Cailey Fleming (born 2007) is an American actress whose career has spanned from childhood early stardom to a young, upcoming Gen Z star with depth and range. She first caught audiences’ attention as young Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), later earning critical praise as Judith Grimes on The Walking Dead and as Margaret in IF (2024). Balancing franchise scale with intimate emotion, Fleming has emerged as a breakout star.
From imaginative adventures to heart-tugging dramas, here are five performances that prove why Cailey Fleming is a rising star to watch.
5 Performances That Define a Rising Hollywood Star
1. IF (2024) – Childhood Wonder Meets Emotional Wisdom
Director: John Krasinski | Platform: Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Plus
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy-Drama
IMDb: 6.4 / RT: 51%
Role: Bea – a young girl who discovers she can see people’s imaginary friends and sets out to help them find new companions.
Synopsis:
In the live-action/animated fantasy IF (2024), Bea, a bright but lonely 12-year-old, moves in with her grandmother while her father undergoes surgery. She discovers that the “IFs” — imaginary friends abandoned by now-grown children — exist in secret. Bea teams up with her neighbor Cal to help these forgotten friends reconnect with their children or find new ones.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
Fleming’s character and the role she played work so well in this whimsical story with a performance that’s both playful and poignant. Her mix of wide-eyed curiosity turns a colorful kids’ fantasy into something deeply personal.
2. The Walking Dead (2018 – 2022) – Strength in the Apocalypse
Creator: Frank Darabont | Platform: Netflix
Genre: Drama, Post-Apocalyptic Thriller
IMDb: 8.1 / RT: 79%
Role: Judith Grimes as Rick and Michonne’s daughter.
Synopsis:
The Walking Dead follows a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. As society collapses, they struggle to rebuild community, confront human threats more dangerous than the undead, and search for meaning in a world defined by loss, morality, and survival.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
Joining the series at age 11, Fleming portrayed Judith as a quiet yet fearless survivor navigating loss, violence, and identity. Fans and critics alike hailed Fleming as the emotional heir to the series’ legacy.
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – A Brief Moment, a Global Stage
Director: J.J. Abrams | Platform: Disney+
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
IMDb: 7.7 / RT: 93%
Role: Young Rey – the childhood version of Daisy Ridley’s heroine in the Star Wars saga.
Synopsis:
Set decades after the fall of the Empire, Star Wars: The Force Awakens reignites the galactic struggle between good and evil. A mysterious scavenger, a rogue stormtrooper, and a legendary pilot join forces to stop the sinister First Order. Blending nostalgia with new heroes, the film bridges generations in a thrilling return to the Star Wars universe.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
Fleming appears in a flashback as Rey’s younger self in this blockbuster revival of the Star Wars franchise. Though her screen time was brief, it introduced her to a worldwide audience and hinted at her expressive range even as a child performer.
4. Peppermint (2018) – The Emotional Core of Revenge
Director: Pierre Morel | Platform: YouTube TV
Genre: Action, Thriller
IMDb: 6.5 / RT: 13%
Role: Carly North – the daughter whose tragic death propels Jennifer Garner’s character into a revenge mission.
Synopsis:
In Peppermint (2018), a mother’s life is shattered when her husband and daughter are brutally murdered, and the legal system fails to bring the killers to justice. Five years later, she re-emerges trained and armed, unleashing a one-woman war on the cartel and corrupt officials who destroyed her world.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
Peppermint kicks off like a standard revenge flick — until Fleming shows up. Her warmth and natural ease in just a few scenes give the movie its soul.
5. Star Wars: Ahsoka (2023) – Legacy and Continuity
Creator: Dave Filoni | Platform: Disney+
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
IMDb: 7.4 / RT: 85%
Role: Young Ahsoka Tano (in flashback sequence).
Synopsis:
Set after the fall of the Empire, Ahsoka follows former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a fragile galaxy. Bridging the events of Star Wars: Rebels and the wider saga, the series explores legacy, mentorship, and the enduring fight against darkness in the aftermath of war.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
Her appearance connects two generations of viewers and cements her as a recurring presence in the franchise’s legacy.
Special Mentions
Beyond her major performances, these roles highlight Cailey Fleming’s early range and her growing presence across acclaimed TV shows and franchises:
- Loki (2021) – As Young Sylvie, she brought emotional depth and quiet defiance to a key flashback in Marvel’s multiverse saga.
- Better Things (2016–2022) – Appeared as Young Sam Fox in flashbacks, reflecting the grounded realism of Pamela Adlon’s acclaimed dramedy.
- Armed Response (2017) – Played Riley, marking one of her first feature film roles and her move from television to cinema.
- Hover (2018) – As Greta Dunn, she explored dystopian themes in this indie sci-fi thriller.
- Preacher (2017) – Portrayed Susie in a darkly comic guest appearance that proved her comfort with surreal storytelling.
- One Mississippi (2015–2016) – Played Young Tig, offering a tender, early glimpse of her natural emotional instincts.
The Range That Defines Cailey Fleming
Cailey Fleming has grown up on screen without losing the naturalism that made her stand out as a child. Her career so far shows a remarkable blend of mainstream visibility and emotional depth.
Her Signature Traits:
- She brings raw, unforced emotion.
- Despite her age, she commands attention with subtle confidence.
- Few young actors move so easily between TV dramas and major franchises.
- She feels real even in fantasy settings — the camera trusts her.
- Every role marks a noticeable step up in range and responsibility.
Cailey Fleming’s Future in Hollywood
With Krasinski’s IF proving she can lead a film and the continuing buzz around her performances, Cailey Fleming is on the brink of a major breakout. Upcoming projects reportedly include more fantasy and coming-of-age work that will test her dramatic depth and comedic instincts. Hollywood’s directors see her as a once-in-a-generation talent growing up in real time.
In Summary: 5 Must-Watch Cailey Fleming Performances
|
Title |
Year | Director / Creator | Platform | Genre | Role |
IMDb / RT |
| IF | 2024 | John Krasinski | Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus | Fantasy, Comedy-Drama | Bea | 6.4 / 51% |
| The Walking Dead | 2018–2022 | Frank Darabont | Netflix | Drama, Post-Apocalyptic Thriller | Judith Grimes | 8.1 / 79% |
| Star Wars: The Force Awakens | 2015 | J.J. Abrams | Disney+ | Sci-Fi, Adventure | Young Rey | 7.7 / 93% |
| Peppermint | 2018 | Pierre Morel | YouTube TV | Action, Thriller | Carly North | 6.5 / 13% |
| Star Wars: Ahsoka | 2023 | Dave Filoni | Disney+ | Sci-Fi, Adventure | Young Ahsoka Tano | 7.4 / 85% |
Final Word
If you’re looking for a young actor whose career already shows maturity and momentum, Cailey Fleming is the name to watch. Her performances carry the kind of emotional truth. Each role offers something different – whether in zombie dramas, galactic epics, or heartfelt fantasies, it reveals a different facet of her growing craft. She’s definitely on the list, ‘Hollywood’s next big thing.’
