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Every Movie and TV Show Starring Xochitl Gomez From America Chavez to Dancing With the Stars
Xochitl Gomez has rapidly ascended from a talented child performer in local musical theater to a globally recognized star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Her filmography reflects a versatile range, spanning heartfelt coming-of-age television, intense action films, and competitive reality TV. Her most notable work includes playing the multiverse-hopping hero America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) and portraying Dawn Schafer in the first season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club (2020). Beyond scripted acting, she captivated audiences by winning the 32nd season of Dancing with the Stars in 2023.
The Breakout Role as America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The most significant milestone in Xochitl Gomez's career is undoubtedly her introduction as America Chavez in the 2022 film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This role transformed her from a promising teen actress into an international figure within one of the largest film franchises in history.
Casting and Audition Process
Gomez’s journey into the MCU began long before the cameras rolled. She was only 13 years old when she first auditioned for the role in early 2020. At that time, the character of America Chavez was written as an older teenager, approximately 18 years old. Demonstrating immense dedication, Gomez began training in martial arts, kickboxing, and stunt work nearly every other day for months. Her goal was to ensure that if she received a callback, she would possess the physical capabilities required of a superhero.
Six months after her initial submission, she was invited for a screen test with Benedict Cumberbatch. Her chemistry with the veteran actor and her youthful energy led the producers to re-write the character as a younger teenager, aligning more closely with Gomez’s actual age. She was officially cast two days after the screen test, becoming one of the youngest actors to portray a leading superhero in the MCU at age 14 during filming.
Performance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
In the film, America Chavez is a unique being who possesses the ability to punch star-shaped portals into other universes. Unlike many superheroes who have mentors, America is depicted as a survivor navigating the trauma of losing her parents and being hunted for her powers. Gomez brought a blend of vulnerability and resilience to the role.
Critical reception of her performance was generally positive. Reviewers from major publications like Empire noted that she provided "impressive warmth and feeling" to a high-stakes, effects-heavy production. Her portrayal helped ground the supernatural chaos of the multiverse in a relatable, human struggle for belonging. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $955 million worldwide, ensuring that her debut was seen by millions.
Netflix Success with The Baby-Sitters Club
Prior to joining Marvel, Xochitl Gomez gained significant recognition for her role as Dawn Schafer in the 2020 Netflix adaptation of The Baby-Sitters Club. Based on the beloved book series by Ann M. Martin, the show followed a group of middle-school friends who start a babysitting business in Stoneybrook, Connecticut.
Portraying Dawn Schafer
Gomez’s character, Dawn, is a California native who moves to Connecticut and brings a fresh, socially conscious perspective to the group. Dawn is known for her veganism, her passion for environmental activism, and her relaxed, "cool girl" aesthetic. Critics praised Gomez for her "heartfelt frankness" in delivering dialogue centered on social justice and community building.
She appeared as a series regular in all seven episodes of the first season. Her performance was a standout, earning her a place in Variety magazine's "Power of Young Hollywood" issue in 2020.
Leaving the Series
Fans were surprised when it was announced that Gomez would not return for the second season of The Baby-Sitters Club. The departure was entirely due to scheduling conflicts. Production for the show’s second season coincided directly with the extensive filming schedule for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in London. Consequently, the role of Dawn Schafer was recast with Kyndra Sanchez for the second season. Despite her exit, Gomez’s impact on the first season remains a highlight of her early television career.
Television Career and Recurring Roles
Xochitl Gomez’s television filmography is extensive, starting with minor guest spots and progressing to recurring roles in popular sitcoms and dramas.
Raven’s Home (2018)
Gomez made her professional onscreen debut in the Disney Channel sitcom Raven’s Home, a sequel to the iconic That’s So Raven. In the second season, she played a school journalist in a two-episode arc. While the role was small, it provided her with essential experience on a major network set and showcased her comedic timing.
You’re the Worst (2019)
She appeared in the FXX comedy-drama You’re the Worst in the fifth-season episode titled "The Pillars of Creation." Credited as Xochitl Gomez-Deines, she played a character referred to as "Eclipse Kid." This appearance demonstrated her ability to fit into more mature, satirical content outside the Disney/Netflix mold.
Gentefied (2020)
Gomez had a guest-starring role in the Netflix series Gentefied, which explores themes of gentrification, identity, and family in a Latinx neighborhood of Los Angeles. She played the younger version of Ana Morales in the episode "Brown Love." This role was particularly meaningful as it allowed her to contribute to a story that resonates with her own Mexican-American heritage.
Shadow Wolves (2019)
While technically a direct-to-video film that also functioned as a pilot for a potential series, Shadow Wolves is a notable entry in her TV-adjacent filmography. Playing the character Chucky, she starred alongside Graham Greene in this action-thriller about an elite NSA agency. Her performance earned her a Young Artist Award for Supporting Teen Artist, marking her first major industry accolade.
Film Career and Independent Projects
Before her blockbuster success, Gomez spent years honing her craft in independent films and short features. These projects allowed her to develop the range necessary for complex character work.
Roped (2020)
In the romantic drama Roped, Gomez played the character Emma. The film centers on a traveling rodeo that clashes with a local town's council. This role allowed her to move away from purely youth-oriented programming into more traditional narrative drama.
Short Films and Early Experience
IMDb records show that Gomez gained a vast amount of experience in the Los Angeles short film circuit between 2016 and 2020. These projects were instrumental in her being selected as a feature actress for the Sundance Institute's Director's Lab in 2018. Some of her most significant short films include:
- The Letter (2018): Playing the character Marcela.
- Mía (2018): Portraying Lainey.
- Cazadora (2018): Playing Violet.
- Silence of Others (2018): In which she played a playground kid.
- Boob Sweat (2021): A short film where she played Francis.
These early roles, though brief, were often lead or significant supporting parts that allowed her to showcase her talent to casting directors and industry professionals long before she became a household name.
Triumph on Dancing with the Stars (2023)
In 2023, Xochitl Gomez pivoted from acting to reality competition by joining the 32nd season of Dancing with the Stars. At 17 years old, she was the youngest contestant of the season, paired with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy.
Throughout the competition, Gomez was a consistent frontrunner. Her background in musical theater—having performed in over 20 full-length musicals as a child—gave her a foundation in stage presence and movement. She and Chmerkovskiy delivered a series of high-scoring performances, including a memorable contemporary routine and a flawless freestyle in the finale.
On December 5, 2023, Gomez was crowned the winner, receiving the inaugural Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. She and Chmerkovskiy finished the season at the top of the leaderboard with a perfect score of 120 out of 120 for their final two weeks of performances. This victory broadened her fanbase significantly, introducing her to a demographic beyond MCU and Netflix viewers.
Upcoming Movies and TV Shows
As of 2024 and 2025, Xochitl Gomez has several high-profile projects in various stages of production and development.
Ursa Major
Gomez is set to star in the science-fiction thriller Ursa Major alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The film follows a mother and daughter struggling for survival on a remote, Earth-like planet while being hunted by mysterious attackers. This project marks a significant step into the sci-fi genre outside the superhero realm.
The Cat in the Hat (2026)
Gomez will transition into voice acting for the upcoming animated feature The Cat in the Hat, scheduled for a 2026 release. She is slated to voice the character Gabby. The film is part of a new cinematic universe based on the works of Dr. Seuss.
Future MCU Appearances: Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars
While Marvel Studios is notoriously secretive about their future slates, industry reports and "rumors" frequently link America Chavez to the upcoming Avengers sequels. Given her character's unique ability to travel between universes, she is widely considered a "nexus" character essential for the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga. Avengers: Doomsday (formerly The Kang Dynasty) and Avengers: Secret Wars are the most likely platforms for her return.
Other Projects
- Dog Years: A project in post-production where she plays a character named Margaret.
- Boston Blue: A TV series currently in development where she is expected to play Penelope "Penny" Bravo.
- Car Toonified with Phineas and Ferb: She is scheduled to appear as a voice guest in a special episode of this revived series.
Professional Background and Early Life
To understand Gomez’s success in her movies and TV shows, one must look at her rigorous early training. Born in Los Angeles in 2006, she began acting at age five.
Musical Theater Roots
Before her first onscreen role, Gomez performed in 22 full-length musical theater productions. This experience taught her discipline, memorization, and how to perform under the pressure of a live audience. She has cited Jennifer Lawrence’s performance in The Hunger Games as her primary inspiration for pursuing professional screen acting.
Martial Arts Training
A unique aspect of her resume is her training in Wushu, a form of contemporary Chinese martial arts. She began studying at age 11 specifically to make herself a more attractive candidate for action roles. This foresight paid off immensely during her audition for Doctor Strange, where she was able to perform many of her own stunts and display a level of physicality that impressed the Marvel casting team.
Comprehensive List of Xochitl Gomez Credits
For quick reference, here is a breakdown of her professional filmography:
Feature Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Shadow Wolves | Chucky | Supporting Role |
| 2020 | Roped | Emma | Supporting Role |
| 2022 | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | America Chavez | Lead Role |
| 2026 | The Cat in the Hat | Gabby | Voice Role (Upcoming) |
| TBA | Ursa Major | Natalie | Lead Role (Upcoming) |
Television Series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Raven's Home | School Journalist | 2 episodes |
| 2019 | You're the Worst | Eclipse Kid | 1 episode |
| 2020 | Gentefied | Young Ana | 1 episode |
| 2020 | The Baby-Sitters Club | Dawn Schafer | Main Role (Season 1) |
| 2023 | Dancing with the Stars | Herself | Season 32 Winner |
| 2025 | Car Toonified | Herself | Voice Role (Guest) |
Short Films
- Interwoven (2016)
- G.I. José (2017)
- Light as a Feather (2017)
- The Letter (2018)
- Mía (2018)
- Silence of Others (2018)
- Cazadora (2018)
- The Lone Drone (2020)
- Boob Sweat (2021)
- Hive (2024)
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Xochitl Gomez
What is Xochitl Gomez's most famous role?
She is most famous for playing America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Dawn Schafer in the first season of Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club.
Why did Xochitl Gomez leave The Baby-Sitters Club?
She left the show because of a scheduling conflict. The filming of The Baby-Sitters Club Season 2 happened at the same time as her filming for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in London.
How old was Xochitl Gomez when she filmed Doctor Strange 2?
She was 14 years old during the majority of the filming and 16 years old when the movie was released in May 2022.
Does Xochitl Gomez do her own stunts?
Yes, thanks to her extensive training in Wushu and martial arts which she began at age 11, she was able to perform many of the stunts and action sequences required for her role as America Chavez.
What does the name Xochitl mean?
The name "Xochitl" (pronounced SOH-chee) means "flower" in Nahuatl, an indigenous language spoken in Mexico and other parts of Central America.
Did Xochitl Gomez win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, she won Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars in 2023 alongside her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Conclusion and Career Summary
Xochitl Gomez represents a new generation of Hollywood talent that is as disciplined as it is diverse. From her early days in community theater and short films to her massive breakout in the MCU, her career is defined by a "workhorse" mentality. Her ability to transition from the social activism of Dawn Schafer to the high-octane action of America Chavez, and finally to the technical precision of ballroom dancing, showcases a remarkable range for such a young artist.
As she moves forward with projects like Ursa Major and her anticipated return to the Marvel universe, Gomez remains one of the most exciting young actresses to watch. Her filmography serves as a blueprint for young actors on how to build a career through diverse roles, physical preparation, and a commitment to authentic representation. Whether she is punching holes through the multiverse or lighting up a dance floor, Xochitl Gomez continues to prove that she is a versatile force in the entertainment industry.