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Octavia Spencer: The Oscar Winner's 5 Biggest Upcoming Projects & Her Fight For Equal Pay In Hollywood

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Octavia Spencer has long transcended the label of "supporting actress," evolving into one of Hollywood's most formidable forces, both on-screen and behind the camera. As of December 2025, the Academy Award-winning star is not only preparing for a slate of high-profile films and television series but is also wielding her power as a producer to champion diversity and advocate for pay equity in the industry.

From her breakthrough, Oscar-winning role as Minny Jackson in The Help to her critically acclaimed performances in Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water, Spencer's career trajectory is a masterclass in resilience and talent. Her current focus is on building a legacy through her production company, Orit Entertainment, while adding highly anticipated new titles to her already impressive filmography, proving she is a catalyst for change in the entertainment world.

Octavia Lenora Spencer: A Brief Biography and Career Highlights

Octavia Lenora Spencer was born on May 25, 1970, in Montgomery, Alabama. Her journey to cinematic stardom was a long one, often described as a "15-year overnight success," marked by a decade of smaller, scene-stealing roles in both film and television.

Key Biographical & Career Milestones

  • Full Name: Octavia Lenora Spencer
  • Born: May 25, 1970
  • Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
  • Education: Graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery.
  • Breakthrough Role: Minny Jackson in The Help (2011), which earned her the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress.
  • Major Nominations: Received two additional Academy Award nominations for Hidden Figures (2016) and The Shape of Water (2017).
  • Other Notable Works: The Divergent Series, Ma, and the Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told.

The Octavia Spencer Cinematic Universe: 5 Highly Anticipated Upcoming Projects

Spencer continues to be one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, balancing her work in major motion pictures with high-concept television series. Her upcoming slate features a mix of drama, action, and horror, ensuring her presence across all genres.

1. Tow (Film)

One of her most anticipated projects is the film Tow, which is currently in production. This dramatic feature is set to star Spencer alongside fellow Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose. While plot details remain under wraps, the caliber of the cast suggests a major awards-season contender. The film is currently slated for a 2025 release.

2. Ride or Die (TV Series)

Spencer is set to star in an action-adventure television series alongside Hannah Waddingham and Bill Nighy. The project, which was previously registered under the title Well Behaved Women: The Assassin, is an exciting venture into the action genre for Spencer. The series is created by writer Tessa Coates and is part of a first-look deal with Skydance Television and Spencer's Orit Entertainment.

3. Ma 2 (Film)

Fans of the 2019 horror-thriller Ma will be pleased to know that a sequel is reportedly in development, with Spencer expected to reprise her role as the titular, unhinged character, Sue Ann. The original film was a commercial success, and the follow-up, Ma 2, is one of the many projects currently listed as "TBA" but highly sought after by audiences.

4. The Bobby Love Story (Film)

This film project, also listed as TBA, is based on a compelling true story. While details are scarce, the focus on a character-driven, real-life narrative aligns perfectly with Spencer's preference for complex and meaningful roles.

5. Red Band Society (TV Drama)

In 2024, Spencer was announced to star in a new TV drama titled Red Band Society. While the original series aired a decade ago, this new iteration is a fresh project that brings Spencer back to a major network TV role, demonstrating her continued versatility across platforms.

Orit Entertainment: Demanding More and Fighting for Pay Equity

Octavia Spencer's influence extends far beyond her acting credits. In 2019, she founded her production company, Orit Entertainment, with the clear mission of creating diverse, compelling content. The company's name, "Orit," is a Hebrew word meaning "my light," symbolizing her desire to illuminate new and untold stories.

As a producer, Spencer is a fierce advocate for women, particularly women of color, in Hollywood. She has been vocal about the systemic issue of the wage gap, stating that she "always, always fight[s]" for fair compensation. Her advocacy is not just theoretical; it has been instrumental in her own career and the careers of others.

The Power of Pay Parity Advocacy

One of the most widely reported examples of Spencer's commitment to equal pay involves her co-star, Jessica Chastain. Spencer recounted how Chastain, upon learning that Spencer was being paid less for a film they were co-producing, insisted that they be paid the same amount. This act of solidarity resulted in Spencer receiving a salary five times what she had initially been offered, highlighting the critical role that allies play in closing the wage gap.

Current Orit Entertainment Deals and Projects

Orit Entertainment has secured significant first-look and development deals across various platforms, demonstrating its commitment to diverse storytelling:

  • Skydance Television: A multiyear first-look deal for scripted TV projects.
  • ID (Investigation Discovery) & Discovery+: A partnership focused on true-crime content, with Spencer stating her lifelong passion for the genre. The first project announced under this deal is HIGHWAY 20 (wt).
  • Hulu: Developing a series adaptation of Ashley Elston's novel, First Lie Wins, a psychological thriller.
  • Apple TV+: The company also produces the critically acclaimed series Truth Be Told, which Spencer stars in.

Octavia Spencer’s continued work as an actor, author, and producer is a testament to her dedication to crafting meaningful narratives. Her upcoming slate of projects for 2025 and beyond is not just a collection of new roles, but a strategic effort to shape the future of Hollywood, making it a more equitable and diverse place for all storytellers. Her legacy will undoubtedly be defined by both her unforgettable performances and her powerful off-screen activism.

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