BREAKING: Jonathan Bailey has emerged as the highest-grossing actor of 2025, but fierce competition looms for the 2026 box office crown. Following his breakout role as Fiyero in Wicked, Bailey’s star power surged with key performances in two major Universal blockbusters: Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good.
The latest box office data reveals that Jurassic World Rebirth has raked in an impressive $868.9 million globally, solidifying its position as the fourth-biggest film of the year. Meanwhile, Wicked: For Good had a stellar opening weekend, accumulating $393.3 million worldwide. Combined, Bailey’s films have grossed over $1.2 billion, with numbers expected to climb as Wicked 2 continues its run.
As Bailey enjoys this moment, attention shifts to three contenders who could dethrone him in 2026. Tom Holland is poised for an explosive month with two major releases. The highly anticipated The Odyssey debuts on July 17, 2026, followed by Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31, 2026. Both films are strong candidates to join the illustrious $1 billion club, potentially pushing Holland’s total earnings beyond $2 billion in 2026.
The last two Spider-Man films crossed the billion-dollar mark, and expectations are high for Brand New Day. The uncertainty lies with The Odyssey, which has created a buzz with early ticket sales, including sell-outs for 70mm IMAX screenings a year in advance. Director Christopher Nolan has a proven track record of drawing audiences, evidenced by the success of Oppenheimer.
Holland’s potential involvement in Avengers: Doomsday remains a tantalizing question. While not officially listed in the cast, Kevin Feige has hinted that more characters will be unveiled, adding further intrigue to Holland’s prospects for box office dominance.
Also in the running is Pedro Pascal, another heavy hitter for 2026. Pascal starred in three films in 2025, including Materialists and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Next year, he returns as Reed Richards in Doomsday, alongside a new venture in the Star Wars universe with The Mandalorian and Grogu. While Doomsday is anticipated to surpass $1 billion, the performance of the Star Wars film remains uncertain.
Finally, Zendaya is set to join forces with Holland in both Brand New Day and The Odyssey, adding to her box office potential. Additionally, she stars in Dune: Part 3, a sequel that has already garnered acclaim and impressive earnings, with the second installment grossing $714.8 million worldwide. Her combination of roles positions her as a strong contender for the top spot in 2026, particularly if Holland’s participation in Doomsday is confirmed.
As the cinematic landscape heats up, all eyes will be on these stars as they vie for supremacy in the box office arena. Stay tuned for updates as the competition unfolds!
