Shailene Woodley has entered a powerful new phase in 2025. Between acclaimed acting roles, major new projects, and a creative evolution behind the scenes, she is redefining her career trajectory. From high-stakes thrillers to long-awaited TV revivals, the spotlight is squarely on her—and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Table of Contents
A Leap Into Nightmarish Endurance: Ultra and the Death Valley Thriller
One of the boldest moves of Woodley’s year is the announcement that she will star in a new psychological thriller film titled Ultra. The movie centers on the grueling 135-mile ultramarathon through Badwater 135 — widely considered one of the toughest footraces on Earth — set against the unforgiving terrain of Death Valley.
In Ultra, Woodley plays Eve: a woman grappling with the recent loss of her twin sister. Seeking closure and escape, she enters the ultramarathon. But what begins as an endurance test quickly morphs into a psychological nightmare when a mysterious runner, dressed in white, begins to stalk her across the desert — mirroring her every move. As temperatures soar and her body is pushed to the brink, Eve battles not just the elements, but her own grief and growing paranoia.
The story is written and directed by Victoria Negri, a filmmaker and ultramarathoner who draws on deeply personal experience: her own journey through long-distance running and the trauma of her father’s stroke inspired the film’s emotional core. This marks the first fictional feature based on the Badwater race, and critics who have seen early concept material describe it as a haunting, visceral portrait of trauma and human endurance.
For Woodley, this role represents a daring departure from her earlier work — physically demanding and emotionally raw. If the film delivers on its promise, it could become one of the most distinctive entries in her filmography — a stark, intense performance far removed from conventional Hollywood thrillers.
Returning to Monterey: The Revival of Big Little Lies Season 3
Another major development reshaping Woodley’s public profile is the official return of Big Little Lies for a third season. The series, which originally ran from 2017 to 2019 and earned critical acclaim, had been rumored to return for years. In September 2025, the revival was confirmed — and Woodley responded publicly with elation, posting “we ARE so back” alongside photos with co-stars.
This upcoming season brings fresh creative leadership as showrunner and writer Francesca Sloane (known for her work on Mr. & Mrs. Smith) joins the original team. Though details about the full cast and plot remain under wraps, fans and industry watchers alike are buzzing about the potential for complex new storylines — especially given Woodley’s growth as both actor and producer since the show first aired.
The return of Big Little Lies puts Woodley back at the center of what was once one of television’s most talked-about ensembles. As she and her co-stars return to the drama and mystery that captured audiences, viewers can expect a reunion that reflects where they—and their characters—are now.
A Strategic Pivot: Producing, Genre-Hopping, and Career Expansion
What’s particularly compelling about Woodley’s 2025 pivot is how deliberate it feels. She isn’t staying in one lane. Instead, she’s spreading her creative wings across genres, formats, and roles.
From Actor to Creative Partner
Her involvement in Ultra and the upcoming limited series Count My Lies (see below) marks a career shift: Woodley isn’t just accepting roles — she’s helping shape them. By aligning with new and ambitious projects, she’s staking out space not only in front of the camera but behind it. This strategic move suggests she’s aiming for long-term influence in storytelling and not just short-term visibility.
Balancing Projects: Films, Series, and More
Woodley’s schedule now spans a diverse mix. On one hand, she’s tackling intense psychological horror and endurance drama. On the other, she’s returning to high-drama TV with Big Little Lies. This versatility speaks to a larger vision: a portfolio that’s varied, risk-aware, and artistically ambitious.
This variety also helps keep her career resilient in an industry where pigeonholing is often a risk. By refusing to settle, she’s broadening both her skills and the public’s perception of her range.
New Ground: Count My Lies — A Dark, Twisty Story for Streaming
In August 2025, it was revealed that Woodley will headline Count My Lies, a limited series for Hulu. She will star alongside Lindsay Lohan, and both women will serve as executive producers. The series adapts a bestselling novel and promises high drama, deceit, and dark secrets.
Woodley will play Sloane Caraway, a compulsive liar who wins a nanny position with a wealthy pair, only to discover the household hides far darker secrets than she anticipated. Under the pen of talented showrunners, the series promises sharp writing, twisted revelations, and the kind of psychological suspense that demands attention.
Casting Woodley in a major dramatic lead with production credit positions her as a rising force in the streaming world — one unafraid to take risks, both artistically and professionally. For fans craving unpredictable thrillers, Count My Lies is shaping up to be a must-watch.
A Recent Film Touchstone: Motor City and the Ongoing 2025 Run
Woodley’s 2025 momentum isn’t built solely on upcoming projects. Earlier this year, she appeared in the action-thriller film Motor City, a gritty, dialogue-light revenge story set in 1970s Detroit. Woodley’s role in this film reinforced her ability to tackle intense, serious material and showcased that she was comfortable inhabiting worlds far removed from mainstream teen dramas.
With a release already behind her, Motor City served as a kind of bridge — a reaffirmation of her dramatic chops as she prepares for even bolder choices in Ultra and Count My Lies.
What This All Means for Woodley — And for Her Fans
Shailene Woodley’s 2025 isn’t just busy — it’s intentional. The patterns emerging in her choices reveal clear priorities: creative control, diversity in roles, emotional depth, and a willingness to challenge herself.
- She’s expanding her creative footprint. By taking on producer credits in major projects, Woodley is asserting herself as someone who crafts stories, not just performs them.
- She’s avoiding typecasting. From psychological horror to thriller series to revenge drama, she’s refusing to stay in any one box.
- She’s reconnecting with longtime fans. The return of Big Little Lies bridges the past and present, offering a familiar anchor point as she explores new territory.
- She’s challenging both herself and audience expectations. Projects like Ultra aren’t easy comfort-watch — they require emotional investment and demand attention.
The result feels like the reintroduction of an actress in full command of her career. Woodley isn’t sitting back and letting roles come to her. She’s curating what those roles are — demanding depth, variety, and authenticity.
What to Watch for in the Coming Months
Here are a few developments worth keeping an eye on:
- Early stills or teasers from Ultra, particularly how the Badwater 135 race and desert’s brutal landscape are portrayed.
- Casting announcements, episode previews, or release timeframe for Count My Lies on Hulu.
- Any updates on Big Little Lies Season 3: who returns, what the new creative direction looks like, and how Woodley navigates returning to a once-iconic role.
- Whether Woodley takes on additional production or behind-the-scenes roles beyond her current slate.
- Interviews, personal reflections, or public commentary that give insight into why she’s chosen these particular projects — especially those that push boundaries emotionally or physically.
Shailene Woodley’s 2025 journey is proving to be one of evolution and ambition. With her eyes on diverse stories, behind-the-scenes influence, and projects that challenge both her and her audience — she’s not just staying relevant. She’s reinventing what relevance looks like.
What upcoming Shailene Woodley project are you most excited to see?