Madison Iseman has built a diverse Hollywood filmography by transitioning smoothly from indie projects and television guest spots to major studio blockbusters. You likely recognize her from her breakout role as Bethany Walker in the billion-dollar Jumanji franchise or her chilling performances in modern horror hits like Annabelle Comes Home.
Her career spans major studio comedies, supernatural horror features, television sitcoms, and dark Amazon Prime thrillers. Let's break down everything Madison Iseman has been in, mapping her path from early television guest spots to leading roles.
Early Career and Television Breakthroughs
Before landing major studio roles, Iseman worked extensively in television, building momentum through guest appearances and recurring parts. Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally, quickly landing spots on popular network sitcoms.
- Modern Family (2014): She made an early appearance as Sam in the episode "Marco Polo".
- Henry Danger (2015): She played Veronika across multiple episodes on the Nickelodeon hit.
- Still the King (2016–2017): Iseman secured her first major television regular role as Charlotte, the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus's character, appearing in two seasons on CMT.
These formative years allowed her to hone comedic timing and dramatic delivery, setting the stage for transition into feature films.
Blockbuster Success: The Jumanji Franchise
Iseman's career reached a global scale when she joined Sony's massive franchise reboot.
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017): Iseman played Bethany Walker, the vain high school popular girl whose avatar inside the video game turns out to be Professor Shelly Oberon (played by Jack Black). Her comedic performance handling the body-swap dynamic earned widespread praise.
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019): She reprised her role alongside the core ensemble cast, cementing her place in a major contemporary action-comedy franchise.
Horror and Thriller Highlights
Beyond comedy, Iseman carved out a notable niche in the horror genre, starring in several prominent supernatural and psychological thrillers.
- Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018): She took on the lead protagonist role of Sarah Quinn in this family-friendly monster movie adaptation.
- Annabelle Comes Home (2019): As Mary Ellen, the babysitter left to care for the Warren family's daughter, Iseman faced off against the infamous haunted doll in this installment of The Conjuring Universe.
- Fear of Rain (2021): She starred as Rain Burroughs, a young girl living with schizophrenia who struggles to convince her family that she witnessed a kidnapping.
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021): She took on a demanding dual role as twins Lennon and Alison Grant in the Amazon Prime Video television series adaptation of the classic slasher setup.
Drama, Indie Films, and Adaptations
Iseman has consistently balanced high-profile studio creature features with character-driven indie projects and book-to-screen adaptations.
- Clouds (2020): She played Amy Adamle in this emotional Disney+ biographical drama centered on musician Zach Sobiech.
- Knights of the Zodiac (2023): She stepped into the fantasy-action realm as Sienna (Athena) in the live-action anime adaptation of Saint Seiya.
- Nocturne (2020): Part of the Welcome to the Blumhouse anthology on Prime Video, where she played Vivian Lowe, a talented musician living in the shadow of her sister.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Madison Iseman's first major movie role?
Her first major global breakthrough came with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in 2017, where she played Bethany. Prior to that, she built her resume primarily through television guest roles and indie films.
Is Madison Iseman related to any other actors?
No, she is not related to other industry figures. Her father works as a dentist in South Carolina, and she moved to Los Angeles independently to pursue acting.
Did Madison Iseman play twins in a TV series?
Yes. In the 2021 Amazon Prime series adaptation of I Know What You Did Last Summer, she played the dual main roles of estranged sisters Lennon and Alison Grant.
What awards has Madison Iseman been nominated for?
While she hasn't won major Academy awards, she has shared ensemble nominations alongside her castmates for large-scale commercial projects like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and received indie recognition for features like Riot Girls.
