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From Sam Weir To Star Trek Director: 7 Shocking Career Pivots Of John Francis Daley In 2025

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John Francis Daley, once the quintessential "geek" on television, has completed one of the most remarkable and successful career transformations in Hollywood history. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the multi-hyphenate talent is no longer just the beloved actor from *Freaks and Geeks* or *Bones* but a powerhouse filmmaker, with his directorial slate featuring some of the biggest and most anticipated projects across major studios. His partnership with Jonathan Goldstein has solidified their status as go-to creators for smart, character-driven blockbusters, with their upcoming films set to redefine major franchises like *Star Trek*.

The latest updates confirm Daley's full pivot to the director's chair, where he and his creative partner are balancing major action-adventure films with high-concept comedy. This article dives deep into the man who played Sam Weir and Dr. Lance Sweets, exploring his complete career profile and the massive projects—including a new *Star Trek* film and the *Monopoly* movie—that have cemented his status as a top-tier Hollywood filmmaker in the current landscape.

John Francis Daley: Complete Biography, Profile, and Filmography

John Francis Daley is an American filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, producer, and musician. His career is defined by a rare versatility, moving seamlessly from a beloved TV actor to a critically acclaimed director of major studio tentpoles.

  • Born: July 20, 1985, in Wheeling, Illinois.
  • Age (as of December 2025): 40 years old.
  • Spouse: Corinne Kingsbury (m. 2016).
  • Early Career: Started acting at age three. His breakout role came at age 14 as the lead "geek," Sam Weir, on the cult classic series *Freaks and Geeks*.
  • Major Acting Roles: Sam Weir (*Freaks and Geeks*, 1999–2000), Dr. Lance Sweets (*Bones*, 2007–2014).
  • Creative Partner: Jonathan Goldstein (since 2011). They operate under the production banner GoldDay.
  • Estimated Net Worth: Between $5 million and $7 million.

Selected Filmography (Actor, Writer, Director)

As Actor

  • *Freaks and Geeks* (TV Series, 1999–2000)
  • *Boston Public* (TV Series, 2000–2001)
  • *Waiting...* (Film, 2005)
  • *Bones* (TV Series, 2007–2014)
  • *Horrible Bosses* (Film, 2011)

As Writer (with Jonathan Goldstein)

  • *Horrible Bosses* (2011)
  • *The Incredible Burt Wonderstone* (2013)
  • *Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2* (2013)
  • *Horrible Bosses 2* (2014)
  • *Spider-Man: Homecoming* (2017)

As Director/Writer (with Jonathan Goldstein)

  • *Vacation* (2015)
  • *Game Night* (2018)
  • *Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves* (2023)
  • *Mayday* (Upcoming Film, TBA)
  • New *Star Trek* Film (Upcoming Film, TBA)

The Blockbuster Directorial Era: From 'Game Night' to 'D&D'

Daley’s transition from a beloved TV actor to a director of major studio features is a testament to his versatility and his creative partnership with Jonathan Goldstein. Their distinct directorial style, which blends sharp comedy with high-stakes action and visual flair, has made them a sought-after commodity in Hollywood. They famously seek to avoid the "flat, overly lit style" of many studio comedies, opting instead for a more cinematic aesthetic.

Their 2018 film, *Game Night*, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, was a critical and commercial success, praised for its clever script and kinetic energy. This success paved the way for their biggest challenge yet: reviving a beloved fantasy franchise.

In 2023, Daley and Goldstein delivered *Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves*. The film was widely lauded for its witty tone, genuine heart, and respect for the source material, successfully translating the complex world of the tabletop role-playing game to the big screen. Starring Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez, the film showcased their ability to handle massive visual effects and intricate world-building while keeping the focus on compelling character dynamics, a skill honed during their time writing *Spider-Man: Homecoming*. This project solidified their reputation as directors who can deliver both critical acclaim and commercial appeal.

John Francis Daley's 3 Most Anticipated Projects in Development

The current slate for John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein is packed with high-profile projects, positioning them as key players in the future of major studio franchises. These upcoming films are a clear indication of the industry's confidence in their unique blend of action, comedy, and adventure.

1. The New, Original Star Trek Film

Perhaps the most significant project on their horizon is a brand-new, wholly original *Star Trek* film for Paramount. Unlike the Kelvin timeline films, this project is slated to be a fresh start, with Daley and Goldstein attached to write, produce, and direct. The news has generated considerable buzz among fans, eager to see the duo bring their acclaimed character-first approach to the final frontier. This new *Star Trek* movie is expected to be their next project following the completion of *Mayday*, signaling a major shift in the long-running sci-fi franchise.

2. 'Mayday' (Starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh)

Set to be released by Apple Original Films, *Mayday* is an action-adventure film that Daley and Goldstein have written, directed, and produced. The film boasts a star-studded cast including action veteran Ryan Reynolds and Academy Award winner Kenneth Branagh. While plot details remain under wraps, the combination of the directing duo's comedic action sensibilities and the high-caliber cast suggests a major streaming event. *Mayday* represents their pivot to a more intense action genre while maintaining their signature witty dialogue and character focus.

3. The Live-Action Monopoly Movie

In a surprising but fitting move, Daley and Goldstein are also set to pen the script for the live-action *Monopoly* movie. Adapting a board game known for long, drawn-out financial conflict and family arguments is a perfect fit for their talent in finding comedy in high-stress, relatable situations. Following the success of *Game Night*, the *Monopoly* film offers another opportunity for the duo to inject a high-concept, comedic thriller tone into a universally recognized property. This project underscores their ability to elevate seemingly simple concepts into major cinematic events.

From 'Geek' to GoldDay: The Legacy of a Multi-Talented Filmmaker

John Francis Daley’s journey is a powerful example of an actor successfully navigating the transition to a formidable creative force behind the camera. His early roles as the earnest Sam Weir and the insightful Dr. Lance Sweets provided him with a deep understanding of character and dialogue, which he has masterfully translated into his screenwriting and directing work.

His partnership with Jonathan Goldstein, known collectively as GoldDay, has been instrumental in this success. Together, they have crafted a niche for themselves: directors who can deliver massive, effects-heavy blockbusters—like the upcoming *Star Trek*—without sacrificing the humor and emotional core that defined their earlier work, such as *Game Night* and *Dungeons & Dragons*. The anticipation surrounding his 2025 and beyond slate, including the *Mayday* and *Monopoly* movies, confirms that John Francis Daley's most impactful work is now being done from the director's chair, marking a remarkable and ongoing evolution in his Hollywood career.

actor john francis daley
actor john francis daley

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