Ever get that weird feeling where you’re trying to remember a movie star's name and you’re 100% sure it starts with an N, but your brain just hits a wall? It happens to the best of us. Honestly, the "N" squad in Hollywood and the music industry is surprisingly stacked this year. From Oscar royalty making massive career pivots to pop stars hitting their most vulnerable era yet, 2026 is actually turning into the year of the N.
Forget the usual lists that just rattle off names you already know. We’re looking at what these people are actually doing right now. Why does Natalie Portman suddenly care about French animation? Is Nick Jonas okay after that "Gut Punch" single? We’re diving into the real stuff.
The Evolution of Natalie Portman
You probably think of Natalie Portman as the serious, Harvard-educated actress who wins Oscars for playing troubled ballerinas. And yeah, that's her. But in 2026, she’s doing something way different. She’s leaning hard into her role as a producer, and it’s kinda fascinating.
Recently, she threw her massive industry weight behind this French animated film called Arco. It’s not your typical "talking animal" kids' movie. It’s a profound story about time travelers in the year 2932. Natalie saw an early version and basically said, "I have to be part of this." She’s even doing two voice roles in the English version.
But don't worry, she isn't leaving the big screen. She’s starring alongside John Krasinski in Fountain of Youth, which is this global heist movie that everyone is talking about. Plus, she’s playing Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51. It’s a biopic about the scientist who actually helped discover DNA but got sidelined by history. Natalie loves a role with some grit and a message, and 2026 is proving she’s still the queen of picking projects that actually matter.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Nick Jonas
If you grew up with the Jonas Brothers, you might still see Nick as the curly-haired kid from Disney. Fast forward to January 2026, and things have gotten... raw. He just dropped a single called "Gut Punch," and the internet is collectively losing its mind.
It’s the first taste of his new solo album, Sunday Best, which comes out February 6.
The song is basically a therapy session set to music. He’s singing about being "good at being mean" to himself. It’s pretty heavy stuff for a guy who usually gives us upbeat wedding jams. He’s 33 now, a husband, a dad, and he’s clearly over the polished pop star image. He even performed it at the Samsung TV Plus New Year's Eve celebration, and you could feel the shift in the room. He’s moving back to his roots—richer arrangements, soul, and a lot of piano. If you haven't checked out the "Gut Punch" lyrics yet, do it. It’s the most relatable thing he’s ever written.
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Nicole Kidman’s Relentless Work Ethic
Nicole Kidman does not sleep. I’m convinced. Even after her high-profile divorce from Keith Urban last year, she hasn’t slowed down for a single second. In fact, her 2026 schedule is actually kind of terrifying.
- Practical Magic 2: Finally! She and Sandra Bullock are back together for the sequel. It’s hitting theaters on September 18.
- Scarpetta: She’s playing the title role in this Netflix series based on the Patricia Cornwell books. Look for that on March 11.
- Margo's Got Money Troubles: An Apple TV+ drama with Elle Fanning.
- Big Little Lies Season 3: Yes, it’s officially happening.
Most people at 58 would be looking to chill out, but Nicole is starring in no fewer than five projects this year. She’s also doing a horror flick called The Young People. She’s at a point where she can just do whatever she wants, and apparently, what she wants is to be on every screen you own simultaneously.
The Nicolas Cage Renaissance (The Nic-aissance)
We have to talk about Nicolas Cage. For a while, he was the guy in the "bad" straight-to-DVD movies. Not anymore. The man has officially reclaimed his throne as the king of cult-favorite cinema.
In 2026, he’s back as Spider-Man Noir in the Spider-Noir series. People love his voice work there—it's that perfect mix of gravelly and dramatic. But the real buzz is about his recent "serious" streak. Ever since Pig and Dream Scenario, critics have stopped laughing and started paying attention again. He’s found this niche where he can be completely "Cage" (loud, eccentric, wild) while still delivering performances that actually make you feel something. He's a reminder that you can never truly count out a celebrity whose name starts with N.
Niall Horan and the Great Wait
If you’re a "Nialler," you’re probably suffering a bit right now. 2026 has been a quiet start for Niall Horan. While his official website says there are no upcoming tour dates, the fans are literally begging for "NH3" (his third album).
He’s spent the last year being the "polite king" of pop, mentoring on The Voice and doing occasional livestream shows like the one at Royal Albert Hall to support his touring crew. He’s very much a "musician's musician" these days—less about the boy band screaming and more about the golf, the acoustic guitar, and the slow-burn success. Keep an eye on his socials, though; the rumor mill says he might be planning some surprise 2027 dates.
Naomi Campbell: The Boss
Naomi is 55, and honestly, she looks like she hasn't aged a day since 1990. But her 2026 isn't just about walking runways (though she still does that better than anyone). She’s pivoted into being a full-blown business mogul.
She’s the face of Pat McGrath Labs and has a huge partnership with BOSS. Her "Naomi: In Fashion" exhibition at the V&A Museum was such a hit they had to extend it. What’s cool is that she’s using her power to mentor younger models, especially from Africa and emerging regions through her "Emerge" initiative. She’s opened companies in Dubai and London. She isn't just a model anymore; she’s the one making the calls in the boardroom.
Other N-List Celebs To Watch
It's not just the A-listers. A few other "N" names are making moves:
- Neil Patrick Harris: He’s currently killing it on Broadway in the play Art alongside Bobby Cannavale. Also, check out his Netflix game show What's in the Box?—it's super weird but addictive.
- Noah Centineo: Still the internet’s boyfriend, but he’s moving into more action-heavy roles lately.
- Ncuti Gatwa: The Doctor Who star is continuing to redefine what that iconic role looks like.
Practical Insights for the Fandom
If you're following these stars, here's how to stay updated without getting lost in the noise:
- Check Broadway Schedules: If you’re in New York, 2026 is a massive year for N-celebrities on stage. Neil Patrick Harris and Nicole Kidman (rumored) are both leaning back into live theater.
- Look for Producing Credits: Many stars like Natalie Portman and Nicole Kidman are moving "behind the camera." If you like their taste in acting, you’ll probably like the shows they produce, even if they aren't the lead.
- Newsletter Culture: Celebrities are moving away from Twitter/X. Neil Patrick Harris has his "Wondercade" newsletter, which is actually a great way to see what he’s into without the algorithm.
The landscape of fame is changing. It's less about being "famous for being famous" and more about these long-term, multi-hyphenate careers. Whether it's Natalie Portman's sci-fi animation or Nick Jonas's introspective pop, the celebrities that start with N are proving they have more staying power than almost anyone else in the game.
To keep up with the latest casting calls or album drops, follow the official production trackers for Apple TV+ and Netflix, as they currently hold the contracts for the majority of these upcoming N-list projects.