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Who Has the Screen Presence to Replace our Fading Screen Icons?

By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under Comment Diversions | Comments (62)

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A reader of ours, Tim, brought up a seriously random list suggestion a couple of months ago asking who are the best actors under the age of 30, as opposed to the biggest stars under 30. There is a world of difference. In June, I put together a list of the most promising talent under the age of 25, but with the exception of one (Carey Mulligan), I don’t really see any of them replacing our fading screen icons, people like Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Angelina Jolie, and Julia Roberts.

Our biggest stars today are seemingly the same stars from ten years ago, and Hollywood has been reluctant to replace them, which is why romantic comedies are still populated by the likes of Jennifer Aniston. Look at that header pic: Jolie is the youngest (34), and then Diaz (38), while the rest are in their 40s and 50s. How much longer can they hold the attention of the younger generation?

The last decade hasn’t given us a lot of A-list talent: The big blockbusters that rely on star power to sell tickets keep using the same 10 actors. And while those actors have varying levels of talent, they all command a certain amount of screen presence. Like them or not, they own the screen.

So, today’s comment diversion asks, simply: Who, of the under 30 crowd, has the actual screen presence to replace someone like Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks? Who of the younger generation will Hollywood deem the new Hanks or Roberts? Can Emma Stone really pull that off? Can Robert Patinson? Hell, I don’t even think JGL could pull off the major tentpole that revolves around his name on a movie poster.

What do you folks say?









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Comments

Personally, I think we've reached a point where the stars are preexisting properties or concepts. People don't go to see any one except maybe Sandra Bullock, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, or Will Smith these days. They go to see Transformers or a remake or vampires. In some cases, I think directors like Tim Burton or Christopher Nolan can be a bigger draw than any actor.

Posted by: Will at September 9, 2010 3:23 PM

.... Angelina Jolie is actually TEN years younger than I thought she was? Seriously?

And I like to think JGL has enough talent and charisma to be a big star, but then again that just might be wishful thinking. I adore him.

Posted by: Holly at September 9, 2010 3:25 PM

SHIA!

okay, I deserve whatever you throw at me.

Posted by: Withnails at September 9, 2010 3:26 PM

Daniel Radcliffe.

Wait

never mind

Posted by: Ian at September 9, 2010 3:26 PM

Jesus Christ, 30's is "fading" now? Let me grab my walker and toddle on up to the compuwhatzit to speak my piece, ya damn whippersnapper.

I agree with Hanks and Roberts but I don't think I would throw Jolie and DiCaprio in the rubbish bin just yet. There is considerable "younger" talent out there but by eliminating the 30's set (like Amy Adams) you are skipping over a huge pool of talented and rising stars.

Also, I don't think movies rely on "star power" at all any more. I really don't. They seem to be more and more about the gimmick of the plot rather than who is actually speaking the lines. Would it have mattered at the box office is Transformers replaced any of the human stars? What about Inception? I just think the idea that certain actors can "open" a movie big is quickly becoming a flawed ideology.

Posted by: TylerDFC at September 9, 2010 3:27 PM

The old movie stars had uniqueness. They didn't look like anyone else, and they didn't sound like anyone else. They had voices you could recognize with your eyes closed. Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, Kathryn Hepburn, Barbara Stanwick, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Roselyn Russell, etc. etc.

I couldn't tell that lot up there apart with my eyes closed. I can't tell the under 30 crowd apart with my eyes open.

Posted by: BWeaves at September 9, 2010 3:28 PM

Chris Pine.

And Emma Stone is hilarious. She's got a really great presence.

Posted by: Ashley at September 9, 2010 3:29 PM

I'm down with Emma Stone, and I still stand by James McAvoy. Most of our A-listers nowadays didn't really hit it super-big until they're, say, early-30s anyway, right?

Posted by: Cadet at September 9, 2010 3:32 PM

MCAVOY!!!!

Posted by: coveredinbees at September 9, 2010 3:35 PM

Ryan Gosling for Brad Pitt?

Although if he's not over 30, he is 30.

Posted by: zygomatique at September 9, 2010 3:36 PM

I'm gonna co-sign on Ryan Gosling.

He hasn't been in a film for ages, but I still think he's on the verge.

Posted by: Mol at September 9, 2010 3:49 PM

I think good ole Ryan Reynolds is doing a pretty decent job. Not under 30, but I'm not sure you can even get a good, mainstream script in Hollywood if you are under 30. All these younger stars are loved for their work in smaller films.

Undortunately, kids, Shia is the main person I can think of under thirty. They've been comparing him to Hanks since he hit the scene.

Posted by: professor_love at September 9, 2010 3:49 PM

I like Kat Dennings. Don't know if she has the range to keep adding titles to her imdb page for 20 years, but I don't think I'll lose interest in her any time soon either.

Posted by: abby_wan_kenobi at September 9, 2010 3:49 PM

I can.

C'mon Hollywood, let's do this.

I don't need this 9am Calculus shit. I've got great presence. And my grandmother is always telling me how handsome I am.

Posted by: D-Day at September 9, 2010 3:52 PM

Anton Yelchin.
Emile Hirsch.

Done.

Fuck Shia LaBouef.

Posted by: penelope at September 9, 2010 3:53 PM

I really think Emma Watson has some potential. Chloe Moretz seems to have some chops, and for guys.....

other than RyRy and the Gosling and the Pine? I got.....

Posted by: dammitjanet at September 9, 2010 3:56 PM

Natalie Portman seems to be going for A-list fame. She does blockbusters, followed by a few high-brow indies, and spends plenty of time at fashion shows working on being famous for being famous.

And though it pains me to say this, look for Blake Lively to be making a push in this direction, too.

Posted by: hindulovegod at September 9, 2010 3:57 PM

Abigail Breslin!! Little Miss Sunshine, Definitely, Maybe and Zombieland. 3 titles in my permanant collection before she can drive. Very promising.

Posted by: abby_wan_kenobi at September 9, 2010 4:04 PM

Agreed with coveredinbees, James McAvoy clearly has talent, and lends instant charisma to anything he shows up in. Even though he seemed out of place in Wanted.

There's also Pajiba favorite Levitt of course.

On the gal side, hmm. I dunno. Honestly I think that Stewart gal might surprise us - she seems determine to try to find roles where she actually has to act, to distance herself from banging vampires, so maybe she'll get around to doing it someday.

Portman maybe, she's certainly smart enough to do it. She just can't seem to turn the corner to broad appeal.

-Frob

Posted by: frobme at September 9, 2010 4:05 PM

Amanda Seyfried

Posted by: Sassy at September 9, 2010 4:10 PM

AnnaSophia Robb has both the looks and the talent to make it big if she gets the right movies

Chloe Moretz is already on her way and I think she might become more then the hype and turn into a heavy weight actor

Amanda Seyfried seems to be the one destined to violently stomped Julie Roberts and Jennifer Aniston(although I don't see Aniston as being an actually big start worthy of replacement)

There is of course Anne Hathway. She has already wormed her way into the semi big times

And I have high hopes for Jaimie Alexander. She has the looks and is good at both action and drama . Thor might be the thing that launches her carrer into the big times

And of course I have no doubt that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is going to be huge

Posted by: Lex at September 9, 2010 4:24 PM

Agreed with the people who said Chris Pine (although as of last month he is no longer under 30). He has a certain alpha male magnetism sans the vapid, nothing-behind-the-eyes look of your Channing Tatums.

Posted by: Hector at September 9, 2010 4:29 PM

For the men:
Joseph Gordon Levitt.
Ben Foster.
Anton Yelchin.
Emile Hirsch.
Brandon T. Jackson. (if he can transform funny into serious acting.)
Cameron Bright. (but where did he go?)
Jeremy Renner.

For the ladies
Dakota Fanning.
Evan Rachel Wood.
Amanda Seyfried.
Zoe Saldana.
Rosario Dawson.
Abigail Breslin.
Emma Stone.

Contenders:
Kristen Stewart - She had potential...then Twilight happened and I can only see Hollywood slapping her apathetic face on over-hyped, crappy, big-budget films.
Jay Baruchel - I like him, I really do. But I don't really know about his future.
Jake Gyllenhaal - Everyone liked this kid, but in my opinion, he fell off when he began dating StrongJaw Witherspoon.
Blake Lively - If I can be real, I like her brother a lot more. She's a pretty face, but I don't know about her acting chops just yet.

I DARE YOU TO ARGUE WITH THAT LIST. IT'S FUCKING IMPECCABLE!*

*Disclaimer: Please don't argue with that list, I have little to no sef-esteem and cannot take critiques that are even mildly insulting.

Posted by: Brittany at September 9, 2010 4:55 PM

ALSO! - As many of you have stated, James McAvoy, Ryan Gosling, Chloe Moretz, and Eva Amurri. I have such a thing for Ms. Amurri.

Posted by: Brittany at September 9, 2010 4:59 PM

I swear Angelina Jolie has been 34 for an age. I seem to be catching her up. I don't get the Emma Stone love. Mostly I keep getting her mixed up with Emma Roberts. (not that ive seen a film shes been in.) She's the one from Zombieland yes? She didn't do much for me, even bordered on annoying.

Posted by: Carrie at September 9, 2010 5:03 PM

Oh but Ryan Gosling definitely. Dude should be in more stuff, I mean, have you seen Lars and the Real Girl? Killed me.

Posted by: Carrie at September 9, 2010 5:05 PM

I don't know who she'll replace but Rashida Jones will be a force to be reckoned with.

Posted by: ceejeemcbeegee at September 9, 2010 5:07 PM

Brittany, that list is damn near perfect. Even before your plea from being spared the wrath of other Pajibans, I was thinking, "She won me with Ben Foster...and won me again with Amanda Seyfried." Very cool. You're my new favorite person.

Posted by: superasente at September 9, 2010 5:39 PM

While he is primarily known for his role as Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk, on Tudors, I would suggest Henry Cavill. His presence and performance on Tudors is mesmerizing. Next year could be telling with 'Immortals' and 'The Cold Light of Day' coming out whether he can captivate on the big screen.

Posted by: Dome'loki at September 9, 2010 5:50 PM

I will take a flier, how about Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy).

He just turned 20, and some experts (I know) said that he could be the one that emerges from the Potter franchise with hope for a career beyond this first major role.

Posted by: richmac at September 9, 2010 6:03 PM

Sorry, check that, he is turning 23. Felton has 4 roles after the Potter series in one form of production or another.

Posted by: richmac at September 9, 2010 6:06 PM

Brittany, I'd like to see some of that black on white action with Amurri. It's just like what the spambots are always posting about.

Posted by: Porkchop Express at September 9, 2010 6:19 PM

Another vote for Brittany! Who the hell is picking Jake's scripts these days?

Posted by: Matthew at September 9, 2010 6:23 PM

Emily Blunt, anybody? She's in her late 20s.

Posted by: SB at September 9, 2010 6:27 PM

I think Carey Mulligan is indeed the only obvious one right now, even given the fact that she's British and therefore not "natural Hollywood" material: maybe she'll take the role of Kidman in that header pic, ie the one who is not American but from an English speaking background.

Other than that, it's hard to say who of the 18-25s will make it because they're all still a little low-profile, and I think you're right in saying that no-one in the immediately post Cruise/Depp/Aniston generation has quite parlayed their work into a next-in-line role (though I still hold out hope for Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhall, even if they've done some poor work recently). Ellen Page? Seems as good a bet as any right now.

Posted by: scarecrowprophet at September 9, 2010 6:46 PM

I know people here hate her, but Keira Knightley. Go tell her to eat a sammich all you want, but she's in for the long haul, unless she gets married and puts on 60 pounds and has a couple kids and just disappears from movies altogether. Also agree with Dakota Fanning.

As for a Cruise or Hanks replacement... I agree with those who've mentioned James McAvoy, Ryan Gosling or Ben Foster. All those dudes rule. And they're all kinda short, but I don't care.

Posted by: Slash at September 9, 2010 6:54 PM

I'll add a vote for Jeremy Renner, too.

Posted by: Slash at September 9, 2010 6:56 PM

people like dicaprio and will smith are fading? dicaprio only recently started passing for an adult. what does that make george clooney, who last i checked could open a movie.

Posted by: idleprimate at September 9, 2010 6:57 PM

While I admit that I am biased (because I'm a guy) I think Emma Stone has the ability to take some of those rom-com titles from other actresses. Maybe it's just my love of redheads.

I'll co-sign Chloe Moretz, Anton Yelchin, Brandon T. Jackson and Chris Pine.

As for other potentials:

Ben Foster. He's about to turn 30, but he still qualifies and whether in 3:10 to Yuma or The Messenger, he owns any role he takes.

Chris Evans. He's about to star as Captain America. So you could infer that this is his big moment. But he was the best thing in the Fantastic Four movies, one of the funniest thing in Scott Pilgrim and he can also do drama.

Anna Kendrick. As we've seen, she can do drama (Up in the Air), comedy (Scott Pilgrim) and big franchise (Twilight).

Posted by: Fredo at September 9, 2010 7:04 PM

There are none.

Posted by: clancys_daddy at September 9, 2010 7:57 PM

So Will Smith is not an Icon? hmmmmmmm

Posted by: Pookie at September 9, 2010 8:34 PM

Anna Kendrick is a fking bona fide STAR in the making. I'm calling it now.

And Rupert Grint. Someone said Tom Felton would be the breakout HP star, but you see this guy in Wild Target or Cherrybomb and he not only doesn't look like anyone else in in the world, but has the sense of humour and personality to do off-centre roles and shine in them.

Gosling's a given already. I've been waiting for his massive moment since he leant through that car window and Sandra Bullock couldn't resist his murder suspect jailbait.

Someone said Keira Knightley and I agree absolutely. Though I hate her because she's awful and bland and deathly boring in interviews, it's pretty assured that you're a star when your presence alone can sell out an entire theatre run of a so-so play purely cos you're in it. She'll be around for a while. I hate this.

Posted by: Laurie at September 9, 2010 8:50 PM

@Fredo

Gotta agree with the Chris Evans love, but have to add Sunshine to the required Chris Evans watching. I'd only ever seen him in Not another teen movie and Fantastic Four and was rightly impressed by him in a serious role.

Posted by: Ben at September 9, 2010 9:38 PM

jeremy renner is 39 - - he's great but he's a little old be lumped into this 30 and under lot

Posted by: moons at September 9, 2010 11:12 PM

At what point do actors become icons? When did Hanks become Hanks or Depp become Depp? It certainly wasn't when they were in their 20s. I don't think Tom Hanks was on any star list until Big in 1988, and he would have been 32. I don't recall anyone thinking that he was a serious actor until Philadelphia 5 years later. When did Depp become more than an indie darling? Sleepy Hollow (age 35)? Brad Pitt was 32 when Seven came out, although I don't think anyone thought he would have a lasting career until Fight Club came out.

My point - you won't get any idea of who will be the next film icon until someone is past 30. Otherwise, they are just as likely to come from the cast of some crappy CW teen soap as anywhere else.

Posted by: russmunki at September 9, 2010 11:34 PM

Remember that when Clooney was 30 or so he was strictly sitcoms and big hair. And whoever thought that Will Smith could ever open a movie deserves to be rich - that was thinking outside the box, right there,

Amy Adams is going to be huge, but she will always be eating Anne Hathaway's dust.

Posted by: Meander at September 9, 2010 11:59 PM

My point exactly, Meander. Maybe the better question is - who among the 25 - 35 set will end up going the distance? Had Heath Ledger lived, he'd clearly be at the top of the list.

Posted by: russmunki at September 10, 2010 12:11 AM

I think it's safe to say that Heath Ledger cemented his legend with his death. It's sad but true- he's the great "lost actor" of this time. The Oscar sealed that deal.

I'm all over the Ellen Page boat. I know everyone is all about Anna Kendrick as the standout from the Pilgrim movies, but is it just me or could Mary Elizabeth Winstead have a certain dark horse quality to her?

And I think we can say that Jason Schwartzman is this generations Bill Murray. The man has staying power, maybe not the kind that will sell a movie on his own for many, many years, but the kind that, for the next 10 or so years will standout when used in an ensemble.

Can I just say we need to stop and examine the Will Smith role? The man has a distinct role in our collective consciousness, and he will be hard to replace, but I have a small theory. I hate, hate, hate this theory, but the only artist I can think of, who is black, and has that homeboy next door quality with a crossover appeal may be Drake (Aubrey Grahme). Have we seen him in a movie yet? No. We have no idea if he can carry a movie. But there is a large youth audience familiar with his Degrassi work, which actually did provide him with a lot of opportunities to flex his acting muscles. He's gaining mainstream AMERICAN credibility as a hip hop artist, and when he does decide to take the movie route, which he will, all he needs is something kin to Bad Boys (and not take the regrettable 50 Cent type role) and he could gain Will Smith credibility. Granted, he's Canadian.

My other choice for a Will Smith replacement is Tristan Wildes. The boy is growing a small but credible resume and is fucking charismatic. I watch him on screen, no matter what he's in, and I am drawn to look at him for his charisma (not just his dashing good looks).

Posted by: Claire Allison at September 10, 2010 12:56 AM

@Ben: Agreed. Evans in both Sunshine and in Street Kings was good.

Posted by: Fredo at September 10, 2010 6:03 AM

Where did...

Ben Wishaw, Jena Melone, Rinko Kikuchi, Gael García Bernal, Q'orianka Kilcher, Freddie Highmore, Thomas Sangster, Catinca Untaru, Lee Pace, Emma Watson, Dakota Blue Richards and Saoirse Ronan...

... go?

Posted by: Rooks at September 10, 2010 6:13 AM

My picks for female contenders:

Keira Knightley (love it or hate it)
Emily Blunt
Noomi Rapace
Zoe Saldana
Anne Hathaway

And the males:

Emile Hirsch
Paul Dano
JGL, obvs.
...I can't think of much more that hasn't been said.

Posted by: seed at September 10, 2010 10:47 AM

I think Chris Hemsworth. Premature, but I'm betting on it. And I seriously want to be right on this one.

And Natalie Portman. It was fated to happen, since The Professional and Beautiful Girls. Even Star Wars couldn't derail that train.

Posted by: Parker at September 10, 2010 12:11 PM

The top rom-coms of the 2020's will star Selena Gomez.

Posted by: Ossie Frio at September 10, 2010 3:07 PM

Anyone who considers Kristen Stewart aka the Black Hole of charisma an actress should be disqualified from being taken serious.

She plays herself in every damn film, she only got to act because her parents work in the industry. It's not just the acting but the off-putting and dumb personality too.

I feel sick even watching her for a split second and it has nothing to do with Twilight.

Posted by: Sam at September 11, 2010 6:22 AM

I have been thinking about this recently.

Anne Hathaway is a contender but she just hasn't learned how to own the screen. she still shares it. I don't even recognize the rest of the names mentioned here, but for a few. So, are they really headed for icon status? All of the current "icons" and actors don't have just pretty faces, you can't keep your eyes off of of them when they're onscreen. I've yet to experience that with any up and coming actor except, Shia LeBouf and Anne Hathway. But, still, not quite.

I was glad to see in Eat Love Pray that Julia Roberts' hair is thinning with age just like mine.

Posted by: petra at September 11, 2010 8:47 AM

Thanks Superasente, I went out there and gave it 110%.

Posted by: Brittany at September 11, 2010 12:46 PM

Ok. I haven't seen much movies lately. (Been really picky choosing what to watch when going to the theater. Mostly because almost everything showing is garbage). But, is just me or did anyone else have to google 80% of the names suggested to know who the hell they are?

Posted by: MissRos at September 11, 2010 4:36 PM

ditto Brittany's list.

and LOL TylerDFC, I know right? It takes people until their 30 before Hollywood trusts you to open a film. You have to really pay dues and form relationships and kiss a lot of ass, and that shit takes awhile. A few get there earlier, but most just have to wait it out.

And please, Leonardo DiCaprio isn't FADING. My god. He just opened like, four extremely successful films in the last year. Jesus. It's like people hit 35 and the world expects them to just kick the bucket.... "Why don't you just die now and save the suspense?"

Besides, Clint Eastwood has been holding out the "tough guise" niche for, two hundred years. Million Dollar Baby, that one with the Hmongs... it's all good baby. It's all good.

Posted by: Lbees at September 11, 2010 11:23 PM

MICHELLE WILLIAMS.

and mcavoy, obviously.

Posted by: jeannine at September 12, 2010 7:21 AM

This was said already but alot of the 'big name' actors now didn't become big names until they were in their 30's.

Dicaprio, Depp, Hanks etc. Yes they did movies in their 20's but it wasn't really until they became household name's that people went back a watched their earlier films and said 'o THATS who that is.'

Also... look at the age many people in the 'industry' work till today. dicaprio is what?? 39, 40? so? harrison ford makes movies still (kinda :S) and he's what? 99?

Posted by: Tron at September 14, 2010 4:07 AM

While i initially said I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added - checkbox now each time a comment is added I receive four e-mails with the similar comment. Can there be any way it is possible to clear away me from that services? Thanks!

Posted by: Mac nick at January 23, 2011 9:22 PM

I lost 100 pounds. I workout on my treadmill daily. I like to work-out with music. The lyrics I really like best are motivational together with the tempo that varies to the training session i am doing.

Posted by: Mellie Molenda at February 15, 2011 9:26 AM