UPDATE: Jonathan Bailey has officially secured his position as the highest-grossing actor of 2025, raking in an impressive $1.2 billion across two major blockbusters. However, with 2026 around the corner, fierce competition from three leading actors signals a thrilling race for the box office crown.
Bailey’s success stems from his standout performances in Universal’s blockbusters: Jurassic World Rebirth, which has grossed $868.9 million globally, and Wicked: For Good, already at $393.3 million worldwide. Both films have solidified Bailey’s status as a box office powerhouse. The excitement continues as “Wicked 2” is set to extend his earnings even further.
Tom Holland is emerging as a formidable contender for the 2026 box office title with two major films slated for release in July 2026. The highly anticipated The Odyssey premieres on July 17, followed by Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31. Both films are expected to surpass the coveted $1 billion mark, positioning Holland to potentially exceed $2 billion in total box office revenue next year.
The buzz surrounding Spider-Man: Brand New Day is palpable, especially given the previous successes of the franchise. Should Holland also appear in Avengers: Doomsday, which has yet to confirm its full cast, he could dramatically enhance his box office potential, solidifying his lead.
Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal, another heavy hitter of 2025, is set to release two major blockbusters in 2026. He reprises his role as Reed Richards in Avengers: Doomsday and returns to the Star Wars universe in The Mandalorian and Grogu. While the success of Doomsday seems assured, the box office performance of the Star Wars film remains uncertain. Despite this, Pascal’s position remains strong, bolstered by his star power and a rapidly growing fanbase.
Lastly, Zendaya stands as a dark horse in the race for 2026’s top-grossing actor. With appearances in both Brand New Day and The Odyssey, her partnership with Holland could redefine box office success. Additionally, her role in Dune: Part 3 adds another layer of potential earnings, especially following the success of the previous installments. While her Spider-Man role may be smaller, her overall film slate positions her as a serious contender.
As the box office landscape evolves, industry experts are closely watching how these actors’ upcoming films will perform. The competition is heating up, and 2026 promises to be a thrilling year for cinema.
What happens next? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Holland’s potential involvement in Avengers: Doomsday will materialize and how the upcoming films will impact the box office dynamics.
Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to 2026 begins, and share this news to keep your friends in the loop!
