Tuesday Top 10: 10 Actors Who Could Be Movie Stars

Hollywood stardom is a difficult thing to quantify these days since Hollywood has become a place driven more by production value than the stars in the production. Yet despite that, we still can identify movies based on their actors. We will still refer to films as Tom Cruise movies or ask, oh is that the one with Angelina Jolie? Once you’ve ascended to stardom, you’ve pretty much made it. So what of the possible movie stars today? Well I’m here to offer you a glimpse at the people I think are next in line provided they play their cards right. I tried to pick a mix of people just on the cusp as well as some who might need a few breaks, but will succeed in the end. Check out my selection of people after the jump!

10. Ben Whishaw – The lone person from across the pond I feel that could really break out here, Whishaw has the type of SERIOUS ACTOR persona to headline a drama while being affable enough to fit into quirky indies and comedies. He gave a blazing star turn in Cloud Atlas which I considered to be the best film of 2012, and he’s phenomenal on the now cancelled series The Hour. He has the potential to be the next Daniel Day-Lewis if he plays his cards right.

9. Nate Parker – Nate Parker is one role away from exploding into public consciousness like Denzel did with Glory. He is one of the most naturalistc performers I’ve seen on screen in a long time, finding really fascinating ways to expose his characters to you without sacrificing the integrity of the work. His performance in Arbitrage only hinted at the greatness that is within.

8. Jurnee Smollett – As long as she escapes the clutches of Tyler Perry, Jurnee has the opportunity to be THE go to Black actress in Hollywood. She astounded at a young age with her performance in Eve’s Bayou and has continued turning in solid performances in everything from The Great Debators to Fridy Night Lights. She can radiate any image you need from confident young woman to morally dubious harlot and you will be enthralled all the same.

7. Dylan O’Brien – The lone male actor from the murky waters of television, Dylan is THE fan favorite of the hit show Teen Wolf and is poised to break out in a big way with his new role in The Maze Runner. He can do both vulnerable and strong, often at the same time and his comedic timing is aces.

6. Anthony Mackie – He’s been around Hollywood for a while but he’s really starting to see the benefits of his steady presence pay off with roles in The Gangster Squad, Pain & Gain, and the forth coming Captain America sequel where he will play the first Black superhero in the Marvel universe. That’s a big deal given the represntation of diversity among superheros and they couldn’t have found a better actor

5. Elle Fanning – She’s surpassed her sister in terms of career heat and has managed to dip her toes in a variety of genres. She all but stole Super 8 away from everyone and everything with her wonderful performance which is amazing given what all was happening in that film. You need turns like that of being able to outshine even the best elements and she’s proven to be capable of that.

4. Michael B. Jordan – Actors with charisma tend to go far and Michael has it in spades. He’s done both tv and movies, and never fades into the background. His turn as Oscar Grant in the movie Fruitvale Station showed that he has the chops to take on dramatic roles and he has the ability to fit genre as well (Chronicle).

3. Hailee Steinfeld – She got that Oscar nomination for True Grit and has not stopped working since if her 2013 slate is any kind of indicator. She’ll be starring in films that range from Romeo and Juliet to Ender’s Game to Tommy Lee Jones’ next directorial effort The Woodsman. She more than commands the screen and has managed to do a plethora of genres all before turning 18.

2. Channing Tatum – Yes I am sort of cheating putting C-Tates so high considering he’s in his early 30s and I might already consider him a movie star. But he’s the only actor on this list who so readily switches between genres and manages to flex his perceived personality in interesting ways. I can’t wait to see what he does in the drama Foxcatcher and the Wachowski’s Jupiter Ascending.

1. Jennifer Lawrence – 2 Oscar nomiantions and a win plus a $500+ million franchise before 25 sure seem like a good case to be considered a star. She’s easily the most recognizable name on this list thanks to the little franchise The Hunger Games. It’ll be interesting to see how her career progresses from here as she tries to take on more varied roles while still working with her favorite directors.