The Latest Scoop: Where Are The 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' Actors Now? (2025 Update)
The "What's Love Got to Do with It?" cast has captured global attention, but are we talking about the iconic 1993 Tina Turner biopic or the charming 2022 cross-cultural romantic comedy? While the performances of Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne in the 1993 classic are legendary, the buzz in early December 2025 is all about the stars of the newer film, which explored the modern complexities of love, dating apps, and assisted marriage. This deep dive focuses on the current, fresh, and upcoming projects of the 2022 rom-com ensemble, revealing what they are filming right now and what's next for their careers on the big screen and television.
The 2022 film, a delightful exploration of love in the digital age set against the backdrop of London and Lahore, introduced a diverse and talented cast to a global audience. From a celebrated British actress taking on a documentary filmmaker role to a rising Pakistani star making her international debut, the ensemble is busy with some of the most anticipated films and series of 2025 and 2026. Get ready to find out what Lily James, Shazad Latif, Emma Thompson, and the rest of the cast are up to next.
Cast Biographies and Key Roles in the 2022 Rom-Com
The success of the 2022 romantic comedy, written by Jemima Khan and directed by Shekhar Kapur, hinged on the chemistry and depth of its main players. Here is a look at the core cast, their characters, and their impressive careers.
- Lily James (Zoe Stevenson): The protagonist, a documentary filmmaker who is perpetually unlucky in love and decides to document her best friend's journey into an assisted marriage. James, whose full name is Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, is globally recognized for roles in *Cinderella* and *Pam & Tommy*.
- Shazad Latif (Kazim "Kaz" Khan): Zoe's childhood best friend and neighbor, a successful doctor who opts for an assisted marriage (or 'love-arranged marriage') to a woman from Pakistan. Latif is a British actor of Pakistani, English, and Scottish descent, widely known for his work as Lieutenant Ash Tyler/Voq in *Star Trek: Discovery*.
- Emma Thompson (Cath Stevenson): Zoe's eccentric, overbearing, but well-meaning mother. Thompson is an Academy Award-winning actress and screenwriter, a veteran of British cinema and theatre, celebrated for films like *Sense and Sensibility* and *Love Actually*.
- Sajal Aly (Maymouna): Kazim's arranged bride from Lahore, Pakistan. Aly is one of Pakistan's highest-paid and most celebrated television and film actresses, making her English-language film debut in this project.
- Shabana Azmi (Aisha Khan): Kazim’s traditional and loving mother. Azmi is a legendary Indian actress, social activist, and one of the most acclaimed performers in the history of Hindi cinema.
- Asim Chaudhry (Mo): Kazim’s older brother. Chaudhry is a British comedian and actor best known for playing Chabuddy G in the BBC mockumentary series *People Just Do Nothing*.
Lily James and Shazad Latif: The Rom-Com Leads’ New Ventures (2025-2026)
The on-screen chemistry between Lily James and Shazad Latif was the heart of the movie, and both actors have channeled that momentum into a slate of high-profile, diverse new projects that are set to define the coming years. Their career trajectories are a testament to the film's global reach.
Lily James: From Rom-Com to Biopic and Action
Lily James, who brought a relatable vulnerability to Zoe Stevenson, is continuing her run as one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading ladies. Her upcoming slate is packed with diverse roles, showing her range far beyond the romantic comedy genre.
- *Swiped* (2025): James is set to star as Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of the dating app Bumble, in this highly anticipated biographical film. This role is a significant dramatic turn, following her critically acclaimed performance as Pamela Anderson in *Pam & Tommy*.
- *Relay* (2025): She is also slated to star in the thriller *Relay*, further cementing her move into more intense, high-stakes narratives.
- *Peggy Jo* (TBA): A fascinating project where James will star as the titular character, a real-life bank robber who was known for robbing banks while dressed as a man.
- *Finally Dawn* (2024 Release): James starred in this Italian-American drama, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing her commitment to international and art-house cinema.
This mix of action, biography, and independent film demonstrates James's intention to diversify her portfolio, moving confidently from big-budget fairy tales to complex, real-life characters.
Shazad Latif: From Starfleet to Classic Literature
Shazad Latif’s portrayal of Kazim Khan, the charming doctor navigating cultural expectations, resonated deeply with audiences. Latif has a strong foundation in television and is now making a significant push into major film roles.
- *Wuthering Heights* (2026): One of his most exciting upcoming projects is a new adaptation of the classic novel *Wuthering Heights*, where he is expected to take on a major role. This period drama will showcase his dramatic depth.
- *Star Trek: Discovery* Legacy: While his time on the show has concluded, Latif remains a key figure in the *Star Trek* universe, with fans consistently discussing his complex performance as the Klingon Voq and the human Ash Tyler.
- *Toast of Tinseltown*: Latif continued his comedic work in the series *Toast of Tinseltown*, a spin-off of the cult hit *Toast of London*, demonstrating his versatility across genres.
Latif’s career is a masterclass in balancing high-profile sci-fi with poignant, character-driven roles, making him a compelling figure to watch in the coming years.
The Veteran and Rising Stars: Emma Thompson, Sajal Aly, and Shabana Azmi
The supporting cast of *What's Love Got to Do with It?* provided the film with its emotional and comedic backbone. The current projects of these global stars are just as intriguing, spanning major Hollywood action thrillers and significant South Asian television dramas.
Emma Thompson: Action Thriller and Continued Activism
Emma Thompson, who stole scenes as the slightly chaotic Cath, continues to defy expectations. Her upcoming work is a stark departure from the warm, often humorous roles she is known for.
- *The Fisherwoman* (2025): Thompson is set to star in the action thriller *The Fisherwoman*, a project where she also serves as an executive producer. She will take on the title role, a significant shift into a physically demanding genre.
- Award-Winning Legacy: As a two-time Academy Award winner (one for acting, one for screenwriting for *Sense and Sensibility*), Thompson's involvement in any project guarantees a level of prestige and critical attention.
Her commitment to diverse roles, from family-friendly fare to gritty action, keeps her a perennial favorite among audiences and filmmakers.
Sajal Aly: From International Debut to Pakistani Drama
Sajal Aly, who played the beautiful and poised Maymouna, has successfully leveraged her international debut to maintain her status as a leading actress in Pakistan's entertainment industry.
- *Kuch Ankahi* (2023): Following the film's release, Aly starred in the popular Pakistani drama series *Kuch Ankahi*, a refreshing story focused on themes of independence, love, and family dynamics.
- Pakistani Cinema Star: Aly remains one of the highest-paid actresses in Pakistan, consistently working in both television and films, showcasing her deep roots in South Asian storytelling.
Her performance in the film was a crucial bridge between the two cultures depicted, and she continues to be a powerful voice in Pakistani cinema.
Shabana Azmi: Memoir and Cross-Cultural Collaborations
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who played Kazim's mother Aisha Khan, is not slowing down. Her recent activities highlight her enduring influence in both Indian and international cinema.
- Hollywood-Produced Project: Azmi is set to lead the cast in a new Hollywood-produced international project, signaling a continued strength in cross-cultural collaborations, a theme she explored in the 2022 film.
- Memoir in Progress: The respected actress recently revealed that she is working on her memoir, which promises to be a fascinating look at her five-decade career and her social activism.
Azmi's work remains vital, connecting the cinematic traditions of India with global audiences and new production standards.
Topical Authority: The Legacy of 'What's Love Got to Do with It'
It is impossible to discuss the "What's Love Got to Do with It?" cast without acknowledging the 1993 film, the definitive Tina Turner biopic. While the 2022 film shares only the title, the original movie’s cast set a high bar for biographical drama and remains a crucial part of cinematic history.
Angela Bassett as Tina Turner: Bassett's Oscar-nominated, powerhouse performance as the legendary Tina Turner is considered one of the greatest biographical portrayals of all time. Bassett continues to be one of Hollywood's most respected actresses, recently starring in *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* and receiving an Honorary Academy Award in 2024.
Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner: Fishburne's equally intense, Oscar-nominated performance as Ike Turner cemented his status as a dramatic heavyweight. He continues to have a prolific career, most notably in the *John Wick* franchise and various television productions.
The 1993 film is a cultural touchstone that explored themes of domestic abuse, resilience, and the power of a woman finding her voice. The 2022 film, while lighter in tone, continues the tradition of exploring complex relationship dynamics under a familiar, evocative title.
Whether you're revisiting the powerful drama of the 1993 classic or catching up with the stars of the modern romantic comedy, the actors connected to the title "What's Love Got to Do with It?" are consistently involved in the freshest and most compelling projects in global cinema today.
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