UPDATE: Jonathan Bailey has emerged as the highest-grossing actor of 2025, but fierce competition looms for the upcoming year, with several actors poised to challenge for the box office crown. Bailey’s remarkable success in 2025 comes from leading roles in two major Universal blockbusters: Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good, which collectively earned over $1.2 billion.
Bailey’s standout performance as Fiyero in the blockbuster musical Wicked: For Good has captivated audiences, helping it achieve a global box office of $393.3 million so far. Meanwhile, Jurassic World Rebirth has claimed the title of the fourth-biggest film of the year, raking in an impressive $868.9 million worldwide. As Wicked 2 continues its theatrical run, Bailey’s earnings are expected to soar even higher.
However, the landscape for 2026 promises to be intensely competitive, with three actors emerging as potential box office titans.
Tom Holland is set for a monumental July 2026, with two major films slated for release. The Odyssey premieres on July 17, followed by Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31. Both films have a strong shot at joining the elite $1 billion club, potentially pushing Holland’s box office total beyond $2 billion for the year. His previous Spider-Man films have demonstrated remarkable box office success, with No Way Home nearly hitting $2 billion.
While The Odyssey is generating buzz, especially with sold-out 70mm IMAX screenings, Holland’s participation in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday remains uncertain. If confirmed, it could solidify his position at the top of the box office rankings.
Pedro Pascal is another contender, having already made waves in 2025 with appearances in three films. For 2026, Pascal reprises his role as Reed Richards in Avengers: Doomsday and returns to the Star Wars universe in The Mandalorian and Grogu. While Doosday is expected to surpass $1 billion, the performance of The Mandalorian at the box office remains a question mark, as past spinoffs have seen mixed results.
Lastly, Zendaya is positioned as a strong contender, teaming up with Holland in both Brand New Day and The Odyssey. Additionally, she stars in Dune: Part 3, which has the potential for significant box office success following the previous films’ acclaim. With her multifaceted roles, Zendaya could emerge as the highest-grossing actor of 2026, particularly if Holland’s Spider-Man cameo in Doomsday remains under wraps.
As the box office landscape evolves, all eyes will be on these stars as they prepare for a blockbuster year. Fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see how this competitive race will unfold in 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
