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5 Shocking New Projects That Prove Mason Gooding Is Hollywood’s Next Leading Man (2025 Update)

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Mason Gooding is no longer just "Cuba Gooding Jr.'s son" or the charismatic jock from *Love, Victor*—he has officially cemented his status as a major Hollywood player with an explosive slate of upcoming projects. As of late 2025, the actor is strategically pivoting from teen dramas and supporting roles into a diverse array of lead roles across the horror, action, and romantic-comedy genres, proving his versatility and star power. His career trajectory is mirroring that of a true leading man, with his name attached to some of the most anticipated films of 2025 and 2026, including a major return to the iconic *Scream* franchise.

This deep dive explores the current, fresh, and unique details of Mason Gooding's career, focusing on the roles that are set to define his future. From a genre-bending slasher film to a high-stakes undercover thriller, Gooding's latest work is a masterclass in topical authority and a clear signal that he is ready to take center stage.

Mason Gooding: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Mason Gooding was born on November 14, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, making him a distinct voice in the new generation of Hollywood talent. His lineage is deeply rooted in the industry, as he is the son of Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sara Kapfer. This family connection provided an early exposure to the world of performance, but Mason has worked diligently to carve out his own identity on screen.

  • Full Name: Mason Gooding
  • Date of Birth: November 14, 1996
  • Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Parents: Cuba Gooding Jr. (Father), Sara Kapfer (Mother)
  • Education: Attended New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
  • Breakout Role: Nick Howland in the 2019 comedy film *Booksmart*, directed by Olivia Wilde.
  • Key Television Roles:
    • *Ballers* (2018) as Parker Jones
    • *Love, Victor* (2020–2022) as Andrew Spier
    • *Star Trek: Picard* (2020) as Gabriel Hwang
    • *How I Met Your Father* (2022) as Drew
  • Key Film Roles:
    • *Booksmart* (2019)
    • *Fall* (2022) as Dan
    • *Scream* (2022) and *Scream VI* (2023) as Chad Meeks-Martin
  • Upcoming Projects (2025/2026): *Heart Eyes*, *Under Fire*, *Scream 7*

The Scream Franchise and the Return of Chad Meeks-Martin

Mason Gooding’s role as Chad Meeks-Martin in the rebooted *Scream* franchise has been a cornerstone of his rise to fame. Chad, the twin brother of Mindy Meeks-Martin (played by Jasmin Savoy Brown), quickly became a fan favorite for his combination of jock charm and surprising resilience against the relentless Ghostface killer.

The biggest news for fans is Gooding's confirmed return for *Scream 7*. This announcement is particularly significant following major cast shakeups, placing Gooding's character, Chad, alongside franchise legends like Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott) and new cast members such as Isabel May, Celeste O'Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, and Sam Rechner. His character has survived multiple gruesome attacks—a rarity in the slasher genre—and his return suggests a major narrative focus on the surviving "Core Four" members and the enduring legacy of the Woodsboro/New York City slayings.

Gooding has teased that the upcoming installment will be a "more horrific and more high-octane experience," hinting at a darker direction for the franchise as it continues to explore the trauma and terror inflicted by the masked killer. His on-screen chemistry with Jasmin Savoy Brown and the returning veterans is poised to be a major draw for the seventh entry in the long-running horror series.

2025: Mason Gooding's Genre-Bending Lead Roles

The year 2025 marks a pivotal shift for Gooding, with two major films showcasing his ability to lead a story in vastly different genres—a perfect display of his topical authority. These projects move him squarely into the action and horror-comedy spheres, cementing his versatility beyond his previous high-school and college roles.

1. *Heart Eyes* (February 7, 2025): The Slasher-Rom-Com Hybrid

One of his most anticipated projects is the original slasher film *Heart Eyes*, set for release on Valentine's Day weekend 2025. Gooding stars as Jay alongside Olivia Holt (Ally), two co-workers in the romantic marketing business. Gooding himself has described the film as "a rom-com that gets hijacked by a horror," a unique premise that blends the lightheartedness of a romantic comedy with the brutal intensity of a slasher movie.

The plot centers on Jay and Ally, who are mistakenly identified as a couple by a masked serial killer—one who sports a terrifying mask with glowing red heart eyes—who targets unsuspecting couples. The film, directed by Josh Ruben (*Werewolves Within*), also features Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, and Devon Sawa. This project allows Gooding to stretch his dramatic and comedic muscles while navigating the high-stakes terror that fans of *Scream* have come to expect, making it a fresh and unique entry in his filmography.

2. *Under Fire* (2025): The High-Stakes Buddy-Cop Thriller

Further demonstrating his range, Gooding teams up with actor Dylan Sprouse for the action-thriller *Under Fire*. This film is a departure from the horror and comedy genres, plunging Gooding into a gritty, high-octane environment set against the scorching heat of the Mexico border.

In this film, Gooding plays Abbott, a DEA agent, while Sprouse plays Griff, an FBI agent. The central twist of the plot is that both agents have gone undercover to infiltrate a powerful drug cartel, with neither aware that the other is also an undercover operative. Their true identities are suddenly revealed during a critical cartel deal, forcing the two to rely on each other to survive the ensuing chaos. This "buddy cop actioner," as some have described it, showcases Gooding's physical acting and ability to handle intense, straightforward action, proving he can hold his own in a pure thriller setting.

Why Mason Gooding is the Future of Hollywood

Mason Gooding's success is rooted in his strategic choice of roles that build upon his established strengths while challenging him to explore new territory. His ability to seamlessly transition from the charming, sensitive jock Andrew in *Love, Victor* to the resilient, action-ready Chad in *Scream VI* is a testament to his talent.

His upcoming slate highlights a deliberate effort to achieve maximum topical authority across multiple genres:

  • Horror Authority: His continued involvement in the *Scream* universe (alongside Neve Campbell, Jasmin Savoy Brown, etc.) and his lead role in the original slasher *Heart Eyes* solidify him as a modern-day "scream king."
  • Action Versatility: *Under Fire* is the perfect vehicle to establish him as a credible action star, moving beyond the teen-focused thrillers like *Fall* (2022).
  • Romantic Appeal: His past roles and the romantic element in *Heart Eyes* ensure he maintains a strong connection with a broad audience that appreciates his natural charisma.

With a full schedule of fresh, unique projects rolling out through 2025 and 2026, Mason Gooding is not just following in his father's footsteps; he is paving a dynamic and diverse path of his own. His work is essential viewing for anyone tracking the rise of the next generation of Hollywood's leading men.

mason gooding
mason gooding

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