Ariana Greenblatt is one of the most promising young stars in Hollywood today. Known for her talent, versatility, and captivating screen presence, Greenblatt has quickly made a name for herself with a string of successful film and TV projects that showcase her impressive acting range. From comedic roles to more intense, dramatic performances, she has proven to be a formidable talent.
This article delves into the movies and TV shows that have defined Ariana Greenblatt’s career so far, highlighting her growth as an actress and what makes her one to watch in the coming years.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ariana Greenblatt was born on August 27, 2007, in New York City. She started her acting career at a young age and quickly became known for her impressive abilities. Greenblatt first gained attention with her appearance on several television commercials, but it wasn’t long before she began booking roles in TV shows and movies.
Her breakthrough came when she was cast in Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, a popular teen sitcom that aired from 2016 to 2018. The show, which revolved around a girl named Harley Diaz navigating life as the middle child in a large, quirky family, became a springboard for Ariana’s career. Her portrayal of the energetic, playful, and relatable character, Daphne Diaz, earned her recognition and set her on a path toward major Hollywood roles.
TV Shows
1. Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018)
Ariana Greenblatt’s most prominent TV role to date is undoubtedly her time on Stuck in the Middle. She starred as Daphne Diaz, the youngest of the Diaz siblings. While the show centered on the life of Harley (played by Jenna Ortega), Daphne was a standout character in her own right. As the cute, sometimes mischievous, and loveable youngest child, Greenblatt brought warmth and humor to the role, helping make Stuck in the Middle a fan favorite.
The show itself was a hit among tweens and teens and became one of Disney Channel’s most successful programs during its run. The character of Daphne, with her infectious enthusiasm and charm, allowed Ariana Greenblatt to demonstrate her comedic timing and acting skills. Greenblatt’s ability to bring both levity and depth to a supporting role made her a standout, and it contributed to her growing popularity as a rising young star in Hollywood.
While Stuck in the Middle ended in 2018, the show’s success was a key factor in Greenblatt’s transition from television to the big screen.
2. The One and Only Ivan (2020)
After Stuck in the Middle, Ariana Greenblatt’s career took a more dramatic turn with the 2020 Disney+ film The One and Only Ivan, based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Katherine Applegate. The movie is a mix of live-action and CGI and tells the story of a captive gorilla named Ivan (voiced by Sam Rockwell) and his journey to freedom. Greenblatt plays the role of Ruby, an elephant who befriends Ivan and helps him regain his sense of hope and purpose.
Though Greenblatt’s role is relatively small, it was still an important part of the film’s emotional heart. As Ruby, she delivers a poignant performance that underscores the themes of freedom, friendship, and the power of animal rights. The movie received critical acclaim, and Greenblatt’s performance was noted as one of the standout elements.
While The One and Only Ivan was not as commercially successful as other Disney+ films, it solidified Greenblatt’s ability to take on emotionally complex roles. It was a significant shift from her more lighthearted Disney Channel days and helped her expand her career into more serious projects.
3. Love and Death (2023)
Greenblatt’s more recent venture into television is in the HBO Max limited series Love and Death, which aired in 2023. The series is based on the true crime story of Candy Montgomery, a Texas housewife who was involved in the brutal killing of her friend Betty Gore. The show stars Elizabeth Olsen as Candy Montgomery, with Greenblatt taking on the role of her daughter, with whom she shares a complex and tense relationship.
Love and Death has been praised for its intense storytelling and mature themes, and Greenblatt’s portrayal of a teenager caught in a whirlwind of family secrets shows her growth as an actress. While her role is relatively minor compared to others, Greenblatt holds her own amidst an impressive ensemble cast. Her ability to convey emotion and nuance, especially considering her young age, suggests she has the chops to handle more dramatic and complex material.
Movies
1. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Though Ariana Greenblatt had not yet made her big-screen debut in a leading role, she managed to secure a high-profile part in the blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Greenblatt played the younger version of Gamora (Zoe Saldana) in flashback scenes, offering a glimpse into the tragic origin of the beloved character. While her screen time was brief, Greenblatt’s ability to convey a sense of innocence and vulnerability in these key moments was remarkable.
Avengers: Infinity War was a massive global success, and Greenblatt’s role in the film helped further cement her status as a rising talent in the industry. It also marked a transition for Greenblatt from Disney Channel shows to big-budget franchises, proving that she could seamlessly move between different genres and formats.
2. In the Heights (2021)
Greenblatt’s next major film role was in In the Heights (2021), the highly anticipated film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City and tells the story of a community coming together to preserve their way of life amidst gentrification.
Ariana Greenblatt plays a young version of Nina Rosario, one of the main characters in the film. Nina, played as an adult by Leslie Grace, returns to her neighborhood after attending university, and Greenblatt’s portrayal adds emotional depth to the character’s backstory. Greenblatt’s performance in the flashback scenes, which show Nina as a high schooler with big dreams and aspirations, was highly praised for its maturity and sensitivity.
While In the Heights was a star-studded ensemble film, Greenblatt’s portrayal of a younger Nina stood out as one of the film’s more emotional moments, further proving her potential for more dramatic roles in the future.
3. 65 (2023)
In 2023, Ariana Greenblatt starred in the sci-fi thriller 65, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the writers behind A Quiet Place. The film stars Adam Driver as Mills, a pilot who crash-lands on Earth 65 million years ago and must navigate a prehistoric world full of dinosaurs. Greenblatt plays Koa, a young girl who is also stranded on the planet and forms a bond with Driver’s character as they fight to survive in the dangerous and unfamiliar environment.
65 was a sci-fi thriller that combined elements of survival horror and action-adventure. Greenblatt’s role as Koa required her to show a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability and fear to determination and bravery. Despite her relatively young age, Greenblatt held her own alongside seasoned actors like Driver, demonstrating her ability to tackle high-stakes, action-heavy roles.
The film received mixed reviews, but Greenblatt’s performance was widely regarded as one of its highlights. The movie further established her as an actress capable of handling larger-scale films and more demanding roles.
4. Barbie (2023)
One of the most highly anticipated films of 2023 was Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as the iconic doll. The film was a playful, satirical take on the world of Barbie, exploring themes of gender, identity, and society’s expectations of women. While Greenblatt’s role in the film was a supporting one, her inclusion in such a high-profile production demonstrates the growing recognition of her talent.
Barbie was a cultural phenomenon upon release, receiving both critical acclaim and box-office success. Greenblatt’s role, although smaller, was an important part of the ensemble cast, further showing her ability to adapt to different genres and styles of filmmaking.
Future Projects and Career Prospects
Ariana Greenblatt has already shown a remarkable range for someone so young, and the future looks incredibly bright for her. In addition to her established TV and film credits, she has several upcoming projects that are sure to elevate her career to new heights.
Among her future projects is a leading role in the upcoming Untitled Ghostbusters: Afterlife Sequel, where she is set to join the franchise’s growing universe. She is also rumored to be involved in several other high-profile projects, though details are scarce.
With her impressive range, natural charm, and ability to take on diverse roles, Ariana Greenblatt is poised to become one of the biggest stars of her generation. Whether she’s tackling dramatic roles, voice acting, or action-packed blockbusters, Greenblatt has proven that she can handle whatever comes her way.
Conclusion
Ariana Greenblatt has already achieved much in her young career, with a variety of roles that showcase her versatility and depth as an actress. From her breakout role on Stuck in the Middle to her more recent performances in films like 65 and In the Heights, Greenblatt continues to impress both audiences and critics alike.
Her ability to seamlessly transition between different genres, from family-friendly fare to more mature and action-packed roles, positions her as one of the brightest young stars in Hollywood. With an impressive roster of projects under her belt and more on the horizon, there’s no doubt that Ariana Greenblatt is
