10 A-List Stars Who Are Taking Over Hollywood This Year as Executive Producers
In today’s entertainment industry, A-list actors and producers are increasingly taking on dual roles as both stars and producers in the projects they choose. This shift reflects a growing trend where top-tier talent not only commands the screen but also takes creative control behind the scenes as producers.
With their influence, these actors and producers are shaping the direction of film and television, ensuring their personal vision aligns with the stories they bring to life. By stepping into producing roles, they are elevating their careers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in modern storytelling, often delivering projects that reflect both their artistic ambitions and their market power as producers.
1. Jon Hamm in “Your Friends and Neighbors” – (April 11)
Jon Hamm, known for his iconic role as Don Draper, is back to captivate audiences in “Your Friends and Neighbors”, a new Apple TV+ series that’s bound to blow your mind. Hamm stars as Coop, a New York hedge fund manager who is recently divorced and becomes unemployed. He uses criminal methods to maintain his lifestyle and keep his family living to the standard to which they’ve become accustomed. With a mix of crime, psychological suspense, and dark humor, “Your Friends and Neighbors” promises to be an enthralling watch.
In addition to starring in “Your Friends and Neighbors”, Jon Hamm also serves as a producer on the project, bringing his unique vision and creative input to the series. As a producer, Hamm has been deeply involved in shaping the story’s direction and ensuring that his character, Coop, resonates with audiences in new and unexpected ways. His behind-the-scenes role further demonstrates his commitment to delivering compelling, high-quality television, blending his talent as both an actor and a producer.
As a producer, Jon Hamm brings a unique perspective that enhances the quality of the show, combining his skills as both an actor and a producer.
2. Tina Fey in “The Four Seasons” (May 1)
Tina Fey co-created and produces “The Four Seasons”, a comedy series where actors and producers navigate the complexities of friendship and love. Inspired by the 1981 film written and directed by Alan Alda, the show takes a modern approach to exploring long-time friendships, love, and change through the lens of its producers.
3. Natasha Lyonne in “Poker Face” – (May 8)
As an executive producer, Lyonne ensures that every detail reflects her vision for the series, demonstrating how producers can elevate storytelling.
Season 2 of “Poker Face” is set to premiere on May 8, 2025, with Natasha Lyonne not only returning as the lead but also stepping up as an executive producer. The show, created by Rian Johnson, follows Lyonne’s character, Charlie Cale, a casino worker with an uncanny ability to spot lies. As she travels across the U.S., she gets caught up in solving a series of mysterious murders. The first season, which debuted in January 2023, was a hit, earning Lyonne an Emmy nomination. Now, with season 2 on the horizon, fans can look forward to more thrilling, character-driven, case-of-the-week mysteries.
Tom Cruise serves as a producer, showcasing the critical role producers play in shaping franchises like “Mission: Impossible”.
4. Tom Cruise in “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” – (May 23)
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is the highly anticipated eighth installment in the action-packed “Mission: Impossible” series, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. Tom Cruise, who also serves as a producer, continues to push the franchise’s boundaries, ensuring it delivers thrilling action and jaw-dropping stunts. With a budget of $400 million, the film is set to be one of the most expensive productions in cinema history. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” will hit theaters on May 23, 2025, promising an epic conclusion to the action-packed saga.
As a producer, Brad Pitt continues to impact the film industry, illustrating the importance of producers in modern cinema.
5. Brad Pitt in “F1” (June 27)
“F1” follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former Formula One driver who had to retire after a devastating crash in the 1990s. After stepping away from “F1”, Hayes competes in other racing disciplines, but his passion for the sport remains. When a Formula One team owner and longtime friend, Ruben (Javier Bardem), reaches out, Hayes is asked to come out of retirement and mentor rookie prodigy Joshua “Noah” Pearce (Damson Idris) for the Apex Grand Prix team (APXGP). As Hayes guides Pearce through the intense world of Formula One racing, the film explores the highs and lows of the sport, mentorship, and redemption.
In “Freakier Friday”, producers Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan explore family dynamics and comedic storytelling.
In addition to starring in “F1”, Brad Pitt also serves as a producer, continuing his successful streak of producing impactful films. Pitt has long been known for his behind-the-scenes contributions, with his production company, Plan B Entertainment, producing films like “Ad Astra” and “12 Years a Slave”. His role as a producer in “F1” further showcases his commitment to bringing compelling, high-quality stories to the screen, especially in the world of sports drama.
Nicole Kidman’s role as a producer in “Nine Perfect Strangers” highlights how producers can guide complex narratives.
6. Jamie Lee Curtis in “Freakier Friday” (August 8)
In “Freakier Friday”, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2003 classic, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan return as Tess and Anna, who must now navigate the complexities of blending their families while dealing with their teenage daughters. As they face the challenges of merging their lives, both Tess and Anna, along with the young girls, unexpectedly find themselves swapping bodies once again, leading to hilarious and heartwarming chaos.
Jenna Ortega’s involvement as a producer on “Wednesday” demonstrates how producers can influence character development and plot progression.
7. Nicole Kidman in “Nine Perfect Strangers” – Spring 2025
Sterling K. Brown’s role as a producer on “Paradise” shows the integral part producers play in crafting suspenseful political dramas.
Nicole Kidman serves as an executive producer for “Nine Perfect Strangers”, a psychological drama that premiered in August 2021. Set at the mysterious Tranquillum House, a wellness resort in California, the show follows nine strangers who come seeking transformation but soon uncover dark secrets. The first season explores themes of trust, manipulation, and healing, with Kidman also starring as the enigmatic resort director, Masha. Season 2, set to introduce new cast members like Murray Bartlett, Annie Murphy, and Christine Baranski, promises even more twists and revelations.
As executive producers, the trio in “Only Murders in the Building” brings their unique talents to shape the narrative and comedic elements.
8. Jenna Ortega in “Wednesday” – Fall 2025
“Wednesday” has been a hit since its 2022 debut, and for season 2, Jenna Ortega is stepping up as a producer. Ortega’s portrayal of “Wednesday” Addams earned her an Emmy nomination, along with rave reviews and multiple award nods. Season 2, set to premiere in 2025, promises even more thrilling and quirky adventures, with Ortega now playing a bigger role both in front of and behind the camera.
This growing trend of stars acting as producers indicates a shift towards creative ownership in the entertainment industry.
9. Sterling K. Brown in “Paradise” – Late 2025/Early 2026?
Sterling K. Brown serves as a producer on the hit political thriller “Paradise“, which has quickly started filming for its second season after the season 1 finale aired in March 2025. The series, created by Dan Fogelman, is set in a massive underground bunker in Colorado, three years after a doomsday event. It follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, played by Brown, as he unravels the mystery behind the assassination of the U.S. President. As suspicion falls on Xavier, he navigates a web of secrets and betrayal, unsure of who he can trust. The quick turnaround from Season 1 to Season 2 has fans eagerly anticipating more shocking twists.
10. “Only Murders In The Building” Trio – Late 2025?
“Only Murders in the Building” is a witty crime-comedy series that follows three neighbors—Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez—as they team up to investigate a murder in their upscale New York City apartment building.
As amateur detectives, they start a podcast to document their investigation, despite finding themselves tangled in more secrets and lies. The trio also serves as executive producers, bringing their unique talents and chemistry to the show. With its clever blend of mystery and humor, “Only Murders in the Building” has become a fan favorite. Production on Season 5 began a few weeks ago. With a new season released each year, fans can expect the series to return sometime in 2025.
It’s more common than ever for A-list stars to take on the role of executive producers, allowing them to have greater control over their projects. This shift gives them the opportunity to shape the creative direction, ensuring their vision aligns with the final product. As streaming platforms continue to thrive, this trend is only growing, with more stars taking ownership of the stories they tell and the way they’re told, resulting in even more exciting and innovative content for audiences to enjoy.
