The Post-Riddler Era: 7 Shocking New Roles That Prove Cory Michael Smith Is Hollywood’s Next Leading Man

The transformation of Cory Michael Smith from the eccentric, calculating villain Edward Nygma in Fox’s *Gotham* to a serious, genre-defying leading man is one of Hollywood’s most compelling stories right now. As of this latest update, the Ohio-born actor is not only headlining a major A24 horror-thriller but is also starring alongside a cast of titans in a new HBO project from the creator of *Succession*. This shift marks a definitive and exciting new chapter in his career, proving his versatility extends far beyond the confines of the DC Universe.

The current buzz around his upcoming filmography—including a chilling turn as a billionaire tech mogul and a daunting portrayal of a comedy legend—confirms Smith is actively seeking roles that challenge both him and the audience. His recent work is set to redefine his public image, showcasing a dramatic range that few actors achieve so quickly after a career-defining TV role.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Cory Michael Smith

Cory Michael Smith has cultivated a career rooted in strong theatrical training and a knack for playing complex, often psychologically intense characters. His profile is marked by a steady progression from Broadway to critically acclaimed independent films and major television series.

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• Full Name: Cory Michael Smith
• Born: November 14, 1986
• Age (as of December 2025): 39
• Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, USA
• Nationality: American
• Education: Graduated from Hilliard Darby High School (2005) and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University (2009).
• Career Breakthrough: Playing Edward Nygma / The Riddler in the Fox series *Gotham* (2014–2019).
• Notable Film Roles: *Camp X-Ray* (2014), *Carol* (2015), *First Man* (2018), *1985* (2018), *May December* (2023), and *Saturday Night* (2024).
• Broadway Debut: Fred in *Breakfast at Tiffany's* (2013).
• Personal Life: Identifies as queer, a fact he shared in 2018 while discussing his role in the film *1985*.

The A24 Horror-Thriller and the HBO Billionaire: Smith’s New Era of High-Stakes Roles

Smith’s upcoming slate is a masterclass in genre hopping, featuring two of the most anticipated projects from a prestige studio and a television powerhouse, respectively. These roles solidify his status as a sought-after talent in the post-peak TV landscape.

1. Leading the A24 Fugitive Thriller: *October*

The most immediate and high-profile project on Smith’s horizon is the A24 horror-action thriller titled *October*. This film is particularly significant as it marks his first major leading film role and reunites him with the studio following his work on *Famous*.

• The Director: The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, known for his intense, critically acclaimed works like *Blue Ruin* and *Green Room*.
• The Plot: Described as a Halloween-set fugitive thriller, the film promises the kind of dark, visceral tension that is Saulnier’s trademark.
• The Ensemble Cast: Smith will star alongside a stellar ensemble that includes Chase Sui Wonders, Sophie Wilde, James Badge Dale, Matty Matheson, and Imogen Poots.

Landing the lead in an A24 production from a director of Saulnier's caliber is a powerful statement about Smith's standing in the industry. The combination of a Halloween setting and the fugitive thriller genre suggests a high-octane, suspenseful role that will require a deeply committed performance.

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2. The Tech Titan in Jesse Armstrong’s *Mountainhead* (HBO)

Perhaps the most talked-about project for 2025 is the HBO satirical comedy-drama *Mountainhead*, which serves as the feature directorial debut of *Succession* creator Jesse Armstrong. The film, which explores themes of greed and ambition, is a major prestige vehicle.

• The Role: Smith plays Venis, an immensely wealthy tech mogul who is the founder of the social media platform Traam. He is explicitly referred to as the richest man in the world at the start of the film.
• The Star-Studded Cast: Smith is part of an elite ensemble, starring alongside Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, and Ramy Youssef.
• The Release: The film is set to debut on HBO in the Spring of 2025.

Playing a role that echoes the themes and tone of *Succession*—a critique of the ultra-rich—positions Smith directly within the world of high-caliber, Emmy-bait television. His portrayal of Venis, the founder of the fictional social media platform Traam, will undoubtedly draw comparisons to real-world tech billionaires, demanding a performance that is both razor-sharp and subtly unsettling.

The Art of Transformation: From The Riddler to Chevy Chase

Smith's career has always been defined by his ability to inhabit characters with complex internal lives. The transition from Edward Nygma to his recent roles showcases a meticulous approach to acting, often involving deep research and an intentional effort to find the humanity in larger-than-life figures.

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3. Capturing a Comedy Icon: Chevy Chase in *Saturday Night*

In Jason Reitman's 2024 film *Saturday Night*, which chronicles the chaotic, legendary premiere night of the original *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) in 1975, Smith took on the daunting task of playing comedy icon Chevy Chase.

• The Challenge: Portraying a figure as famous and polarizing as Chase required Smith to find a balance between the public persona and the private man.
• The Preparation: Smith revealed he intentionally limited his research, only watching the comedian for two months before filming, to avoid over-imitation and instead channel a "more human" and "vulnerable" side of Chase.
• The Ensemble: The film features a cast embodying the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players," including Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, and Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd.

This performance, which moves Smith from the world of DC villains to the historical drama of comedy, highlights his commitment to transformative roles. The critical reception for *Saturday Night* further solidified his reputation as a serious, versatile actor.

4. The Quiet Intensity of *May December*

Smith’s role in Todd Haynes’ 2023 psychological drama *May December*—starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore—was another quiet yet significant step in his career evolution. Haynes is a director Smith has worked with before on the Oscar-nominated film *Carol*. His presence in such a critically lauded, complex film demonstrates his continued appeal to auteur filmmakers seeking nuanced performances.

5. The Breakout Indie Role: *Carol*

Before *Gotham* concluded, Smith gained significant critical attention for his role as Tommy Tucker in the 2015 period drama *Carol*, which starred Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Directed by Todd Haynes, the film was a major Oscar contender, and Smith's performance provided a subtle, emotional anchor, showcasing his range outside of the comic book genre. This early success established his credibility in independent cinema.

6. The Crucial Broadway Beginnings: *Breakfast at Tiffany's*

Smith's foundation is in theater, beginning with his BFA in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University. His career started with a bang on Broadway in 2013, starring as Fred in the stage adaptation of *Breakfast at Tiffany's*. This theatrical background is evident in his precise and disciplined approach to his film and television work.

7. The Defining Chapter: Edward Nygma / The Riddler

While his new roles are defining his future, his five-season run as Edward Nygma in *Gotham* remains his most recognized work. Smith masterfully portrayed the character’s slow, deliberate descent from a socially awkward, brilliant forensic scientist to the fully realized, psychopathic villain The Riddler. This performance, which blended intellectual menace with dark humor, earned him a dedicated following and provided the platform for his subsequent career growth.

From the intellectual puzzles of The Riddler to the high-stakes thrills of a fugitive in *October* and the biting satire of a billionaire in *Mountainhead*, Cory Michael Smith has strategically pivoted his career into a new, exciting phase. His upcoming projects are not just roles; they are declarations of his intent to become one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation, promising a future filled with fresh, unpredictable, and critically engaging performances.

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