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From Foster Kids To DC Superstars: Where Is The 'Instant Family' Cast Now In 2025?

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Released in 2018, Instant Family struck a powerful chord with audiences worldwide, offering a heartfelt and often hilarious look at the complexities of the foster care and adoption system. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne as the well-meaning but overwhelmed adoptive parents, Pete and Ellie Wagner, the film was a massive success, praised for its emotional honesty and topical authority. Now, over six years later, the cast—especially the young actors who played the three siblings—have seen their careers skyrocket, with major new projects hitting screens throughout 2024 and 2025.

The film’s continued popularity, often appearing on streaming charts, sparks constant curiosity about the actors who brought the Wagner family to life. As of today, December 23, 2025, the stars of the movie are busier than ever, moving from the foster home drama to major superhero franchises, thrilling TV series, and big-budget action films. Here is a comprehensive look at the latest updates and where the core cast of Instant Family is now.

The Wagner Family: Where Are Pete, Ellie, Lizzie, Juan, and Lita Now?

The core of Instant Family was the adoptive family unit, a dynamic blend of veteran stars and breakout young talent. Their recent career trajectories showcase a fascinating mix of Hollywood blockbusters and highly-anticipated streaming series, proving the 2018 film was a major launchpad for the younger actors.

Mark Wahlberg (Pete Wagner)

Mark Wahlberg, who played the dedicated and often bewildered adoptive father Pete Wagner, has maintained his status as a Hollywood action and comedy staple. Since the film's release, Wahlberg has continued to produce and star in a consistent stream of projects.

  • Latest Release (2024): He starred in the adventure film Arthur The King, based on the true story of an athlete who befriends a stray dog during an endurance race.
  • Upcoming Thriller (2024): Wahlberg is set to star in the Mel Gibson-directed thriller Flight Risk, where he plays a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal.
  • Major Franchise Sequel (2025): It was announced in late 2024 that Wahlberg will produce and reprise his role in a sequel to the hit Apple action-comedy, The Family Plan.
  • Expected Project (2025): He is also attached to the crime thriller Play Dirty, further cementing his place in the action genre.

Rose Byrne (Ellie Wagner)

Rose Byrne, who brought depth and vulnerability to the role of adoptive mother Ellie Wagner, has been a dominant force in television and independent film, balancing comedy and drama with ease.

  • Current TV Success: She has continued her critically acclaimed role in the Apple TV+ series Platonic, which was renewed for a second season.
  • Upcoming Limited Series (2025): Byrne is set to star in the Peacock limited series The Good Daughter, a suspenseful thriller based on a novel by Karin Slaughter, with production expected to begin in 2025.
  • Recent Work: She has also starred in various other projects, showcasing her versatility across different genres.

The Foster Siblings: From Instant Family to Global Franchises

The three young actors who played the foster siblings—Lizzie, Juan, and Lita—have experienced the most dramatic career evolutions, with one star in particular becoming a major player in the DC Universe.

Isabela Merced (Lizzie Wagner)

Isabela Merced, who played the rebellious and protective oldest sister Lizzie, has had the most explosive career trajectory since Instant Family. Her transition from a breakout star to a major franchise lead is one of the most exciting stories in Hollywood today. She was previously known as Isabela Moner during the film's release, but now goes by Isabela Merced.

  • Major DC Role (2025): Merced has been cast as the iconic superhero Hawkgirl in the highly anticipated DC Studios series Peacemaker.
  • DC Cinematic Universe (2025): She is also set to star as Hawkgirl in the new James Gunn-directed film Superman, making her a cornerstone of the new DC Universe.
  • Sci-Fi Horror Franchise (2024): She will appear in the latest installment of the legendary sci-fi horror series, Alien: Romulus, set for release in 2024.
  • HBO Series (2025-Present): Merced has joined the cast of the acclaimed HBO adaptation of the video game *The Last of Us*, taking on the role of Dina for the second season.

Merced's line-up of upcoming roles—spanning DC, HBO, and the *Alien* universe—demonstrates a remarkable rise in topical authority and versatility, securing her place as one of the most in-demand young actors in the industry today.

Julianna Gamiz (Lita Wagner)

Julianna Gamiz, who stole scenes as the youngest, Lita, with her hilarious and often dramatic antics, is continuing her acting career, proving that the youngest member of the Wagner family is still finding success in Hollywood.

  • New Movie (2024): Gamiz has a confirmed role in the 2024 movie Unstoppable, where she plays a character named Ronnie Robles.
  • Career Focus: After her memorable debut in Instant Family, Gamiz has been selectively pursuing new roles while growing up, focusing on projects that allow her to showcase her natural comedic timing and dramatic range.

Gustavo Quiroz (Juan Wagner)

Gustavo Quiroz, who played the sensitive middle child Juan, known for his anxiety and love of basketball, has kept a lower profile than his on-screen siblings in recent years. While his performance was a highlight of the 2018 film, he appears to be focusing on life outside of major film sets.

  • Recent Updates: Unlike his co-stars, Quiroz does not have a widely publicized, major film or television project confirmed for 2024 or 2025. His last major roles were Instant Family and the 2018 short *Endgame*.
  • Behind the Scenes: Many young actors take time away from the spotlight after a major success to focus on their education and personal lives, which appears to be the case for Quiroz following his impactful performance as Juan.

The Social Workers: The Unforgettable Supporting Cast

The film’s heart was often found in the foster care support group, led by the hilarious and grounded social workers Sharon and Karen.

Tig Notaro (Sharon)

Tig Notaro, who played the deadpan social worker Sharon, remains one of the most respected comedians and actors working today. Her career is thriving across stand-up, acting, and production.

  • Latest Comedy Special (2024): Notaro released her highly-regarded special, TIG NOTARO: HELLO AGAIN, on Prime Video in March 2024, which earned multiple Emmy nominations.
  • Ongoing Work: She continues to produce and star in various projects, maintaining her unique voice and style that made her pairing with Octavia Spencer so memorable.

Octavia Spencer (Karen)

Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer, who played the supportive and firm social worker Karen, continues to have a prolific career in both film and television, often taking on executive producer roles.

  • Recent Projects: Spencer has been involved in numerous projects, including voicing a character in the 2020 film Dolittle and executive producing various television series.
  • Filmography: Her work remains highly visible, with her choosing roles that often blend drama with a touch of her signature warmth and wit, similar to her role in Instant Family.

The cast of Instant Family, from its A-list leads to its talented young stars and scene-stealing supporting players, has proven that the movie was more than just a box office hit—it was a significant career milestone. With Isabela Merced stepping into massive superhero shoes and Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne securing multi-year projects, the Wagner family is truly thriving in the entertainment world in 2025.

instant family cast
instant family cast

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