Mia Goth’s Reluctant Rise: From Indie Standout to Hollywood Powerhouse
Mia Goth’s career has soared thanks to her fearless performances, even as she wrestles with her own conflicted feelings about acting. With major roles ahead in Star Wars and Marvel’s Blade, she continues to challenge herself and captivate audiences.
In Hollywood, when the industry decides you’re the next big thing, it tends to cast you everywhere. Sometimes that backfires, but in Mia Goth’s case, her steady climb has paid off for both her and moviegoers. Unlike actors who suddenly appear in every blockbuster, she’s built her reputation over a decade, taking on bold, varied roles that showcase her range and depth.
Early Breakthroughs and Defining Roles
Goth’s first major appearance was in Lars Von Trier’s provocative film Nymphomaniac at just 19, signaling she wasn’t afraid to take risks. But it was her collaboration with director Ti West on a horror trilogy—X, Pearl, and MaXXXine—that truly put her on the map. Each film is distinct, but Goth’s performances tie them together, moving seamlessly from a young adult film star to a chilling elderly killer, and then to a desperate, unstable dreamer. Her work in these movies, especially the viral “I’m a star!” moment and a gripping nine-minute monologue in Pearl, has left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Challenging Herself and the Audience
Goth is drawn to roles that push boundaries and provoke thought. She believes art should be daring, sometimes even shocking. She’s open about her complicated relationship with her craft, recently sharing,
The truth is, I hate acting. Acting is actually the hardest thing to do. It’s this elusive thing, and you think you have it – it’s like trying to grip smoke. (But) I love it so much.
Her commitment to challenging projects has led her from indie films to more mainstream success, including a standout performance in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Goth’s 2023 film Infinity Pool, directed by Brandon Cronenberg, is a wild, unsettling ride that highlights her ability to blend innocence, madness, allure, and fear. She leads viewers and co-star Alexander Skarsgård through a disturbing, surreal vacation gone wrong, further cementing her reputation for fearless choices.
Now, as she transitions to even bigger projects, Goth is set to star alongside Ryan Gosling in Star Wars: Starfighter, due out in 2027, and will appear in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, hitting IMAX screens worldwide next July. She’s also joining the Marvel universe in the upcoming Blade reboot, a project that’s faced delays but, according to Goth, is focused on quality:
They want to make a great movie. That’s the sense that I get from them, and that feels good.