Monica Barbaro is quickly becoming a household name in Hollywood, thanks to her standout performances and versatile talent. With a string of high-profile roles behind her and exciting projects lined up for 2025, Barbaro is cementing her status as a rising star. In this blog post, we’ll dive into her upcoming movie role in 2025, explore her journey in the entertainment industry, and highlight why she’s one to watch.
Monica Barbaro’s 2025 Movie Role: Crime 101
In 2025, Monica Barbaro will star in the highly anticipated crime thriller Crime 101, directed by Bart Layton and based on Don Winslow’s 2021 novel. The film, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, boasts an all-star ensemble cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan. Crime 101 is a heist thriller that promises to showcase Barbaro’s ability to hold her own alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Filming for the movie has already wrapped, and it’s slated for release later in 2025.
While specific details about Barbaro’s character in Crime 101 remain under wraps, her involvement in this gritty, action-packed project is generating significant buzz. Known for her dynamic performances in films like Top Gun: Maverick and A Complete Unknown, Barbaro is expected to bring depth and intensity to the thriller, further proving her range as an actress.
Who Is Monica Barbaro?
Born on June 17, 1990, in San Francisco, California, Monica Barbaro grew up in Mill Valley and developed a passion for the performing arts at a young age. With a background in ballet and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Barbaro initially pursued a career in dance before transitioning to acting. Her multicultural heritage—her father is Italian American, and her mother is of Mexican, German, and Nicaraguan descent—adds to her unique presence on screen.
Barbaro’s acting career began with small roles in television shows like UnREAL (2016) and Chicago Justice (2017). Her breakthrough came in 2022 when she played Lieutenant Natasha “Phoenix” Trace in the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, earning praise for her portrayal of a skilled and confident fighter pilot. She followed this with a starring role in the Netflix action-comedy series FUBAR (2023–present) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and a critically acclaimed performance as Joan Baez in the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
Her role as Joan Baez earned her nominations for an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her status as a serious contender in Hollywood. Barbaro’s ability to seamlessly transition between action, drama, and musical roles has made her a standout talent.
Why Monica Barbaro Is a Rising Star
Monica Barbaro’s meteoric rise in Hollywood is no accident. Here are a few reasons why she’s capturing the industry’s attention:
- Versatility: From playing a fighter pilot in Top Gun: Maverick to embodying folk legend Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown, Barbaro has shown she can tackle diverse genres with ease. Her upcoming role in Crime 101 will likely highlight her ability to thrive in intense, character-driven stories.
- Dedication to Craft: For her role as Joan Baez, Barbaro took singing and guitar lessons to authentically portray the iconic musician. Her commitment to mastering new skills, whether it’s flying fighter jets or fingerpicking a guitar, sets her apart.
- Industry Recognition: Barbaro has been named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch and has received accolades from publications like The Hollywood Reporter. Her Oscar and SAG nominations for A Complete Unknown underscore her growing influence.
- Star-Studded Projects: Working with A-listers like Tom Cruise, Timothée Chalamet, and Chris Hemsworth in high-profile films has positioned Barbaro as a go-to actress for major studios.
What’s Next for Monica Barbaro in 2025?
In addition to Crime 101, Barbaro is set to return for the second season of FUBAR on Netflix, where she plays Emma Brunner, a CIA operative and daughter of Schwarzenegger’s character. The action-comedy series has been a hit with audiences, and Barbaro’s chemistry with her co-star is a highlight.
There’s also buzz around another potential 2025 project: Artificial, a comedic drama directed by Luca Guadagnino. Barbaro is in talks to star alongside Andrew Garfield and Yura Borisov in this film, which is said to revolve around the 2023 OpenAI controversy involving CEO Sam Altman’s brief firing and rehiring. While not yet confirmed, Artificial could further showcase Barbaro’s ability to blend humor and drama.
Beyond film and TV, Barbaro is making her stage debut in April 2025 in a West End revival of Les Liaisons dangereuses at the National Theatre in London. Starring opposite Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner, this role marks a new chapter in her career and highlights her willingness to take on bold challenges.
Why Monica Barbaro Matters in 2025
Monica Barbaro’s 2025 projects, particularly her role in Crime 101, position her as a key player in Hollywood’s evolving landscape. Her ability to balance blockbuster films, prestige biopics, and stage performances demonstrates a rare versatility that resonates with audiences and critics alike. As a woman of mixed heritage, Barbaro also brings much-needed diversity to the industry, inspiring a new generation of actors.
Her journey from a ballet dancer to an Oscar-nominated actress is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. Whether she’s stealing scenes in a heist thriller or strumming a guitar as Joan Baez, Barbaro’s star power is undeniable.
Stay Tuned for Monica Barbaro’s 2025 Takeover
As Crime 101 gears up for its 2025 release, fans and moviegoers are eager to see Monica Barbaro shine in this thrilling new role. With FUBAR Season 2, a potential role in Artificial, and her West End debut on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the actress. Keep an eye on Monica Barbaro—she’s Hollywood’s rising star, and she’s just getting started.
