While star power has helped fuel the 2025 box office, Hollywood’s A-list is taking a bit of a backseat this fall as a quieter release slate takes center stage. The year has seen stars like Julia Garner and Josh Brolin lead their film, Weapons, to a massive $148.8 million global success, but fewer star-driven vehicles are on the immediate horizon.
The year has certainly benefited from its big names. From the ensemble of Jurassic World Rebirth to the leads of other surprise hits, recognizable actors have been a key ingredient in the box office recipe. This has reinforced the idea that a compelling star can still be a major draw for audiences.
However, the upcoming weeks will rely less on individual star power. While September will see Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another and Benedict Cumberbatch in The Rose, the market will be more dependent on genre appeal, such as with The Conjuring: Last Rites, and a volume of smaller titles.
The A-list will return in force for the holiday season. The final months of the year are packed with star-studded blockbusters, with major names headlining films like Wicked: For Good and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, ensuring a dazzling and profitable end to the year.