Following the conclusion of her extensive 137-episode run on the popular series "Riverdale," Lili Reinhart has embarked on a new, intentional phase of her acting career, prioritizing projects that deeply resonate with her artistic vision. After six years largely focused on a single show, Reinhart has embraced the opportunity to be highly selective, a privilege she attributes to the success of "Riverdale" and her earlier film roles like "Look Both Ways," "Hustlers," and "Chemical Hearts." This deliberate approach ensures she only takes on roles that "make sense or speak to me in certain ways," avoiding work simply for the sake of working.

Reinhart's post-“Riverdale” transition was not without its challenges. She initially anticipated a series of back-to-back film projects, but unforeseen industry circumstances, including the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and the lasting effects of COVID, significantly impacted production in late 2023 and throughout 2024. Despite these hurdles, her commitment to careful project selection allowed her to navigate a difficult period. She famously "said no to everything except for American Sweatshop" during 2024, demonstrating her resolve to craft a filmography she can be proud of, rather than simply filling her schedule.

This intentionality has already yielded significant results, as evidenced by two standout projects. The first is "American Sweatshop," an intense and chilling film where Reinhart delivers an exceptional lead performance as a social media moderator tasked with sifting through offensive online content and dealing with the profound psychological toll of the job. This movie is currently available to buy or rent on digital platforms, showcasing Reinhart's range in a demanding role.

Her other pivotal project is "Hal & Harper," a critically acclaimed limited series that emerged as one of the best new shows of 2025. Conceived by writer, director, and co-star Cooper Raiff, known for "Cha Cha Real Smooth," the series features Reinhart opposite Raiff as the titular brother and sister. "Hal & Harper" delves into their complex, codependent relationship, exploring both the profound benefits of their loving bond and how this dynamic subtly hinders their individual growth. To fully capture this intricate relationship, the series bravely incorporates flashbacks to their childhood, with Raiff and Reinhart themselves portraying their characters at seven and nine years old, a decision that has garnered significant praise for its effectiveness.

Reinhart's journey to starring in "Hal & Harper" began during her final days on "Riverdale." After watching Raiff's "Cha Cha Real Smooth," she was drawn to his unique storytelling. She initially received only the pilot script, which she "devoured and loved," before finally being sent the full 300-page screenplay for what was then a 10-episode series (later condensed to eight). Reinhart expressed surprise at being offered such a nuanced and deeply human role, given her previous work, but Raiff affirmed she was his first choice. This role allowed her to demonstrate a tonal grounding and raw humanity starkly different from "Riverdale," fulfilling her desire to showcase her broader artistic capabilities.

In "Hal & Harper," Reinhart delivers an astoundingly complex and soulful performance as Harper. She deftly navigates the character's internal conflicts, including the pull to remain close to her brother despite their relationship's potential to hold her back, and her evolving romantic life with Jesse (Alyah Chanelle Scott) and new love interest Audrey (Addison Timlin). Additionally, Harper grapples with the lingering pain of past wounds and their impact on her relationship with her father, played by Mark Ruffalo, who along with Betty Gilpin, rounds out the cast. This intricate portrayal across eight episodes has led to widespread acclaim, with many suggesting Reinhart deserves consideration for awards season for her work, which is available to stream on Mubi.

Looking ahead, Reinhart is also set to star in "Forbidden Fruits," slated for a 2026 release. In this project, she will play Apple, the leader of "The Fruits," a coven operating out of a Free People-like store in a mall. With an ensemble cast including Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp, and Lola Tung, "Forbidden Fruits" is anticipated to make significant waves. Both "American Sweatshop" and "Hal & Harper" affirm Reinhart's discerning eye for compelling narratives and her undeniable status as a star with a depth that extends far beyond her past roles, proving that her commitment to quality over quantity is indeed paying off.