Taylor Zakhar Perez Shines in ELLE’s 2025 Rising Class

Hollywood’s New Golden Boy

Grab your popcorn because Taylor Zakhar Perez is serving main character energy in ELLE’s Hollywood Rising Class of 2025, announced on May 22, 2025. The 33-year-old Red, White & Royal Blue star has fans in a frenzy, and it’s not just because of his swoon-worthy smile or that Lacoste underwear campaign that broke the internet earlier this year. Taylor’s making waves with his razor-sharp career choices, and we’re here to spill all the tea. From dodging Hollywood’s typecasting traps to hinting at a mysterious biopic he’s producing, this Chicago-born actor is rewriting the rules of fame. Let’s dive into why everyone’s talking about him right now.

From Kissing Booth to Global Heartthrob

Taylor first stole our hearts as Marco Peña in The Kissing Booth 2 (2020), which Netflix reported was watched by 66 million households in its first 28 days. That’s right—66 million! The rom-com sequel, despite mixed reviews, turned him into an overnight sensation, with fans swooning over his dance moves and undeniable charm. Fast forward to 2023, and his role as Alex Claremont-Diaz in Amazon Prime’s Red, White & Royal Blue cemented his status as a global star. The film, adapted from Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, racked up massive streaming numbers, with Amazon noting it was one of their top-performing originals of the year. Taylor told ELLE, “I travel around the world quite often…and I have never been stopped more than I was for that film.” Fans in Paris even lined up outside his hotel for photos

Beating the Hollywood Box

What makes Taylor stand out? He’s not just coasting on his good looks (though, let’s be real, they help). In his ELLE feature, he clapped back at Hollywood’s urge to pigeonhole him. “Hollywood loves to put people in a box,” he said. “If you do one thing successfully, then they want you to do it over, and over, and over again.” Not Taylor, though. He’s been deliberate about picking roles that keep him evolving, from the cheeky firefighter in Minx (2022) to his upcoming projects that have fans buzzing. He’s even stepping behind the camera, revealing to ELLE he’s secured the life rights for a biopic he’s producing and starring in. “I’m flexing a different muscle,” he teased. Who’s the mystery figure? He’s keeping it hush-hush, but X is already ablaze with theories.

Fan Frenzy on X

Speaking of X, fans are living for Taylor’s ELLE moment. On May 22, 2025, @kyed1ts posted, “Taylor Zakhar Perez on the list of Elle’s rising class of 2025…IKTR 🙂‍↔️,” capturing the excitement. Another fan, @ItsTeeCee11, gushed, “His upcoming projects is coming yall, i I’m so freaking excited, this is what I’ve been waiting for so long!!!” And @teamtaynick got everyone hyped, quoting Taylor’s plans to “experiment in other film genres” and “foray behind the camera.” The hashtag #TaylorZakharPerez was trending, with fans speculating about his next moves—could it be a gritty drama, a sci-fi epic, or maybe even that rumored Tangled live-action role? Whatever it is, the internet’s ready to eat it up.

A Fashion Icon in the Making

Taylor’s not just killing it on screen—he’s a fashion darling, too. In January 2025, he was named Lacoste’s global brand ambassador, stripping down for their underwear campaign that had fans clutching their pearls. Shot in Paris by Quentin de Briey, the campaign showcased Taylor’s, ahem, assets and his knack for blending classic style with modern edge. He was spotted at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, posing with Adrien Brody and Venus Williams at Lacoste’s Fall/Winter 2025-2026 show. And let’s not forget his Giorgio Armani tux at the 2025 SAG Awards, where he reunited with Kissing Booth co-star Joey King. The duo’s red-carpet chemistry had fans screaming “friendship goals!”

Joey King Reunion Steals the Show

Speaking of the SAG Awards, Taylor and Joey King’s February 23, 2025, reunion was pure magic. The Kissing Booth co-stars, who first met on set in 2020, have stayed tight ever since. Joey, who presented at the awards, told Variety, “He’s just the sweetest, most wonderful person,” adding that their shared sense of humor keeps them close. Taylor echoed the love, saying Joey taught him how to lead a set with grace. Their friendship, born during intense dance rehearsals for The Kissing Booth 2, is the kind of Hollywood bond we can’t get enough of. Joey even brought Taylor as her “plus one” this year, flipping the script from 2024 when she was his. Cue the awws

Sustainability Star

Taylor’s not just about glitz—he’s got a heart for the planet. In his ELLE interview, he opened up about his passion for sustainability, rooted in his mom’s organic gardening days in Chicago. He’s been working with Eco-Age and The Woolmark Company, diving deep into fashion’s supply chains. “I wanted to know more about where our stuff comes from,” he told Forbes in July 2024. He’s also a vocal advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to amplify marginalized voices. At the 2023 Green Carpet Fashion Awards, he rubbed shoulders with Cate Blanchett, proving he’s as comfortable in activist circles as he is on red carpets.

Why We Care

Taylor Zakhar Perez isn’t just another pretty face—he’s a cultural force. His rise from a Chicago kid changing tires at his family’s auto shop to a Hollywood A-lister mirrors the dreams of countless young actors. His diverse heritage—Mexican, Middle Eastern, Croatian, and Hungarian—brings a fresh perspective to an industry craving authenticity. Red, White & Royal Blue resonated with millions, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, for its heartfelt portrayal of a queer romance, with Amazon reporting record engagement for the film. Taylor’s refusal to be typecast, combined with his advocacy for sustainability and inclusivity, makes him a role model for Gen Z and beyond. His ELLE feature isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a sign he’s shaping Hollywood’s future.

What’s Next for Taylor?

The buzz around Taylor’s upcoming projects is deafening. Besides the mysterious biopic, he voiced Johnny Stompanato in Audible’s The Big Fix: A Jack Bergin Mystery in April 2025, showing off his vocal chops. Rumors of a Red, White & Royal Blue sequel have been swirling since June 2024, with Taylor and co-star Nicholas Galitzine teasing more Alex-and-Henry magic. While nothing’s confirmed, Prime Video’s announcement of a second film had X buzzing with excitement. And with Taylor’s ELLE reveal that he’s eyeing new genres, could we see him in a Marvel flick or a Wes Anderson indie? Whatever’s next, his 5 million Instagram followers and counting are ready to stan.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s talk stats, because Taylor’s rise is backed by cold, hard numbers. The Kissing Booth 2’s 66 million streams in 28 days made it one of Netflix’s biggest hits of 2020, per Variety. Red, White & Royal Blue wasn’t just a fan favorite—it was a streaming juggernaut, with Amazon touting it as a top performer in 2023. Taylor’s social media clout is no joke either, with nearly 5 million Instagram followers and a TikTok packed with behind-the-scenes gold. His Lacoste campaign drove a reported 20% spike in brand searches, per industry insiders. This man’s not just a star—he’s a market mover.

The Final Scoop

Taylor Zakhar Perez is no flash in the pan. From his breakout in The Kissing Booth to his ELLE Hollywood Rising Class nod on May 22, 2025, he’s proving he’s here to stay. With a biopic in the works, a knack for dodging typecasting, and a heart for causes that matter, he’s the full package. Fans on X are already calling him the next big thing, and with his charm, talent, and hustle, we’re inclined to agree. Keep your eyes peeled for his next move—it’s bound to be juicy. Stay sharp with Ongoing Now 24