In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, where talent and tenacity collide, two young actresses, Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons, are carving out their own paths with remarkable poise and promise. Both hailing from distinct beginnings, their journeys into acting reflect a blend of serendipity, determination, and raw talent. Julia Butters, born April 15, 2009, in Los Angeles, California, grew up with the magic of cinema in her blood—her father, a Disney animator, worked on films like Frozen and Ralph Breaks the Internet. This creative household sparked her early interest in performance, leading her to commercials before landing her first speaking role at age five as Gabby in a 2014 episode of Criminal Minds. Sophia Hammons, born September 16, 2006, in Southfield, Michigan, took a different route. Raised far from Hollywood’s glitz, Hammons discovered acting through local theater, where her natural charisma shone in school productions. Her family’s move to Los Angeles in her early teens opened doors to professional auditions, setting the stage for her ascent.
Julia Butters’ early career was marked by a rapid trajectory. After her debut in Criminal Minds, she secured a recurring role as Ella in Amazon’s Transparent in 2016, showcasing her ability to convey depth even in smaller parts. However, it was her casting as Anna-Kat Otto in ABC’s sitcom American Housewife at age seven that brought her wider recognition. Her comedic timing and emotional nuance as the quirky, anxious daughter made her a standout. This role caught the eye of Quentin Tarantino, who, while casually watching the show, cast her as Trudi Fraser in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). At just nine years old, Butters held her own opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, earning a Critics’ Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Young Actor/Actress and cementing her status as a prodigy. Her performance, marked by a memorable scene where her character praises DiCaprio’s acting, was both charming and commanding, signaling her potential for bigger roles.
Sophia Hammons, meanwhile, built her foundation in smaller but impactful projects. After relocating to Los Angeles, she landed a role in Netflix’s The Social Dilemma (2020), a docudrama that highlighted her ability to navigate complex, socially relevant narratives. She followed this with a part in Hulu’s musical series Up Here (2023) and a supporting role in The Absence of Eden (2023) alongside Zoe Saldaña. Hammons’ early work demonstrated her versatility, from introspective characters to those requiring emotional intensity. Her theater background gave her a grounded approach, allowing her to adapt seamlessly to screen acting. Unlike Butters, whose breakout came early, Hammons’ rise was steadier, with each role building her reputation as a thoughtful performer capable of holding her own in ensemble casts.
The duo’s paths converged spectacularly in Disney’s Freakier Friday (2025), the highly anticipated sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday. In this body-swap comedy, Butters plays Harper Coleman, the teenage daughter of Lindsay Lohan’s Anna, while Hammons portrays Lily Davies, the daughter of Anna’s fiancé, Eric. The film, released on August 8, 2025, doubles down on the original’s premise with a four-person body swap, creating chaotic yet heartfelt hilarity. Butters and Hammons shine as the younger counterparts to Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, bringing fresh energy to the franchise. Their performances are a masterclass in comedic timing and emotional depth, navigating the absurdity of swapping bodies with adults while grounding their characters in relatable teenage struggles—Harper’s love for L.A. and surfing, and Lily’s grief over her mother’s passing.
Julia Butters’ portrayal of Harper is a highlight, showcasing her ability to balance humor and heart. As a native Angeleno, Butters connected deeply with Harper’s pride in her city, infusing the role with authenticity. Her scenes, particularly those involving surfing sequences filmed in the ocean, reveal a fearless physicality—she described the experience as feeling like a “superhero” in a wetsuit. Critics have praised her chemistry with Lohan, noting how their shared scenes echo the mother-daughter dynamic of the original while carving out a new narrative. Butters’ ability to steal scenes, honed in her earlier work with Tarantino and Steven Spielberg, is evident as she navigates Harper’s rebellion and growth with nuance, making her a standout in the ensemble.
Sophia Hammons, as Lily, delivers a performance that is equally compelling. Her character’s initial antagonism toward Harper, rooted in personal loss, adds a layer of complexity to the film’s comedic framework. Hammons’ ability to convey vulnerability beneath Lily’s tough exterior has drawn accolades, with reviewers noting her as a “shining” addition to the cast. Her theater-honed expressiveness translates beautifully to the screen, particularly in scenes where Lily, in Anna’s body, grapples with adult responsibilities. Hammons’ chemistry with Butters is palpable, their real-life friendship—forged on set and solidified in a group chat named “FREAKIES” by Curtis—mirroring their characters’ eventual bond. This authenticity elevates their scenes, making their arc a heartfelt counterpoint to the film’s slapstick.
The success of Freakier Friday has thrust both actresses into the spotlight, with critics and audiences alike lauding their ability to match the energy of veterans like Curtis and Lohan. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users like @PNemiroff praising their “fearless performances” that meet the leads “at their level.” The film’s nostalgic charm, combined with the fresh perspectives Butters and Hammons bring, has made it a box-office hit, resonating with both longtime fans and new viewers. Their ability to embody the chaos of a body swap while delivering emotionally resonant moments underscores their potential as leading ladies in Hollywood’s next generation.
Julia Butters’ prior work with industry titans has already set a high bar for her future. Following her role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, she starred as Claire Fitzroy in The Gray Man (2022) opposite Ryan Gosling and as Reggie Fabelman in Spielberg’s The Fabelmans (2022), a semi-autobiographical role that earned her further critical praise. Her casting in the horror film Queen of Bones (2023) alongside Jacob Tremblay and Martin Freeman showcased her range in darker genres. While Butters has no confirmed projects post-Freakier Friday, she’s expressed a desire to explore more dramatic or character-driven roles, aiming to pace her career thoughtfully as her teenage years wind down. Her selective approach, rooted in a desire to avoid burnout, suggests a maturity beyond her 16 years.
Sophia Hammons, though newer to the scene, is poised for a similar ascent. Her role in Freakier Friday marks her biggest break yet, and industry buzz suggests she’s on casting directors’ radars. While specific future projects remain unconfirmed, Hammons has hinted at interest in roles that blend music and acting, leveraging her experience from Up Here. Her ability to hold her own alongside established stars in Freakier Friday has positioned her as a talent to watch, with potential for both comedic and dramatic parts. Her grounded demeanor, shaped by her Midwestern roots, gives her a unique perspective in an industry often dominated by flash.
The mentorship both actresses received on the Freakier Friday set has been instrumental in their growth. Jamie Lee Curtis, in particular, offered sage advice, telling them that life’s pivotal moments are defined by reactions, not circumstances—a lesson Butters and Hammons have taken to heart. Curtis’ maternal presence, described by Hammons as constant “kisses on the forehead or cheek,” fostered a supportive environment that allowed the young stars to thrive. Director Nisha Ganatra’s collaborative approach further empowered them, with Butters noting Ganatra’s trust in her input as a “mentor-like” experience. This guidance has equipped them to navigate Hollywood’s challenges with confidence.
As they move forward, Butters and Hammons face the task of sustaining their momentum in an industry known for its unpredictability. Butters’ established track record gives her a slight edge, but her choice to be selective could mean fewer but more impactful roles. Hammons, still building her portfolio, has the advantage of a fresh slate, with Freakier Friday serving as a springboard. Both actresses share a commitment to authenticity, drawing from personal experiences—Butters’ L.A. roots and Hammons’ theater background—to inform their craft. Their friendship, evident in their playful banter during press tours, suggests a mutual support system that could prove invaluable in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
The rise of Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons signals a bright future for young talent in Hollywood. With Freakier Friday, they’ve proven they can hold their own alongside icons, delivering performances that resonate across generations. As they eye new projects, their distinct paths—Butters’ rapid ascent and Hammons’ steady climb—converge in a shared promise: to redefine what it means to be a young actress in today’s industry. Whether tackling dramas, comedies, or something entirely new, these two are poised to leave an indelible mark, their stars burning brighter with each role they embrace.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
