Shailene Woodley is making waves again in 2025. The actress has secured a starring role and producing credit in a new Hulu series, completed a gritty 1970s-set film, and expanded her repertoire with a challenging upcoming biopic role. Fans and industry watchers alike are watching closely as she continues evolving her career in fresh directions.
What’s New for Shailene Woodley — Series, Film, and More
Hulu Series “Count My Lies” Adds Star Power
Woodley is set to lead a new limited series called Count My Lies. She will star alongside another high-profile actor, with both sharing executive producer credits. The show centers on a woman named Sloane Caraway who lies her way into a nanny position for a glamorous and seemingly perfect couple — only to discover their household hides deeply dangerous secrets. The addition of a well-known co-star to the cast increases interest in the series, positioning it as one of Hulu’s more anticipated upcoming projects.
This marks a clear move for Woodley toward more creative influence. By taking on a producing role in addition to a starring one, she’s shifting from performer to creative partner. The series promises dramatic tension, psychological suspense, and a chance for Woodley to continually prove her versatility.
“Motor City” Hits Screens — A Gritty 1970s Action Thriller
Earlier in 2025, Woodley appeared in the film Motor City, set in 1970s Detroit. In it, she co-stars in a gritty, intense revenge-driven story. The film premiered in the Venice Spotlight section of the 2025 Venice International Film Festival.
Her role in Motor City underscores her willingness to take on weighty, adult material, far removed from the young-adult or romantic-drama roles that first brought her fame. The project reflects a conscious decision to embrace darker, more mature storytelling as she moves into the next phase of her career.
A New Creative Challenge: Stepping Into a Biopic Role
Woodley is also preparing to portray a legendary singer in an upcoming biopic. The role will require her to sing — a prospect she has described as “very scary” and deeply vulnerable. The film continues in preproduction, with Woodley attached not only as lead actor but also likely in a creative capacity. This upcoming project suggests a further widening of her creative ambitions.
Tackling a biopic — especially one demanding singing, emotional range, and authenticity — shows Woodley’s ambition to grow as an artist. It also signals to audiences and critics that she’s serious about stretching beyond her previous acting comfort zones.
What This Mix of Projects Reveals About Her Career Strategy
The last several months for Woodley illustrate a clear pattern: she’s charging forward. Her choices reveal several themes that seem purposeful and strategic.
- Diversification of roles. From streaming series to gritty period film to musical biopic, Woodley isn’t letting herself get typecast. Each project is different in tone, style, and challenge.
- Greater creative agency. Taking on producer credits and harder roles points to her desire to shape her own career path, not just act in what’s offered.
- Willingness to take risks. Singing in a biopic, starring in a psychological thriller, and embracing gritty 1970s action — these are not easy, safe bets. They show ambition and confidence.
- Maturity and growth. These roles reflect a deliberate evolution. Woodley appears to be building toward a long-term career anchored in variety, depth, and artistic control.
Where Fans Should Keep Their Eyes
As 2025 moves on, there are several updates regarding Woodley worth paying attention to:
- Watch for casting announcements, trailers, or early release dates for Count My Lies.
- Look for early footage or promotional material for the forthcoming biopic where she will sing — it promises to show a very different side of her talent.
- Keep tabs on Motor City reviews and audience response now that the film has premiered.
- See whether her increasing producer credits lead to even more opportunities behind the scenes.
Through all these projects, she’s not repeating herself. Instead, she’s refining her craft and building a diverse and resilient career.
Shailene Woodley’s 2025 choices reflect ambition, artistic growth, and a willingness to reinvent. She’s not just building a resume — she’s building a legacy.
What upcoming project are you most excited to see her in next?