From Lady Rose To Whitney Wolfe Herd: Lily James' 10 Must-Watch Movies & TV Shows (The 2025 Slate Revealed)
Lily James has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading ladies, seamlessly transitioning from period dramas to gritty biopics and major action franchises. As of December 23, 2025, the English actress has an incredibly exciting slate of projects that promise to dominate the box office and streaming services, cementing her status as a global star. Her recent work, including the critically acclaimed *The Iron Claw* and the transformative *Pam & Tommy*, serves as a powerful bridge to her highly anticipated 2025 and 2026 releases.
This article dives deep into the most essential entries in the Lily James filmography, highlighting her career-defining roles and providing an exclusive look at the fresh, new projects—such as the biographical film *Swiped* and the conspiracy thriller *Relay*—that are set to captivate audiences in the coming year.
Lily James: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile
Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, known professionally as Lily James, was born on April 5, 1989, in Esher, Surrey, England.
- Full Name: Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson
- Born: April 5, 1989 (Age 36 as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Esher, Surrey, England
- Education: She attended the Arts Educational School in Tring before furthering her studies at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, graduating in 2010.
- Career Launch: Her professional career began on television in 2010 with the BBC production of *Just William*, followed by her professional stage debut in 2011's *Vernon God Little*.
- Breakthrough Role: She achieved widespread recognition for her role as Lady Rose MacClare in the globally popular television drama series *Downton Abbey* (2012–2015).
The Highly Anticipated 2025-2026 Slate: New Movies and Roles
Lily James is currently in a career phase defined by challenging, high-profile projects. Her upcoming filmography showcases a deliberate pivot toward complex biographical roles and intense crime thrillers, moving beyond the romantic leads that first brought her international fame.
1. Swiped (2025) – The Tech Biopic
One of James's most significant upcoming roles is her portrayal of tech entrepreneur Whitney Wolfe Herd in the biographical film *Swiped*, slated for release in 2025.
- The Role: James plays Whitney Wolfe Herd, the co-founder of Tinder who later left the company to found the wildly successful, female-first dating app Bumble.
- The Story: The film is a biographical drama that follows Wolfe Herd’s journey as she navigates the sexist and challenging environment of the startup world, ultimately using her intelligence and tenacity to build her own billion-dollar empire.
- Significance: This role is a major departure and a strong follow-up to her biopic work in *Pam & Tommy*, showcasing her ability to embody real-life, powerful women.
2. Relay (2025) – The Conspiracy Thriller
Switching gears entirely, James stars opposite Riz Ahmed in the crime thriller *Relay*, which premiered at TIFF 2024 and is expected to see a wide release in 2025.
- The Role: She plays Sarah Grant, a research scientist who becomes a whistleblower after stealing sensitive documents from a powerful company.
- The Plot: The film centers on a reclusive New York City "fixer" (Ahmed) who helps whistleblowers, and his involvement with James's character as mercenaries hunt her down. Directed by David Mackenzie (*Hell or High Water*), the movie is being praised as a gripping, lively throwback thriller.
3. Finally Dawn (2024/2025) – A 1950s Roman Drama
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Rome, during the era known as "Hollywood on the Tiber," *Finally Dawn* is a period drama that saw its festival run in 2024.
- The Setting: The story revolves around a young Roman woman who, on the verge of engagement, auditions as an extra at the famed Cinecittà studios and is plunged into a long, intense night that changes her life.
- Co-Stars: James shares the screen with an ensemble cast including Joe Keery, Rachel Sennott, and Academy Award-nominee Willem Dafoe.
4. Upcoming Projects: Cliffhanger & The Angry Birds Movie 3 (2026)
Looking further ahead, James is attached to the 2026 remake of the action-thriller *Cliffhanger*, a major commercial project. Additionally, she will lend her voice talents to the animated sequel *The Angry Birds Movie 3*, demonstrating her range across different genres.
Career-Defining Roles: The Essential Film and TV Shows
While her upcoming work is generating buzz, James's reputation was built on a series of iconic and diverse roles that showcase her dramatic depth and musical talent.
5. Pam & Tommy (2022) – The Uncanny Transformation
The Hulu limited series *Pam & Tommy* is arguably James's most transformative role to date. Her portrayal of 1990s icon Pamela Anderson was both critically acclaimed and highly publicized.
- The Transformation: The process of becoming Pamela Anderson was immense, requiring a four-hour daily routine involving extensive prosthetics, multiple wigs, and makeup.
- The Co-Star: She starred opposite Sebastian Stan, who played Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee.
- Impact: Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination, solidifying her ability to lead a high-stakes, biographical drama series.
6. The Iron Claw (2023) – The Sports Drama
In this critically acclaimed sports drama, James took on the role of Pam Adkisson, the wife of Zac Efron's character, Kevin Von Erich. The film tells the tragic, true story of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty.
7. Cinderella (2015) – The Disney Classic
James's first major leading film role was as the titular character in Kenneth Branagh's live-action adaptation of the Disney classic *Cinderella*. Her performance was praised for its sincerity and charm, instantly catapulting her to international stardom.
8. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) – The Musical Hit
As the younger version of Donna Sheridan (played by Meryl Streep in the first film), James showcased her impressive singing and dancing talents in this blockbuster musical sequel. The film was a massive commercial success and remains one of her most beloved roles.
9. Baby Driver (2017) – The Action Thriller
In Edgar Wright's stylish action film, James played Debora, the love interest of the main character, Baby. The film’s unique blend of music, action, and romance was a huge hit, demonstrating her versatility across genres.
10. The Pursuit of Love (2021) – The Period Miniseries
Before *Pam & Tommy*, James starred as the passionate and rebellious Linda Radlett in the BBC miniseries *The Pursuit of Love*, based on the novel by Nancy Mitford. This role allowed her to return to the period drama genre that launched her career, but with a far more complex and modern character.
Lily James's Enduring Appeal and Topical Authority
Lily James’s career trajectory is a masterclass in strategic role selection. She built a foundation on beloved period pieces like *Downton Abbey* and family-friendly blockbusters like *Cinderella*, which gave her global recognition. She then leveraged that fame to take on riskier, more challenging projects.
Her work with acclaimed directors such as Edgar Wright (*Baby Driver*), Danny Boyle (*Yesterday*), and Joe Wright (*Darkest Hour*), alongside her commitment to transformative roles like Pamela Anderson, demonstrates a serious dedication to her craft.
The upcoming 2025 slate—featuring the entrepreneurial spirit of Whitney Wolfe Herd in *Swiped*, the high-stakes tension of *Relay* with Riz Ahmed, and the artistic drama of *Finally Dawn*—proves that James is not content to rest on past successes. She continues to seek out roles that are topical, complex, and high-impact, ensuring that she remains a dominant and relevant figure in both film and television for years to come.
From Lady Rose to a tech CEO, Lily James's filmography is a rich tapestry of genres and characters, making her an actress whose every new project is a must-watch event.
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