15 Breakout Stars to Watch for in 2014
We can’t wait for what looks like an excellent and intriguing film slate for 2014. So much to see!
But not only will we be discovering new characters and galaxies and such, we’ll also be discovering a whole new a slew of potential movie stars, from Hollywood royalty (Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Wyatt Russell) to TV-turned-movie actors (Joel Kinnaman, Dylan O’Brien) to R.Pattz-like heartthrobs (Theo James, Ansel Elgort).
Here are 15 actors we think you should keep an eye on for their scene-stealing potential in 2014.
15. Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, “Maleficent”
Fittingly, Vivienne is making her big-screen debut opposite mom Angelina Jolie. In “Maleficent,” Vivienne is the young princess Aurora (Elle Fanning plays grown-up Aurora) and was cast in large part due to the fact that she is the only youngster who wasn’t scared of Jolie in her fearsome Maleficent garb.
14. Ed Oxenbould, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”
Relative newcomer Oxenbould is the one to watch in Disney’s movie adaptation of Judith Viorst’s beloved children’s book. He has that special charisma that makes him sympathetic and likable, and he’ll stand out even among the many familiar faces in the film, like Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, and Disney star Bella Thorne.
13. Mackenzie Davis, “That Awkward Moment,” “The F Word”
Although the current ad campaign for “The Awkward Moment” is very much centered around its three male stars — Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, and Miles Teller — when you see the movie you will remember and want to see more of supporting player Mackenzie Davis. Luckily you won’t have to wait too long as she also appears in the Daniel Radcliffe-led romantic comedy “The F Word,” which is set to hit theaters this year.
12. Tony Revolori, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
While Wes Anderson’s “Grand Budapest Hotel” is chock full of A-list actors (including Ralph Fiennes, Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson), there’s room for Tony Devolori to shine as lobby boy Zero Moustafa.
[Related: 2014 Movie Preview: The 40 Films We’re Most Excited About]
11. Wyatt Russell, “22 Jump Street”
This former professional hockey player-turned-actor is also the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. So he has a lot going for him without the added excitement that he is one of the featured players opposite Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill in “22 Jump Street.” Be ready for Russell and Tatum’s easy and adorable onscreen bromance to warm your heart.
10. Dave Bautista, “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Don’t let his pre-Hollywood résumé full of professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, and bodybuilding fool you, Bautista is a gentle giant who was practically made to play the role of the vengence-seeking Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s next big thing, “The Guardians of the Galaxy.”
9. Nelsan Ellis, “Get On Up”
Fans of HBO’s vampire soap “True Blood” are very well acquainted with Ellis’s scene-stealing abilities, as are those who have seen “The Help,” in which he had a small role. We’re hoping that his turn as Bobby Byrd in the James Brown biopic “Get on Up,” which reunites him with “Help” director Tate Taylor, will help solidify Ellis’s cinematic potential.
8. Dylan O’Brien, “The Maze Runner”
If you’ve been watching MTV’s re-imagined TV series “Teen Wolf,” you are well aware of Dylan O’Brien’s scene-stealing charm. This year we finally get to see him in a leading role with franchise potential in the big-screen adaptation of James Dasher’s popular novel “The Maze Runner.”
7. Nicola Peltz, “Transformers: Age of Extinction”
It wasn’t that long ago that we were introduced to Peltz, but she has certainly grown up in the years since making a splash in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender.” In 2014 you’ll still be able to catch her on the small screen in “Bates Motel,” but also as the feisty femme fatale and Mark Wahlberg’s daughter in “Transformers: Age of Extinction.” Could she be the next Megan Fox?
6. Joel Kinnaman, “RoboCop”
Yes, you’ve very likely seen Joel Kinnaman before, either on the small screen in “The Killing” or in various big-screen roles, but we think 2014 is his big breakout year because he is “RoboCop.” And just look at those eyes, there is something sincere and compelling there, perfect for a man who struggles with also being a machine.
[Related: The 13 Biggest Breakout Stars of 2013]
5. Kaya Scodelario, “The Maze Runner”
This British beauty was once rumored to be in line to play Katniss in “The Hunger Games,” but we’re much happier with the way things turned out so that now Scodelario, who made a name for herself across the pond in “Skins,” can be the sole leading lady opposite O’Brien in “The Maze Runner.”
4. Ansel Elgort, “The Fault in Our Stars" and "Divergent”
We can pretty much guarantee that newcomer Ansel Elgort is going to make you cry this year. Not so much via his performance in “Divergent,” but in the weepy teen cancer romance “The Fault in Our Stars.”
3. Zoey Deutch, “Vampire Academy”
No, “Vampire Academy” isn’t “Twilight,” there just happen to be a few similarities. Like that it’s based on a very popular book series and involves vampires, attractive and angsty teenagers, going to school, etc. Zoey Deutch plays half human/vampire leading lady Rose Hathaway.
2. Douglas Booth, “Noah,” “Jupiter Ascending,” “Posh”
If you missed this handsome rising star in last year’s adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet" opposite Hailee Steinfield, don’t fret because you will have three different opportunities to catch his talent this year. Be ready for the London native to catch your eye in three buzzworthy films: "Noah," "Jupiter Ascending" and "Posh."
1. Theo James, “Divergent”
If like us, you first noticed (and appreciated) this handsome gentleman fighting vampires and werewolves in “Underworld: Awakening,” James’s casting as the strong-but-sympathetic romantic hero Four in “Divergent” was good news for everyone. We’re thinking 2014 will officially put him on the Hollywood Star Radar.
