UPDATE: Jonathan Bailey has officially emerged as the highest-grossing actor of 2025, but the competition for the 2026 box office crown is heating up! Following his breakout role as Fiyero in Wicked, Bailey’s films have generated a staggering $1.2 billion this year, with two major blockbusters under his belt: Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good.
As of now, Jurassic World Rebirth has raked in $868.9 million globally, making it the fourth-highest movie of the year. Meanwhile, Wicked: For Good had a remarkable opening weekend, accumulating $393.3 million worldwide. Yet, the box office landscape is shifting, with several actors positioned to challenge Bailey’s reign in 2026.
Tom Holland is poised for a blockbuster month in July 2026! With the premiere of The Odyssey on July 17 and Spider-Man: Brand New Day hitting theaters on July 31, Holland is set to potentially surpass $2 billion in box office earnings. Both films are strong contenders for the $1 billion club, especially given the success of previous Spider-Man entries in the MCU. While Brand New Day is likely to exceed $1 billion, the potential of The Odyssey remains a question mark, although advanced IMAX screenings have sold out, indicating high anticipation for Christopher Nolan’s epic.
Adding to the excitement, Holland’s involvement in Avengers: Doomsday is still uncertain. Although not officially cast, Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige hinted at additional character reveals, which could further boost Holland’s box office potential if he reprises his iconic role.
Pedro Pascal is another key player in the race for 2026. After a busy 2025 with three major films, including The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Pascal is set to return as Reed Richards in Avengers: Doomsday and star in The Mandalorian and Grogu. While Marvel films have fluctuated in popularity, Doomsday is expected to be a box office juggernaut, potentially exceeding $1 billion. Meanwhile, the box office performance of his Star Wars film remains uncertain, but devoted fans are expected to show up in droves.
Finally, Zendaya is also in contention for the 2026 box office crown. Set to star alongside Holland in both Brand New Day and The Odyssey, she brings additional firepower with her role in Dune: Part 3. The Dune franchise has garnered critical acclaim and impressive box office figures, and the third installment is anticipated to continue this trend, though it may not reach $1 billion.
As fans eagerly await these blockbuster releases, the race for the 2026 box office title is undoubtedly heating up. Will Jonathan Bailey maintain his streak, or will Tom Holland, Pedro Pascal, or Zendaya claim the crown? Stay tuned for more updates as the summer of 2026 approaches, and keep your eyes on the box office numbers!
