bring a fresh perspective to the story of Riri Williams and her advanced armor technology. Terakes has previously garnered acclaim for their work in ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and horror films. This project marks their transition into major American blockbuster television. The show allows them to represent the transgender community on one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world.

Shea Couleé

Shea Couleé transitions from the runway to the superhero genre with a mysterious role in ‘Ironheart’. The ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ winner is one of the first drag performers to secure a recurring part in a Marvel Studios production. Fans are eager to see how their charisma and performance skills translate to the gritty world of the MCU. This casting choice signals a broader commitment to diverse storytelling within the franchise. It represents a monumental career shift for the celebrated entertainer.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer takes the lead in the futuristic limited series ‘Blade Runner 2099’ on Prime Video. She moves beyond her breakout role in teen drama to anchor a high-budget science fiction franchise. The show serves as a direct sequel to the acclaimed films and requires Schafer to carry a complex narrative. Her involvement in such a legendary property solidifies her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Viewers anticipate her performance will bring emotional depth to the cyberpunk setting.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler stars as the titular character in Disney’s live-action reimagining of ‘Snow White’. This role places her at the center of a massive global marketing campaign and a beloved fairy tale legacy. Zegler brings her formidable vocal talents to updated songs and a modernized storyline. The film aims to introduce the classic story to a new generation while highlighting her star power. It stands as the most significant commercial project of her career thus far.

Mason Alexander Park

Mason Alexander Park returned to the screen as the mischievous endless sibling Desire in the new episodes of ‘The Sandman’. The actor plays a pivotal antagonist role that expands significantly as the saga adapts more of the original graphic novels. Their portrayal of the non-binary character has already received praise for its faithful and alluring accuracy. The final season promised to give them more screen time to explore the complex family dynamics of the Endless. It cements their place as a go-to performer for fantasy and genre television.

Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp approaches the conclusion of his journey as Will Byers in the final season of ‘Stranger Things’. The storyline focuses heavily on his character and brings his personal growth to the forefront of the narrative. Schnapp has expressed excitement about resolving the mysteries surrounding Will in this climactic chapter. His performance is expected to anchor the emotional core of the show as it wraps up its decade-long run. This final season offers him a chance to deliver a career-defining performance before moving on to adult roles.

Let us know which of these actors you are most excited to watch in the comments.