The Late ‘Breaking Bad’ Star Is the Most Popular Celebrity of the Week on IMDb

Television premieres, major literary adaptations, and breaking entertainment headlines have driven a notable shift in public interest across the screen landscape this October. High-profile releases—ranging from modern reimaginings of classic horror literature to gripping psychological coastal mysteries—have placed a diverse group of performers and filmmakers center stage.

In addition, unexpected real-world developments and solemn career commemorations have focused widespread audience attention on celebrated talents. The following overview examines the figures dominating entertainment conversations this week.

Christopher Abbott

Christopher Abbott gained widespread recognition with roles in the indie psychological horror film ‘It Comes at Night’ and the drama series ‘Girls’. The actor recently starred as Adam Trask in the television limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’. His performance in the sweeping historical drama showcases his ability to depict complex, emotionally conflicted figures. Earlier in the year, he also earned critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for his stage work in the Broadway revival of ‘Death of a Salesman’.

Charlie Heaton

Charlie Heaton rose to international prominence portraying Jonathan Byers on the hit supernatural drama series ‘Stranger Things’ and later played Samuel Guthrie in ‘The New Mutants’. The English actor stars as Wade Penney in the Canadian mystery thriller miniseries ‘Below’. Set in a remote Newfoundland community, the production centers on a fishing family confronting an ancient threat emerging from the sea. The project marks another high-profile television role for Heaton following the global reception of his long-running television work.

Linda Cardellini

Linda Cardellini established a versatile screen career with iconic roles including Velma Dinkley in ‘Scooby-Doo’ and Lindsay Weir in ‘Freaks and Geeks’. The acclaimed actress recently stepped into the horror genre by headlining the prequel television series ‘Crystal Lake’. In the production, she portrays Pamela Voorhees, exploring the origins of the infamous camp cook in the years following her son’s disappearance. The role arrives on the heels of her Emmy Award-winning turn in the limited series ‘DTF St. Louis’.

Amber Midthunder

Amber Midthunder captured global attention for her leading role as the Comanche warrior Naru in the science-fiction action film ‘Prey’. She expanded her television resume with prominent appearances in series such as ‘Legion’, ‘Roswell, New Mexico’, and ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. The actress currently appears as physical education teacher Rita Desjardin in the supernatural miniseries ‘Carrie’. Her character serves as a rare ally who attempts to protect the titular teenager from pervasive bullying in the school environment.

Ruby Stokes

Ruby Stokes gained initial recognition for her portrayal of Francesca Bridgerton in the period drama ‘Bridgerton’ before leading the supernatural adventure series ‘Lockwood & Co.’ The British actress further expanded her feature profile with a supporting role in Noah Baumbach’s comedy-drama film ‘Jay Kelly’. She currently stars as university student Mary Penney in the coastal horror miniseries ‘Below’. In the series, her character returns home to Snook’s Arm just as inexplicable occurrences begin terrorizing the local community.

Selma Blair

Selma Blair rose to fame in late-1990s cinema with memorable roles in teen classics including ‘Cruel Intentions’ and later ‘Legally Blonde’. Over the past decade, she has served as a dedicated advocate for disability rights following her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018. The actress recently became the subject of widespread media reporting after an incident aboard a commercial flight to New York in mid-October 2026. Statements from her legal team and representatives confirmed that the event was caused by an acute neurological medical emergency.

Mike Flanagan

Director and screenwriter Mike Flanagan has built an acclaimed reputation in modern horror through television productions like ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘Midnight Mass’. He has established an enduring creative relationship with the fiction of Stephen King, directing feature adaptations including ‘Gerald’s Game’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’. Flanagan returned to King’s literary catalogue as creator, writer, and showrunner for the miniseries reimagining of ‘Carrie’. Released in October 2026, the eight-part series updates the iconic narrative by exploring the consequences of cyberbullying and modern social pressures.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah achieved wide recognition for her comedic and dramatic work in series such as the revival of ‘Saved by the Bell’ and the period drama ‘The Buccaneers’. Over her career, the actress and producer has demonstrated extensive versatility across studio films, television dramedies, and voice acting. She joined the ensemble cast of Mike Flanagan’s limited horror series ‘Carrie’, taking on the role of high schooler Tina. Her character forms an integral part of the student dynamic that sparks the central conflict in the modern adaptation.

Samantha Sloyan

Samantha Sloyan earned widespread critical acclaim for her performance as the devout Bev Keane in the limited series ‘Midnight Mass’. As a long-standing collaborator of Mike Flanagan, she has also appeared in notable genre series including ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’. Sloyan takes on another major role in ‘Carrie’, starring as the protagonist’s deeply fanatical mother, Margaret White. Her portrayal provides the narrative foundation for the psychological oppression and familial tension unfolding inside the White household.

Alison Thornton

Alison Thornton gained early industry recognition with recurring roles in television series such as ‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’ and ‘Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce’. She also appeared in the family adventure series ‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ before taking on darker material in prestige horror. In the miniseries ‘Carrie’, Thornton delivers a central performance as primary antagonist Chris Hargensen. Her portrayal brings contemporary depth to the high school tormentor whose actions ultimately trigger the climactic prom events.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh made her feature debut in the British mystery drama ‘The Falling’ before establishing herself as a global star in ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Little Women’. The Oscar-nominated performer has balanced major blockbuster roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with complex literary adaptations. She stars as the enigmatic Cathy Ames in the television miniseries adaptation of John Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’. In addition to heading the production’s ensemble cast, Pugh also served as an executive producer on the historical drama series.

Mackenzie Davis

Mackenzie Davis gained prominence on television in the acclaimed period tech drama ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and went on to star as the cybernetic soldier Grace in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. She followed those projects with leading turns in high-concept productions like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and the post-apocalyptic miniseries ‘Station Eleven’. In October 2026, Davis returned to television screens co-starring in the supernatural thriller miniseries ‘Below’. She portrays marine biologist Dr. Fonda Howander, collaborating with local fishermen to uncover the mystery behind an oceanic creature.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett established himself as a Hollywood leading man with roles in the neo-noir crime thriller ‘Lucky Number Slevin’ and the war drama ‘Black Hawk Down’. The actor experienced a significant career renaissance in recent years with prominent turns in ‘Penny Dreadful’, ‘Oppenheimer’, and the psychological thriller ‘Trap’. He stars as fisherman Calvin Penney in the coastal horror miniseries ‘Below’. His character leads the community of Snook’s Arm in confronting a dormant aquatic menace while working through personal and generational grief.

Summer H. Howell

Summer H. Howell began her acting career at a young age in the horror genre with appearances in ‘Curse of Chucky’ and the thriller ‘Hunter Hunter’. The actress achieved a major career breakthrough after being cast in the title role of the 2026 miniseries ‘Carrie’. The eight-episode production follows her portrayal of Carrie White as the isolated teenager confronts severe high school cruelty and discovers latent telekinetic powers. Her lead performance drives the modern reimagining, earning substantial attention for balancing vulnerable emotional turmoil with supernatural vengeance.

RJ Mitte

RJ Mitte achieved international recognition for his five-season portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the groundbreaking drama series ‘Breaking Bad’. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a young child, he dedicated much of his career to advocating for disability awareness and inclusion in the entertainment industry. His work extended beyond acting into philanthropy, including active collaboration with organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy. Mitte’s unexpected passing in mid-October 2026 at age thirty-four prompted an outpouring of remembrance and tributes celebrating his screen achievements and advocacy.

Let us know which of these standout performers and creators has left the strongest impression on you this season by sharing your thoughts in the comments.