Jonathan Bailey has emerged as the highest-grossing actor of 2025, driven by substantial roles in two major Universal Pictures releases: Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World Rebirth. His films have collectively grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, with Bailey’s performance as Fiyero in *Wicked* propelling him to notable acclaim. While he currently holds the box office crown, the competition for 2026 is heating up with several actors poised to challenge his lead.
Bailey’s success this year is underscored by *Jurassic World Rebirth*, which has grossed an impressive $868.9 million, confirming that the franchise remains a dominant force. In addition, *Wicked: For Good* had a stellar opening weekend, amassing $393.3 million globally. As *Wicked 2* continues its theatrical run, Bailey’s total box office contributions are expected to rise even further.
Tom Holland’s Box Office Potential for 2026
Tom Holland stands out as a strong contender for the 2026 box office crown. He is set to star in two major releases in July: *The Odyssey*, premiering on July 17, and *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, debuting on July 31. Both films are anticipated to join the exclusive $1 billion club, potentially elevating Holland’s box office earnings to over $2 billion for the year.
*Brand New Day* is particularly promising, as previous MCU Spider-Man films have consistently surpassed the billion-dollar mark. *The Odyssey*, directed by Christopher Nolan, is generating excitement with sold-out 70mm IMAX screenings. While Holland’s future in the box office may hinge on a potential appearance in *Avengers: Doomsday*, his current trajectory suggests a significant year ahead.
Pedro Pascal and Zendaya: Strong Contenders
Another actor to watch is Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in three films in 2025: *Materialists*, *Eddington*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. For 2026, Pascal has key roles lined up in *Avengers: Doomsday*, where he reprises his role as Reed Richards, and in the highly-anticipated *The Mandalorian and Grogu*. Despite the unpredictability of box office receipts for *Star Wars* films, Pascal’s involvement in these franchises positions him well for success.
In contrast, Zendaya is also gearing up for a formidable year, sharing the screen with Holland in both *The Odyssey* and *Brand New Day*. Additionally, her role in *Dune: Part 3* enhances her box office potential. The *Dune* franchise has proven successful, and with the second installment grossing $714.8 million worldwide, the third film is expected to continue this trend.
As 2026 approaches, the competition for the box office crown will be fierce. Bailey’s current success may face challenges from Holland, Pascal, and Zendaya, each of whom has strong projects lined up that could redefine their positions in the industry. The outcome will depend not only on box office numbers but also on audience reception and critical acclaim as these films hit theaters.
