The Cast Of 'What's Love Got To Do With It?': Where Are The Stars Now In 2025?
Few film titles have been recycled with such dramatically different results, which is why a deep dive into the cast of 'What's Love Got to Do with It?' requires exploring two separate, yet equally impactful, cinematic universes. As of late December 2025, the stars of both the 1993 Tina Turner biopic and the 2023 romantic comedy have been exceptionally busy, securing major roles in upcoming blockbusters, streaming series, and highly-anticipated biopics. This dual-focus article provides the ultimate, up-to-date look at the careers of the actors who brought these two very different stories of love, music, and cultural clashes to life.
The original 1993 film, a powerful and raw biographical drama, earned its lead actors Oscar nominations and cemented their status as Hollywood legends. Three decades later, the 2023 film offered a charming, cross-cultural romantic comedy exploring the modern complexities of assisted versus 'love' marriage. Both casts are now dominating headlines with fresh, unique projects that are set to define the 2026 cinematic landscape, proving that their careers are still very much 'rolling on the river.'
The Legendary Cast of the 1993 Tina Turner Biopic: Career Biographies and 2025 Updates
The 1993 film, directed by Brian Gibson, remains a seminal work in music biopics, chronicling the tumultuous life and career of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner. The performances were critically acclaimed, earning both lead actors Academy Award nominations.
Angela Bassett (Anna Mae Bullock / Tina Turner)
- Role in Film: The iconic, Oscar-nominated portrayal of Tina Turner, from her early life as Anna Mae Bullock to her triumphant solo career.
- Born: August 16, 1958 (Age 67 as of late 2025).
- Nationality: American.
- Key Career Milestones: *Boyz n the Hood*, *Malcolm X*, *Waiting to Exhale*, *Black Panther* (Oscar nomination for *Wakanda Forever*).
- Current Status (Late 2025): An established Hollywood powerhouse and executive producer.
Latest Career Trajectory (2025-2026): Angela Bassett continues to be one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Following her highly-praised, Oscar-nominated performance as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, her 2025 slate is packed with high-profile projects.
She is set to star in the limited series *Zero Day*, a political thriller that marks a major television commitment. Fans of action franchises are also eagerly anticipating her return in the highly-anticipated *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning*, scheduled for a 2025 release. Beyond acting, Bassett has been involved in executive producing, notably for the popular procedural drama *9-1-1: Lone Star*, which has continued through 2025. Her continued work in film and television, including the upcoming animated feature *Wildwood*, showcases her enduring topical authority across genres.
Laurence Fishburne (Ike Turner)
- Role in Film: The complex and volatile role of Ike Turner, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
- Born: July 30, 1961 (Age 64 as of late 2025).
- Nationality: American.
- Key Career Milestones: *The Matrix* trilogy (Morpheus), *Boyz n the Hood*, *Apocalypse Now*, *John Wick* franchise.
- Current Status (Late 2025): A prolific actor, director, and producer with immense genre appeal.
Latest Career Trajectory (2025-2026): Laurence Fishburne remains a fixture in major studio productions, balancing both his acting and directing ambitions. In 2025, he is slated to star in the espionage thriller *The Amateur*, alongside Rami Malek, which promises a high-stakes performance.
He also leads the 2025 sci-fi thriller *The Astronaut*, demonstrating his continued commitment to the genre that made him a global star with *The Matrix*. Expanding his creative footprint, Fishburne is stepping behind the camera to direct the new movie *The Rule of Nines*, a project he is actively developing. His recent appearance in *John Wick: Chapter 4* further solidified his status as a legendary figure in modern action cinema.
The Modern Ensemble of the 2023 Romantic Comedy: Recent Projects and Fresh Roles
The 2023 film, a British cross-cultural romantic comedy written by Jemima Khan and directed by Shekhar Kapur, offered a fresh take on dating and marriage in the modern age, focusing on a documentary filmmaker and her childhood friend's journey into an arranged marriage.
Lily James (Zoe Stevenson)
- Role in Film: Zoe Stevenson, the documentary filmmaker navigating the confusing modern dating scene while observing her friend's traditional path.
- Born: April 5, 1989 (Age 36 as of late 2025).
- Nationality: British.
- Key Career Milestones: *Downton Abbey*, *Cinderella*, *Baby Driver*, *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*, *Pam & Tommy* (Emmy-nominated performance).
- Current Status (Late 2025): A leading lady in both film and television, known for her versatility.
Latest Career Trajectory (2025-2026): Lily James is experiencing a career peak, taking on a number of diverse and challenging roles. Her most anticipated project for 2025 is the biographical film *Swiped*, where she stars as Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of the dating app Bumble. This role follows her acclaimed transformation into Pamela Anderson for *Pam & Tommy*, showcasing her ability to anchor a biopic.
She is also set to appear in the thriller *Relay* and the Italian drama *Finally Dawn* (or *Finalmente l'alba*), further diversifying her filmography. Looking ahead to 2026, James has secured roles in the animated sequel *The Angry Birds Movie 3* and the action-thriller reboot *Cliffhanger*. Her choice of roles demonstrates a clear focus on high-profile, international productions.
Shazad Latif (Kazim Khan)
- Role in Film: Kazim 'Kaz' Khan, Zoe's childhood friend who chooses to pursue an assisted marriage.
- Born: July 8, 1988 (Age 37 as of late 2025).
- Nationality: British.
- Key Career Milestones: *Star Trek: Discovery*, *Penny Dreadful*, *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel*.
- Current Status (Late 2025): A rising star in British and international television and film, often praised for his dramatic range.
Latest Career Trajectory (2025-2026): Shazad Latif is making a significant mark in high-budget television series. He is starring as Captain Nemo in the eagerly awaited Disney+ series *Nautilus*, a live-action adaptation inspired by Jules Verne’s classic *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea*.
Furthermore, he is leading the Sky Original action series *Atomic*, a high-octane thriller that is scheduled for a 2025 release. These roles showcase his shift towards leading man status in major action and sci-fi franchises, a progression from his earlier work in *Star Trek: Discovery* and the rom-com genre.
Emma Thompson (Cath Stevenson)
- Role in Film: Cath Stevenson, Zoe's well-meaning but often culturally insensitive mother.
- Born: April 15, 1959 (Age 66 as of late 2025).
- Nationality: British.
- Key Career Milestones: Two-time Academy Award winner (Best Actress for *Howards End*, Best Adapted Screenplay for *Sense and Sensibility*), *Love Actually*, *Nanny McPhee*, *Cruella*.
- Current Status (Late 2025): A celebrated veteran actress, writer, and a figure of immense topical authority.
Latest Career Trajectory (2025-2026): Emma Thompson continues her prolific career with a mix of high-quality dramas and thrillers. In 2025, she is starring in the Apple TV+ thriller series *Down Cemetery Road*, based on the novel by Mick Herron, premiering in October. This marks a major streaming project for the veteran actress.
She is also set to appear in the action thriller film *Dead of Winter*, directed by Brian Kirk, further proving her diverse appeal across different genres. Thompson's recent roles, including her memorable performance in the 2023 rom-com, demonstrate her enduring ability to elevate any project she joins, whether in a lead or supporting capacity.
Topical Authority and Enduring Legacy
The shared title, "What's Love Got to Do with It?", serves as a fascinating lens through which to view the evolution of cinematic storytelling and the enduring careers of its stars. The 1993 film, a powerful *Tina Turner biopic*, is a masterclass in dramatic acting, focusing on themes of domestic violence, musical genius, and ultimate triumph. The performances by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne are still considered definitive, earning them permanent spots in cinema history.
The 2023 film, an *arranged marriage rom-com*, tackles modern themes of cultural fusion, the pressure of traditional expectations versus Western dating norms, and the meaning of true connection. Its success relies on the chemistry between Lily James and Shazad Latif, and the comedic timing of veterans like Emma Thompson and Shabana Azmi (Aisha Khan). The film's writer, Jemima Khan, brought a personal and fresh perspective to the screenplay, making it a relevant piece of modern British cinema.
The collective filmography of these actors—spanning Oscar-winning biopics, major sci-fi franchises like *The Matrix* and *Star Trek: Discovery*, critical darlings like *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, and major streaming hits like *Pam & Tommy*—underscores a deep pool of talent. Whether exploring the dark side of a musical legend or the lighter side of cross-cultural dating, the stars of both 'What's Love Got to Do with It?' continue to shape the entertainment landscape with compelling and diverse new projects well into 2025 and beyond.
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