These Rising Stars Are Carving Out Horror's Next Chapter!

PEARL 2022 Universal Pictures film with Mia Goth

Mia Goth’s carving out her own niche in the horror world, solidifying her status as a genre icon. From her chilling role in It Follows, where she grappled with a relentless supernatural entity, to her tour de force in the X trilogy, Goth’s proving she’s more than just a scream queen. In MaXXXine, she’s navigating the treacherous waters of 1980s Hollywood, dodging killers and unearthing dark secrets. But it’s her work in Pearl that really showcases her range - not only starring in but co-writing this disturbing prequel. Goth’s not just acting in horror; she’s crafting it from the ground up.

'Your Monster' film stills Pictured: Melissa Barrera

Melissa Barrera’s taking a detour from traditional horror, diving into the genre-bending Your Monster. As Laura Franco, she’s dealing with personal tragedies that lead to an unexpected discovery - a charming yet terrifying monster in her closet. It’s a far cry from her roles in Scream, showing Barrera’s versatility in the horror genre. She’s also faced supernatural challenges in Bed Rest, proving she can handle both slashers and spooks with equal skill.

FLYCATCHER, (aka DEAD SEA), Isabel Gravitt, 2024.

Isabel Gravitt’s making waves with Dead Sea, turning what should be a leisurely boat trip into a nautical nightmare. After a jet ski accident leaves her stranded on a sinister fishing trawler, Gravitt’s character fights for survival against unknown terrors. It’s a step up from her earlier work in Cucuy: The Boogeyman, showcasing her growing ability to carry a horror film with her compelling presence.

Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher in 'Heretic'. Credit: A24

Sophie Thatcher’s got us questioning our faith in Heretic, where her attempt to convert a man reveals a truth more horrifying than any sermon. It’s a far cry from her role in The Boogeyman, where she battled both personal demons and real ones. Thatcher’s range in the horror genre is impressive, from psychological terror to supernatural threats, proving she’s a versatile player in the world of scares.

THE NUN II, (aka THE NUN 2), Taissa Farmiga, 2023.

Taissa Farmiga’s taking her vows and kicking demon butt in The Nun, diving deep into the terrifying mystery of a secluded Romanian abbey in 1952. As Sister Irene, Farmiga’s not just battling evil - she’s uncovering dark secrets that threaten to shake the foundations of her faith. Her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength makes her a standout in the Conjuring universe, proving that sometimes, the biggest scares come wrapped in a habit.

FACELESS AFTER DARK, Jenna Kanell, 2023. Courtesy Everett Collection

Jenna Kanell’s Halloween night goes seriously sideways in Terrifier, where her character Tara Heyes faces off against the nightmarish Art the Clown. Kanell’s commitment to the role, including performing her own stunts, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the raw intensity of this slasher horror. Her ability to convey genuine terror in the face of such a bizarre and horrifying antagonist marks her as a true rising star in the genre.

M3GAN 2022 Violet McGraw. © Universal Pictures

Violet McGraw’s bonding with the wrong kind of playmate in M3GAN, where her character Cady’s relationship with an AI doll takes a terrifying turn. McGraw’s ability to portray both childlike innocence and growing horror as she realizes the true nature of her robotic friend adds depth to this techno-thriller. Her roles in Doctor Sleep and Separation further showcase her talent for navigating complex emotional territories in supernatural and psychological horrors.

THE POPE'S EXORCIST, from left: Alex Essoe, Laurel Marsden, 2023. ©Screen Gems

Alex Essoe’s stepping into some iconic shoes in Doctor Sleep, reimagining the character of Wendy Torrance and connecting with the legacy of The Shining. But Essoe’s horror credentials don’t stop there - her roles in Death of Me and The Pope’s Exorcist demonstrate her versatility in the genre, from surviving mysterious island horrors to confronting demonic forces. Essoe’s proving that she can handle any kind of terror thrown her way.

TALK TO ME, Alexandra Jensen, 2022. Courtesy Everett Collection

Alexandra Jensen’s dealing with possession and cultural hauntings in The Moogai, where her character Miss Miller becomes embroiled in a story that blends supernatural horror with deeply rooted cultural fears. Jensen’s performance, along with her work in Talk To Me, showcases her ability to navigate horror narratives that go beyond simple scares, delving into psychological and cultural terrors that linger long after the credits roll.

THE BEAST WITHIN, Caoilinn Springall, 2024. Courtesy Everett Collection

Caoilinn Springall’s family tree’s got some rotten branches in The Beast Within, where her character uncovers a horrifying family secret deep in the English countryside. Despite her young age, Springall commands the screen with a maturity beyond her years, navigating a chilling narrative that blends mystery with horror. Her performance in Stopmotion further cements her as a young talent to watch in the genre.

VICTORIA PEDRETTI in THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR, 2020, directed by BEN HOWLING, CIARAN FOY, MIKE FLANAGAN and YOLANDA RAMKE. Copyright PARAMOUNT TELEVISION.

Victoria Pedretti’s making Hill House a home in The Haunting of Hill House, navigating a complex narrative that weaves together past and present horrors. As Nell, Pedretti explores deep psychological and supernatural terrains, her performance anchoring the series’ exploration of family trauma and lingering ghosts. Pedretti’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength makes her a standout in this modern reimagining of a classic horror tale.

Annabelle: Creation (2017) Lulu Wilson

Lulu Wilson’s been battling baddies since she was knee-high to a grasshopper, starting with her pivotal role in Annabelle: Creation. Wilson’s ability to portray both innocence and terror as she uncovers the dark origins of the possessed doll showcases a maturity beyond her years. Her work in Deliver Us from Evil further cements her status as a formidable presence in horror, dealing with demonic forces that challenge both her faith and her safety.

'Longlegs' film stills Pictured: Maika Monroe

Maika Monroe’s still can’t shake that following feeling in They Follow, revisiting the persistent terror of a supernatural entity that haunts her after a sexual encounter. Monroe’s ability to convey both vulnerability and resilience in the face of an unstoppable force has made her a modern scream queen. Her roles in Longlegs and Significant Other further showcase her range within the horror genre, proving she’s more than capable of handling any kind of terror thrown her way.

SCREAM VI, (aka SCREAM 6), Jasmin Savoy Brown, 2023. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

Jasmin Savoy Brown’s turning up the volume on terror in Sound of Violence, where she plays a formerly deaf girl who embarks on a killing spree fueled by a traumatic past. Brown’s ability to balance sympathy and horror in her portrayal adds depth to this unique take on the slasher genre. Her roles in Scream and Scream VI further solidify her as a modern scream queen, adept at navigating the bloody waters of both classic and contemporary horror tropes.

LISA FRANKENSTEIN 2024. Kathryn Newton. © MXN Entertainment

Kathryn Newton’s playing doctor Frankenstein in Lisa Frankenstein, bringing new life to the classic tale with a quirky, teenage twist. As a high school outcast who reanimates a Victorian-era corpse, Newton mixes horror with dark comedy, displaying her skill to find the humor in even the most macabre situations. Her performance highlights the often-overlooked intersection of horror and coming-of-age stories, proving that sometimes, the scariest thing is just being a teenager.

SOPHIE WILDE in TALK TO ME, 2022, directed by DANNY PHILIPPOU and MICHAEL PHILIPPOU. Copyright CAUSEWAY FILMS.

Sophie Wilde’s getting handsy with the supernatural in Talk To Me, making a chilling debut as a teenager who discovers the ability to summon spirits with a mysterious severed hand. Wilde’s performance captures the youthful allure and terror of dabbling with forces beyond our understanding, earning her critical acclaim and marking her as a rising star to watch in the horror genre.

BARBARIAN 2022. Georgina Campbell. COLLECTION CHRISTOPHEL © BoulderLight Pictures

Georgina Campbell’s Airbnb stay’s gone seriously south in Barbarian, where her character Tess discovers far more than she bargained for in her rental home. Campbell’s ability to convey both curiosity and mounting dread as she uncovers the house’s secrets drives the film’s suspense. Her performance navigates the film’s twists and turns with a gripping realism, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and proving that sometimes, the most terrifying horrors are the ones we invite into our lives unknowingly.

SCREAM VI, (aka SCREAM 6), Jenna Ortega, 2023. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

Jenna Ortega has quickly become a prominent figure in the horror genre, particularly through her pivotal role in the Scream series. Starting with Scream (2022), Ortega portrays Tara Carpenter, a character thrust into the heart of the franchise’s notorious terror. Her performance captured audiences with its authenticity and depth, contributing significantly to the series’ rejuvenation. Ortega reprised her role in Scream VI, further developing her character’s resilience and complexity in the face of the Ghostface killer’s relentless pursuit.

These ladies are screaming their way into horror history, one blood-curdling performance at a time. From supernatural entities to psycho killers, from haunted houses to monsters in the closet, they’re proving that horror’s got more layers than a cursed onion. Whether they’re facing off against demons, dolls, or their own dark pasts, these rising stars are showing that the future of horror is in good hands - even if those hands are sometimes covered in fake blood.