If you’ve spent any time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or survived a middle school book club recently, you already know Abby Ryder Fortson—even if you still think of her as the tiny kid who wanted a "giant ugly bunny" in the first Ant-Man.
As of today, March 22, 2026, Abby has officially crossed the threshold into adulthood, turning 18 just last week. She’s no longer just "Scott Lang’s daughter"; she’s arguably the most relatable face of Gen Z on screen, recently making headlines for snagging the role of Velma Dinkley in Netflix’s highly anticipated live-action Scooby-Doo series.
TL;DR: The Abby Ryder Fortson Cheat Sheet
- Most Famous For: Playing Cassie Lang in Ant-Man and the lead in the 2023 hit Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
- Current Big News: She was just cast as Velma in the new Scooby-Doo series on Netflix (announced March 2026).
- Parental Vibe: Generally safe and "wholesome," but her recent work in projects like The Pitt handles more mature, real-world themes.
- Where to Watch Her: Disney+ for Marvel, Hulu for her newer dramas, and Netflix for her upcoming projects.
Abby Ryder Fortson is an American actress who has literally grown up in front of our eyes. Born into an acting family (her parents are John Fortson and Christie Lynn Smith), she started in commercials before becoming a scene-stealer in the MCU.
What makes her different from the typical "child star" is the intentionality of her roles. She didn't go the "Disney Channel Pop Star" route. Instead, she’s leaned into grounded, character-driven stories that resonate with both kids and parents. Whether she’s dealing with a shrinking dad or the anxiety of getting her first period, she brings a "real kid" energy that is refreshing in an industry full of 25-year-olds playing 15.
Kids love her because she doesn’t feel like an "industry plant." In Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., she captured the awkwardness of puberty in a way that felt honest rather than cringey.
For us parents, she’s a bit of a nostalgia bridge. Seeing her take on the iconic role of Margaret Simon—a character many of us grew up with in the original Judy Blume book—felt like a passing of the torch. She has a knack for picking projects that allow for actual family conversations rather than just mindless background noise.
The big news hitting our feeds this week is the casting for Netflix's live-action Scooby-Doo reimagining. Abby being cast as Velma is a brilliant move. It signals that she’s moving into that "leading young lady" territory while staying connected to the high-quality IP families love.
This new series is being described as a slightly "darker, modern reimagining"—think more Wednesday and less 1970s cartoon. It’s a great example of how Abby is navigating her 18th year by taking on roles that are sophisticated enough for her aging fanbase but still accessible to younger audiences.
If you're looking to do an Abby Ryder Fortson marathon with your kids, here is how to navigate her filmography based on age:
For the Littles (Ages 5-9)
- Ant-Man: She is pure magic as young Cassie Lang. It’s one of the few Marvel movies that feels truly family-centric.
- A Dog’s Journey: She plays young C.J. It’s a tear-jerker, but very sweet for animal lovers.
For the Tweens (Ages 10-13)
- Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.: This is the gold standard. It’s funny, moving, and handles religious identity and puberty with incredible grace.
- Griffin in Summer: A more recent indie hit (2024) where she plays Kara. It’s a great "coming of age" story for kids who feel like they don't quite fit the mold.
For Teens and Parents (Ages 14+)
- The Pitt: In this Hulu medical drama, Abby plays a recurring character involved in some pretty heavy storylines, including reproductive rights. It’s a far cry from Marvel, but it shows her range.
- Transparent: She had a recurring role here as a child, but the show itself is definitely for the "after the kids go to bed" slot due to its mature themes.
- Tales from the Loop: A sci-fi anthology that is visually stunning and quite cerebral. Great for teens who like Stranger Things but want something more poetic.
One of the reasons we like Abby at Screenwise is that she (and her team) seem to have a handle on the "digital wellness" side of fame. Unlike many young stars who are overexposed on TikTok or Instagram, Abby maintains a relatively low-profile, professional presence.
She often uses her platform to talk about animal rights and environmental issues, which makes her a solid "follow" if your teen is looking for celebrity inspiration that isn't just fast-fashion hauls and "get ready with me" videos.
Ask our chatbot for more recommendations on positive celebrity role models
If your kids are fans of Abby’s work, use it as a jumping-off point for some deeper chats:
- On Growing Up: In Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., Margaret is in a rush to grow up. Ask your kid: "What’s one thing you’re excited about for when you're older, and one thing you want to keep 'kid-like' for as long as possible?"
- On Identity: With the new Scooby-Doo news, talk about how characters change over time. Velma has been reimagined dozens of times—how does Abby’s version feel different from the ones we grew up with?
- On Career and Passion: Abby’s parents are also in the industry. Talk about the pros and cons of "following in the family business."
Q: Is Abby Ryder Fortson still in the Marvel movies?
Abby played Cassie Lang in the first two Ant-Man films, but the role was recast for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania to reflect a significant age jump for the character. While she's no longer in the MCU, she remains a fan favorite for her early portrayal.
Q: Is the movie 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' okay for my 9-year-old?
Yes, but with a caveat: it explicitly discusses periods, puberty, and religious questioning. It’s PG-rated and very wholesome, but it will definitely spark questions, so be prepared for a "the talk" adjacent conversation.
Q: What is Abby Ryder Fortson's new show on Netflix?
She was recently cast as Velma Dinkley in a new live-action Scooby-Doo series. It’s expected to be a modern, slightly edgier take on the Mystery Inc. gang, similar in tone to other successful Netflix teen reimagining projects.
Q: Does Abby Ryder Fortson have social media?
She has a presence on Instagram, but it is largely curated and professional. She doesn't post the high-frequency, personal content common with many young influencers, making her a "safer" celebrity for kids to follow.
Abby Ryder Fortson is the rare child star who seems to be making the transition to adult actress with her sanity and talent intact. She picks projects that matter, avoids the "brain rot" side of social media, and continues to play characters that feel like actual human beings.
Whether your family is discovering her for the first time in Ant-Man or waiting for her to say "Jinkies!" on Netflix, she’s an actress worth keeping on your radar.
Check out our guide on how to navigate coming-of-age media with your tween
Next Steps:
- Watch Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. for your next family movie night.
- Keep an eye out for the Scooby-Doo trailer later this year.
- If you have older teens, check out her performance in The Pitt to see her range as an adult actress.