See Hollywood’s New A-Listers

Modern young stars are breaking away from the traditional paths followed by previous generations, which often led to predictable franchise roles after indie successes or Oscar nominations. They exhibit a versatility that allows them to seamlessly transition between big-budget studio projects, independent films, and television roles. 

This generation’s diversity is also notable, with no single archetype dominating the scene. Glen Powell, a prominent new A-Lister, emphasises that while they may pursue similar roles at times, there’s no sense of rivalry as each actor brings something unique to their work.

Also Read: Jacob Elordi: The Rising Star of Hollywood

Austin Butler

Butler has seen a remarkable rise in Hollywood, particularly after his Oscar nomination for portraying Elvis in Luhrmann’s biopic. Directors like Jeff Nichols and Darren Aronofsky have hand-picked him for their projects, showcasing his versatility in period pieces like ‘The Bikeriders’ and ‘Caught Stealing.’ 

Despite occasional meme-worthy moments, such as his Elvis accent and distinctive appearance in ‘Dune: Part Two,’ he’s managed to maintain a captivating movie-star aura, with minimal social media presence adding to his mystique. His early success alongside Brad Pitt in Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ has led many to believe he embodies the essence of a timeless leading man in Hollywood.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet’s recent success is unparalleled, headlining two blockbuster hits within a year: ‘Wonka’ and ‘Dune: Part Two,’ collectively grossing over $1.3 billion. Drawing comparisons to Leonardo DiCaprio, his career trajectory mirrors the industry’s elite, starting with acclaimed roles like Christopher Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’ and earning an Oscar nomination for ‘Call Me by Your Name.’ 

Known for his intense dedication to each project and active involvement in marketing, he’s currently filming a Bob Dylan biopic under James Mangold’s direction. Talks of sequels for his recent hits are underway, solidifying his status as the most accomplished among Hollywood’s rising stars.

Jacob Elordi

​​Aussie actor, Jacob Elordi, skyrocketed to fame with his role as the charming love interest in Netflix’s popular YA series, ‘The Kissing Booth.’ However, instead of chasing box office hits, Elordi has focused on collaborating with renowned filmmakers. Currently, he’s immersed in Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ and is set to make his debut at Cannes with Paul Schrader’s ‘Oh, Canada.’ 

While he’s chosen prestige projects over mainstream Hollywood offerings, his star power was evident in Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn,’ although its streaming release didn’t gauge his box-office potential. Despite his physical presence suited for action roles and offers like Warner Bros.’ bid for the role of Superman in James Gunn’s DC relaunch, Elordi has opted for roles aligned with his artistic vision, shying away from traditional blockbuster paths.

Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal’s ascent to stardom will face its defining moment with Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ sequel set for release in November. Despite his meteoric rise since his breakout role in Hulu’s ‘Normal People’ in 2020, the 28-year-old’s first major studio lead will be in this highly anticipated sequel. 

Known for his preference for indie and festival-driven projects, Mezcal’s post-‘Normal People’ journey included roles in critically acclaimed films like ‘The Lost Daughter’ and ‘Aftersun,’ both premiered at Cannes, along with a stint in London theatre. His unconventional choices earned him an Oscar nomination, positioning him as a favourite among filmmakers and now poised for major studio roles, including a potential spot in Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles project.

Jenna Ortega

OTT platforms has a track record of propelling actors from its streaming platform to mainstream success and Jenna Ortega is a prime example. Her breakout role in ‘Wednesday,’ the platform’s most-watched English-language series to date, catapulted her from her child star days on shows like ‘Jane the Virgin’ to leading roles in major projects. 

Her success extends beyond streaming, with her involvement in the successful rebooted ‘Scream’ films and a starring role in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ alongside director Tim Burton, indicating a promising future in Hollywood. With upcoming projects like Sony’s ‘Klara and the Sun’ and A24’s ‘Death of a Unicorn,’ Ortega’s trajectory suggests a rising star with considerable earning potential in the industry.

Glen Powell

Glen Powell’s ascent in Hollywood didn’t happen overnight; he diligently climbed the industry ladder through various roles as an actor, producer, and writer. His breakout moment came with the Netflix hit ‘Set It Up,’ where his charm and talent in a leading role garnered widespread acclaim. 

Subsequent projects like ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Devotion’ showcased his range and ambition, with Powell not only starring but also producing and optioning material for his projects. It was the success of ‘Hit Man,’ a festival favourite co-written with Richard Linklater, and the romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’ with Sydney Sweeney that firmly established him as an A-list talent.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh’s rise in Hollywood began with standout performances in indie films like ‘Lady Macbeth’ and later earned her critical acclaim with an Oscar nomination for ‘Little Women’ and success in the horror genre with ‘Midsommar.’ 

While her first major studio lead in ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ faced challenges, she continues to shine in ensemble casts in high-profile projects like Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ and Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune: Part Two.’ Pugh’s strategic moves include ventures into romances like ‘We Live in Time’ alongside Andrew Garfield and a significant presence in the Marvel universe, with roles in ‘Black Widow’ and ‘Thunderbolts,’ where she takes top billing.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney, stands out for her prolific work ethic with over 50 professional credits, marking her as one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. Her strategic approach to her career is evident in her comparisons to Scarlett Johansson, showcasing a keen sense of marketing that contributed to the success of films like ‘Anyone But You,’ a rom-com hit co-starring Glen Powell.

Following her acclaimed performances in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus,’ which earned her Emmy nominations, Sweeney swiftly ascended to stardom, establishing her production company, Fifty-Fifty, in 2020.

Despite a few setbacks, such as the ill-fated ‘Madame Web,’ Sweeney’s moves are calculated, aiming to strengthen her ties with industry players like Sony, responsible for her successful projects like ‘Anyone But You’ and the upcoming ‘Barbarella’ remake directed by Edgar Wright, demonstrating her strategic navigation of Hollywood’s competitive landscape.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy is gearing up for a major career milestone with the highly anticipated ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ prequel Furiosa, premiering at Cannes. Known for her versatile talent, she made a breakthrough in Robert Eggers’ ‘The Witch’ and has since become a sought-after actress in female-led genre films, from M. Night Shyamalan’s Split to the recent culinary thriller ‘The Menu.’

While many recognize her from the acclaimed Netflix series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, Taylor-Joy is focused on her theatrical trajectory, turning down significant TV offers in favour of challenging roles in upcoming projects like ‘The Gorge,’ directed by Scott Derrickson and ‘Sacrifice,’ alongside action star Chris Evans, showcasing her ability to excel in action-packed narratives.

Zendaya

Zendaya has become the answer to Hollywood’s burning question of who can truly draw audiences to the theatres. Compared to ’90s icon Julia Roberts in her ability to blend critical acclaim with box office success, Zendaya’s relatively modest filmography belies her immense star power. 

Starting from ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and transitioning to breakout roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Dune’, Zendaya’s allure extends beyond the screen, evident in her high-profile endorsements and successful foray into producing with Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, showcasing her prowess as a multifaceted talent.

-Sushmita Sarkar