Shailene Woodley continues to stay at the center of entertainment headlines in 2025 as she embraces new projects, steps into creative leadership roles, and shares meaningful glimpses of her personal life. The year has brought a wave of confirmed developments that reflect her evolving career and grounded lifestyle. From television to film and from professional milestones to moments with her pets, the actress remains a compelling figure whose choices consistently draw public interest. The name shailene woodley stands out more than ever as her work expands and her voice strengthens.
A Breakout Year in Television With Major New Commitments
A Leading Role and Producer Credit in an Upcoming Hulu Thriller
One of the most significant developments of 2025 is Woodley’s involvement in a new limited series for Hulu titled Count My Lies. She stars alongside a high-profile cast and also steps behind the camera as an executive producer. The project adapts a recent bestselling psychological thriller known for its intricate, suspense-driven plot centered around a nanny who disrupts the stability of a wealthy household.
Woodley’s decision to take on both acting and producing responsibilities signals a growing focus on creative control. She has been steadily moving toward roles that allow her to guide the direction of a project, and this series marks another meaningful step in that trajectory. The story’s dark themes, layered characters, and emotional tension position it as one of the most anticipated streaming releases heading into 2026.
Big Little Lies Returns, and So Does Woodley
Another major confirmed update is the long-awaited return of the award-winning series Big Little Lies for its third season. After years of speculation, the show is officially back in development. Woodley publicly acknowledged the return with enthusiasm, celebrating the revival of a series that played a defining role in her career.
The third season introduces new creative leadership while maintaining continuity with the show’s signature tone and emotional depth. Woodley’s involvement reaffirms the strong bond between the cast and the global audience who embraced the series’ mix of drama, mystery, and personal storytelling. As scripts take shape, fans are eager to see where the next chapter leads Woodley’s character and how the ensemble will evolve.
Major Film Momentum With Bold New Choices
A Psychological Thriller That Pushes Physical and Emotional Limits
Woodley is also headlining a new feature-length psychological thriller titled Ultra, an intense story centered around an ultramarathon in Death Valley. She plays a woman who enters the notorious 135-mile race while coping with deep personal grief. The film blends extreme physical endurance with a suspenseful narrative that follows her encounters with a mysterious runner who shadows her throughout the course.
The confirmed details of the project highlight Woodley’s interest in roles that challenge both her emotional range and physical capabilities. The setting, inspired by one of the most grueling real-world races, offers a backdrop that demands resilience, psychological depth, and vulnerability from its lead. Ultra is set to stand apart as one of her most demanding performances to date, reinforcing her commitment to complex character-driven storytelling.
Continuing the Impact of Earlier 2025 Releases
Earlier this year, Woodley appeared in Motor City, an intense action-thriller set in 1970s Detroit. The film’s dramatic, gritty tone showcased an edgier side of her talent. Its festival debut helped reintroduce her to audiences in a genre she explores less frequently, demonstrating once again her willingness to step into unfamiliar creative spaces.
This variety across projects—action, psychological thriller, and prestige television—illustrates a deliberate strategy: Woodley is building a diverse and balanced portfolio that highlights her adaptability in an industry where reinvention is essential.
Public Interest in Her Personal Life Remains Strong
A Recent Relationship That Quietly Reached Its End
Woodley’s personal life has also drawn attention throughout the year. Earlier in 2025, she was publicly linked to a European actor, and the two appeared together at several events. However, their relationship ended amicably after a few months, with both individuals choosing to focus on their careers. Woodley stepped back from public romantic discussions afterward, reiterating her preference for privacy during transitional periods.
The Comfort of Companionship From Her Rescue Cats
While private about many aspects of her life, Woodley has openly shared sweet moments involving her beloved rescue cats, Bear and Pharrah. She has described the comfort they have brought her through emotionally heavy seasons and the joy of caring for them amid her unpredictable schedule.
Her affection for her pets reflects another side of her personality—warm, nurturing, and deeply connected to everyday experiences outside the spotlight. She often emphasizes the importance of grounding routines, even during demanding filming periods, and her interactions with Bear and Pharrah capture this balance clearly.
A Clearer Vision for the Next Stage of Her Career
The confirmed updates surrounding Woodley this year point to a career entering a more intentional and empowered phase. Several themes stand out:
A Strategic Diversification of Roles
From psychological thrillers to prestige dramas, Woodley is making choices that avoid repetition. Each new project brings a fresh perspective, genre, or emotional landscape.
Increasing Creative Control
Her role as an executive producer on Count My Lies reflects her expanding influence within the industry. This progression suggests she is positioning herself not only as a performer but also as a decision-maker in storytelling.
Emotional Authenticity That Resonates With Fans
Woodley’s openness about personal hurdles, relationships, and pet companionship resonates with audiences who appreciate celebrities willing to show humanity rather than perfection.
A Return to an Audience-Favorite Franchise
The revival of Big Little Lies creates momentum that will carry through the next year, renewing interest in Woodley’s earlier work while spotlighting how much she has grown as an actor since the series last aired.
What Viewers Should Keep an Eye On Next
- The development timeline and early imagery for Count My Lies
- Casting announcements and episode details for Big Little Lies Season 3
- Release updates and promotional material for Ultra
- Any future producing projects Woodley might take on
- New insights she may share about her life, creative process, and inspirations
Shailene Woodley’s 2025 presence reflects a rare balance of artistic evolution, grounded personal values, and strategic professional growth. With multiple high-visibility projects confirmed and a renewed connection with fans, the year marks one of the most significant chapters in her career.
Share your thoughts below—what upcoming Shailene Woodley project are you most excited to see?