Looking Ahead: Rising Stars to Watch in 2024

Although 2024 has already begun, it is worth discussing some stars who have the potential for a big year ahead

Henry Cavill:

Cavill has an exciting year ahead with some anticipated titles in which he will take the lead. 2024 is poised to hopefully signify a comeback year after the devastating news, for some, that he was dropped as Superman and announced his exit from the hit Netflix show, The Witcher. Firstly, opening on February 2, he will star in Matthew Vaughn’s new film, Argylle, as the titular character. Since the release of the first trailer on September 28, 2023, the film has faced much skepticism. While many praised the stellar cast, some downplayed the role of Bryce Dallas Howard’s cat and criticized the trailer for its cheap feel. Despite my doubts, moviegoers will be thirsty for new content after no major releases from January 12 to February 2. Hopefully, this factor can enable it to draw a crowd, but the reported budget of $200 million for an original title does pose a challenge for Argylle.

Opening two months later, Cavill will also lead Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. They previously collaborated in 2015 with The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Despite receiving positive reviews, the film was overshadowed by the success of MI: Rogue Nation and Straight Outta Compton, leading to financial struggles, with only a $105 million worldwide gross against a $75 million budget. Despite recent challenges at the box office, Ritchie's Wrath of Man performed well during the pandemic, but last year's The Covenant, arguably his best film since Snatch, was largely ignored in theaters, though it found an afterlife on streaming.

While the media and online users consistently express their love for Cavill, his film resume is relatively limited, with notable exceptions being his roles as Superman and MI: Fallout. 2024 will be an important year as he takes on various characters that will demonstrate his impact at the box office as a lead.

Aaron-Taylor Johnson:

The trajectory of Johnson’s career has been interesting thus far. He has excelled as a lead in Kick-Ass and Godzilla, as well as a supporting star in Nocturnal Animals and Bullet Train. However, aside from Bullet Train, his recent films have featured him in brief and unmemorable cameos in Tenet and The King’s Man. But at 33 years old, he hopefully still has a long and promising career ahead.

In 2024, there is hope that Johnson will get back on track as he stars in The Fall Guy and Nosferatu in supporting roles, and takes on the titular anti-hero in Kraven The Hunter. Similar to Cavill’s situation, none of these films seem like sure-fire hits, but it is gratifying to see Johnson taking chances with roles that might enhance his recognition among audiences. Who knows, if all goes well in 2024, the rumors of Johnson being our next James Bond might just turn out to be true.

Zendaya:

Since her breakout role as Mary Jane in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Zendaya has been steadily gaining popularity, attracting new fans on a continuous basis. Euphoria significantly elevated her status, and with roles alongside Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two and leading Challengers, 2024 holds the potential to propel her to new heights. Dune: Part Two seems to be a safe bet, but the question remains: By how much can it surpass its predecessor at $108.3 million domestic and $402 million worldwide.

In contrast, Challengers faces less optimistic prospects as it looks to present itself as an original dark comedy. Independent films have encountered challenges at the box office recently, but with an intriguing premise and a likable actress like Zendaya, this has the potential to succeed, similar to recent original films like Anyone But You and The Beekeeper. If Challengers performs on par with No Hard Feelings ($50 million domestically), it would be considered a win in my book.

Much like how audiences flocked to see No Hard Feelings for Jennifer Lawrence, viewers may head to theaters for Challengers to see Zendaya. Without her in the lead, the film might struggle theatrically or end up only on streaming platforms. Hollywood's confidence in Zendaya is satisfying, and regardless of what the future holds for her, the intrigue persists due to her undeniable talent and the genuine appeal she holds with audiences.

Austin Butler:

After his portrayal of Elvis Presley, many touted Austin Butler as Hollywood's next biggest star. However, my skepticism persists. While his performance in Elvis was electrifying, it was just one role. Beyond that, his recent filmography includes a cameo in The Dead Don’t Die and a small role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. To prove that his success in Elvis was no fluke, Butler needs a standout 2024 to solidify himself as a future leading man.

Similar to Zendaya, Dune: Part Two appears to be a safe hit, and after viewing the initial trailers, I am particularly intrigued by Butler's role as the villainous Feyd-Rautha. However, the ultimate test for him will be The Bikeriders, set to release on June 21. While quality is not a concern, as indicated by the positive reviews from critics after its screenings (originally slated for a December 2023 release), director Jeff Nichols has not produced many financially successful films. Compounded by The Bikeriders carrying a hefty budget of $40 million, this feels like the kind of film that may be overlooked by audiences in theaters. Thus, The Bikeriders will serve as a test for Butler and Tom Hardy to gauge their box office strength when not portraying well-known and iconic characters.

Glen Powell:

Following the breakout success of Anyone But You, Powell has been garnering attention, and I am keen to see how his career unfolds in 2024. Unfortunately, his film Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater, will not see a theatrical release (thanks to Netflix), but it has generated stellar buzz from various festivals where it premiered. A recent teaser trailer has also sparked casual interest with its intriguing concept and rather mysterious premise. Additionally, Powell is set to lead in Twisters, a remake of the 1996 smash hit, Twister. While details about this production are limited, I am cautiously optimistic. Success in Twisters could be a significant step in the right direction for Powell, positioning him as one of Hollywood’s future stars involved in two big franchises.

Even though he was not the lead in Top Gun: Maverick, audiences embraced Powell's role as Hangman, and there is currently a noticeable increase in discussions surrounding a potential Top Gun 3. This positive reception suggests an upward trajectory for Powell in the industry.

Ana de Armas:

With several years of experience as a likable and charismatic supporting character, Ana De Armas is ready to step into the spotlight this summer with Ballerina: A John Wick Story. While we have seen glimpses of her as an action star in No Time To Die and The Gray Man, this film will put her front and center, capturing our full attention. It is refreshing to see her return to theatrical films after several recent direct-to-streaming releases like Blonde, Ghosted, and Deep Water. While there is minimal information about Ballerina, current expectations are for it to perform moderately well. However, there is some skepticism given that Len Wiseman is set to direct. Apart from Live Free or Die Hard, which was a fun and enjoyable action vehicle, his filmography lacks many critically acclaimed movies.

Unlike other spin-offs within the same universe as their predecessors, such as XXX: State of the Union, Men In Black International, or The Bourne Legacy, which missed the mark or outright bombed, Ballerina aims to leverage the goodwill from the John Wick series to build hype and anticipation. The reported return of Keanu Reeves to star in the film also works in favor of Armas, as it shares the emphasis and attention between them rather than solely placing it on her new character. This collaboration with the established John Wick franchise adds an extra layer of appeal and confidence for the success of Ballerina.

Lupita Nyong’o:

Lupita Nyong’o delivered a knockout performance as the lead in Jordan Peele’s Us almost four years ago. However, since then, aside from another great turn as Nakia in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, her career has not experienced significant growth, especially after starring as a lead in the critically and financially panned The 355. Nevertheless, I am very excited about what she can bring to the table in A Quiet Place: Day One. Nyong’o faces a substantial role to fill, as Emily Blunt set a very high standard as the lead in previous A Quiet Place entries.

Despite this challenge, Nyong’o has showcased her charisma and talent in other films such as The Queen of Katwe, Little Monsters, and 12 Years a Slave. These performances instill confidence that she can approach or potentially exceed the likes of Blunt. The anticipation for A Quiet Place: Day One lies not only in the continuation of the successful franchise but also in Nyong’o's ability to infuse depth and intensity into her role, thereby adding a new layer to the story.

Conclusion:

While some stars projected for a big year, like Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool 3, IF), Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux), Steve Carell (Despicable Me 4, IF), and Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Part Two), have already broken out or recently rose to fame, in this piece, I aim to highlight actors and actresses who have not yet attained the same level of stardom as leads compared to these four.

Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree, and if there are any other rising stars that should be mentioned!

By: WannaB.O. Junior Intern Jack