It’s a funny thing about the letter I. When you try to think of celebrities that start with I, your brain probably glitches for a second. You get the big ones—the guys who have been around forever—and then you hit a wall. But honestly, if you look at the 2026 entertainment landscape, some of the most influential people in Hollywood, music, and even Broadway are carrying that initial.
From the "Internet’s Dad" to the next generation of superheroes, these aren't just names on a list. They are the people currently shifting the culture. We aren’t talking about "up-and-comers" who might vanish in six months. We’re talking about the heavy hitters who are literally redefining what it means to be a star in a post-streaming, mixed-reality world.
The Titans: Ian and Idris
If we are being real, you can’t talk about this category without mentioning the two pillars. Ian McKellen and Idris Elba.
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Ian McKellen is 86. Let that sink in. Most people are well into retirement by then, but Sir Ian is currently headlining An Ark at The Shed in New York. It’s not just a play; it’s the first-ever theatrical production built for mixed reality. You put on these "dimensional recording" glasses, and he appears right in front of you. It’s intimate. It’s kinda creepy if you think about it too long, but it’s revolutionary. Plus, the rumors are finally confirmed: he’s officially returning as Gandalf for The Hunt for Gollum, which starts filming this May.
Then there’s Idris.
Idris Elba is basically the busiest man in show business. He just dropped Hijack Season 2 on Apple TV+, and it’s arguably more stressful than the first season. Instead of a plane, he’s trapped in a Berlin subway siege. It’s claustrophobic as hell. But what’s really interesting is his 2026 slate. He’s finally moving into production on the new Luther movie and, surprisingly, gearing up for Masters of the Universe. Seeing Idris as Man-At-Arms (or whoever he ends up being) is going to be a trip.
The Gen Z Powerhouse: Isabela and Iman
The younger crowd is dominated by two women who seem to be everywhere at once. Isabela Merced and Iman Vellani.
Isabela Merced is having a "moment" that has lasted about three years now. She was in Alien: Romulus, she’s Dina in The Last of Us Season 2, and she’s Hawkgirl in the new DC Universe. She’s basically collecting franchises like Pokémon cards. Honestly, her range is what’s impressive. She can do the gritty, "don't-eat-me" horror of Alien and then pivot to a vulnerable romantic lead in Turtles All the Way Down.
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And then you’ve got Iman Vellani.
If you haven’t followed her story, she’s basically the ultimate fan-turned-star. She played Ms. Marvel, sure, but now she’s actually writing the Ms. Marvel comics for Marvel. She’s one of the few actors who has a direct line to Kevin Feige’s ear because she knows the lore better than the executives do. In 2026, everyone is waiting to see where Kamala Khan pops up next, but Iman’s influence behind the scenes is what actually matters for the future of the MCU.
The Musicians Keeping It Weird
Music is where the letter I gets a bit more "indie" but no less successful.
- Idina Menzel: She’s still the queen of the high note. Between her voice work and her legendary status on Broadway, she remains a constant in the zeitgeist.
- Inhaler: This is the band fronted by Elijah Hewson (yes, Bono’s son). They’ve successfully dodged the "nepo baby" allegations by just being a genuinely good rock band. They are currently a staple on the 2026 festival circuit.
- Ice Spice: Love her or hate her, the cultural footprint is massive. She redefined how a rapper uses TikTok and "vibes" to stay relevant without needing a traditional 12-track album cycle every year.
- Illenium: In the EDM world, Nick Miller (Illenium) is basically a god. His shows aren't just concerts; they are emotional therapy sessions with pyrotechnics.
Why the "I" Names Are Dominating 2026
There’s a weird trend here. A lot of these celebrities are deeply involved in the "tech" side of fame.
Whether it’s Ian McKellen doing mixed-reality theater or Iman Vellani bridge-building between fans and corporate comic book giants, these stars aren't just "talent." They are architects of their own brands. We’re moving away from the era of the untouchable movie star. Now, people want celebrities who feel like they are "in" on the joke or the process.
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Take Isla Fisher, for example. She’s turning 50 this year (which is wild because she hasn’t aged since 2005). She’s managed to stay relevant by being consistently funny and relatable on social media while picking projects that don’t feel like "selling out."
The Ones We Almost Forgot (But Shouldn't)
We have to give a nod to Isaac Hempstead Wright (Bran from Game of Thrones). He’s been relatively quiet, but he’s been popping up in more prestige indie projects lately. It’s a smart move. When you’re "The King" of a massive show, you have to disappear for a bit so people can see you as a human again.
And India Moore. Their work in Pose was groundbreaking, but their current focus on fashion and activism has made them a "celebrity" in a much broader sense than just "actor." They are a face of the 2026 cultural shift toward identity and authentic representation.
What This Means for You
If you’re following these stars, the takeaway is pretty simple: the "A-list" is changing. It’s no longer about who has the biggest billboard on Sunset Boulevard. It’s about who is doing the most interesting, tech-forward, or fan-aligned work.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on these three things:
- The Mixed Reality Pivot: Watch how Ian McKellen’s An Ark does. If it’s a hit, expect every major actor to start doing "dimensional recordings" of their performances.
- The Franchise Chameleons: Follow Isabela Merced’s career path. She is the blueprint for how to navigate three different cinematic universes without getting "superhero fatigue."
- The Fan-Creators: Iman Vellani is the test case for actors who also write the source material. If she succeeds, the wall between "the studio" and "the talent" might finally crumble for good.
The letter I might be small, but the people behind it are currently holding the keys to the kingdom.
Next Steps for the Super-Fan: Check out the trailer for Idris Elba's Hijack Season 2 to see how they've handled the "real-time" gimmick in a subway setting. If you're in New York, try to snag a ticket for Ian McKellen's An Ark before the run ends in March—it's likely a glimpse into the future of how we’ll consume acting when the stars are too old (or too busy) to be there in person. Finally, keep a lookout for Isabela Merced's debut as Hawkgirl; it's rumored to be the breakout performance that defines the new DC era.