Los Angeles, CA – June 1, 2025
Hunter Schafer, the 26-year-old actress and model known for her breakout role as Jules Vaughn in HBO’s Euphoria, continues to make waves in Hollywood and beyond. Recent developments, from high-profile casting rumors to her vocal stance on transgender rights, have kept Schafer in the spotlight, cementing her status as a rising star and advocate.
Casting Rumors: Zelda and X-Men
Schafer has sparked excitement among fans with speculation about her potential involvement in two major franchises. On May 31, 2025, reports surfaced that she is a top contender to play Princess Zelda in the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, confirmed to be in development since 2023. Fans on social media platforms have praised the potential casting, with one X user declaring, “Hunter is a woman, and this is peak casting indeed.” Schafer herself has expressed enthusiasm, citing her childhood love for the game. While no official confirmation has been made, industry insiders suggest her rising popularity makes her a strong fit for the iconic role.
Additionally, Schafer addressed rumors in February 2025 about playing Mystique in Marvel’s X-Men reboot. In an interview, she noted her father texted her about the fan speculation, saying, “I’m aware of the chatter.” Though she hasn’t confirmed talks with Marvel, her openness to the idea has fueled excitement, with fans citing her transformative presence as ideal for the shape-shifting mutant previously played by Rebecca Romijn and Jennifer Lawrence.
Fashion and Red Carpet Presence
Schafer’s influence extends to fashion, where she has become a style icon. On May 5, 2025, she attended a pre-Met Gala dinner in New York City alongside Priyanka Chopra and Lupita Nyong’o, celebrating a collaboration between designer Olivier Rousteing and Johnnie Walker Vault. Schafer turned heads in a bold black-and-silver mini-dress with tiny wings, embodying her daring aesthetic. Earlier, at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party on March 3, 2025, she stunned in a gold-hued silk gown with a plunging neckline, paired with an oversized fur coat, earning praise for her red carpet flair.
She also sat front row at Prada’s Fall 2025 fashion show in Milan on February 27, 2025, wearing pastel hues from the brand she’s been associated with since 2021. Her appearance in a one-shoulder floral frock from Prada’s Spring 2025 collection at the Independent Spirit Awards further solidified her status as a fashion favorite.
Euphoria Season 3 and Career Momentum
Schafer is set to reprise her role as Jules in the highly anticipated third season of Euphoria, joined by new cast members like Sharon Stone and Rosalía, alongside returning stars Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney. Describing the return to set as a “homecoming,” Schafer credits the series for launching her career. The show, expected to release later in 2025, continues to be a cultural touchstone, with Schafer’s performance earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth.
Advocacy and Passport Controversy
Schafer, who came out as transgender in ninth grade, has been vocal about her identity and experiences. On February 21, 2025, she shared a TikTok Story revealing that her renewed U.S. passport listed her gender as male, despite her selecting female on the application and holding female-marked documents since her teens. The change followed a January 20, 2025, executive order by President Donald Trump requiring agencies to recognize only genders assigned at birth. Schafer, who lost her previous passport in Spain, expressed shock but emphasized resilience, stating, “I don’t give a f**k that they put an M on my passport. It doesn’t change anything about me or my transness.”
Her decision to speak out, described as a “spur-of-the-moment” choice, drew support from celebrities like Katy Perry and Gus Kenworthy, as well as director Pedro Almodóvar, who defended her during a Chaplin Award speech at Lincoln Center, criticizing U.S. policies on transgender rights. Schafer clarified she didn’t post to “create drama” but to highlight the reality of eroding trans rights, acknowledging her privilege as a “white, thin” celebrity trans woman.
Past Advocacy and Arrest
Schafer’s advocacy extends beyond personal experiences. On February 27, 2024, she was arrested in New York during a pro-Palestine protest with Jewish Voice for Peace during President Joe Biden’s appearance on The Late Night Show with Seth Meyers. The protest advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza, and Schafer’s participation was widely noted on X, with posts praising her commitment to peace.
Looking Ahead
As Schafer navigates her rising career, from potential blockbuster roles to her continued work in Euphoria, she remains a powerful voice for authenticity and resilience. Her ability to balance high-profile projects with advocacy has made her a role model for many, though she told Rolling Stone in August 2024 that she doesn’t see herself as an activist but as a public figure in a marginalized community. With fans eagerly awaiting updates on her potential roles in The Legend of Zelda and X-Men, Schafer’s star continues to rise, blending talent, style, and a commitment to speaking truth.
Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, Variety, E! News, Global News, Pink News, WWD, X posts
