Variety released a fascinating article today about how Timothee Chalamet's alleged salary increase for the next Dune film proves that he is the hottest new A-list actor of today. That made me think: who are the other modern A-list actors? The days of Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Leo DiCaprio are dwindling. We want hot, new A-listers who are going to make the prestige films of tomorrow. So who are they? Let's take some looks.
First of all: what makes an A-list actor? Banking on them at the box office is a HUGE way to tell an A-list actor within the industry. They want to know that if they cast this hot talent for a high price that they will make their money back and then some. Between that and talent and popularity, A-list stardom is coveted and respected in the industry. Here are the next crop of A-list actors:
Timothee Chalamet
Timothee Chalamet is rolling in riches between Wonka and Dune alone in the past year and they say he's going to get a big bump in his salary once a Dune: Part Three contract gets drawn up. It's undeniable that Timothee Chalamet is the hottest young actor of today.
Glen Powell
Glen Powell is SO hot right now. Variety also called him out for being a new A-lister because he's charming, sexy, and his films have made so much money in the past few years. He and Sydney Sweeney are being praised for "bringing back" the romantic comedy after they starred together in Anyone But You. It's clear that Hollywood wants Glen Powell badly after his massive success...and those massive glutes.
Jharrel Jerome
I am personally banking on Jharrel Jerome to soon become an A-lister. The young star was first beloved in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight, but now that he's older and wiser he has starred in the series I'm a Virgo. What you likely don't realize is that he is the voice of Miles G. Morales in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. He has another Spider-Man movie and a biopic on his docket and I think there's more to come for him.
Tom Holland
Speaking of Spider-Man, we would be remiss not to mention Tom Holland's star. Tom Holland is incredible famous for his work as Spider-Man, but since he's stepped down from that role he has been trying his hand at difficult dramas - and it turns out that he is good at it. He is returning to the Spider-Man universe with an upcoming film, so he'll have us all leaving webs in our pants soon.
Paul Mescal
The Irish actor is so hot right now. The Normal People actor has proven himself as a Real Actor. He held his own alongside Andrew Scott in All of Us Strangers and had me in tears for his performance in Aftersun. Look at his IMDB and you will see he's about to be a huge star. From a musical to Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal is about to show us that he can do it all.
Barry Keoghan
Oh, did you want Irish actors? Barry Keoghan is the Irish actor who is being praised for the way he handles complex roles. He can play funny dullards like he did in The Green Knight and Banshees of Inishirin and he can do Marvel and he can play sickos like he did in Killing of a Sacred Deer and Saltburn. Director Emerald Fennell called him the best actor of his generation and after his surprisingly sexy and complicated villain role in Saltburn, Barry is a highly in-demand actor.
Steven Yeun
The respect for Steven Yeun has been steadily rising over the years and his role in the Oscar-nominated film Minari helped that a lot. But after starring in BEEF, Steven Yeun is highly in demand. He swept up the awards for his performance as a rage-filled guy getting revenge - Emmy's, Golden Globes, Critics Choice, People's Choice, and SAG Awards to name a few. I contend that the scene of him in church is THE BEST acting that I saw in all of 2023. Hands down. Sorry, Cillian Murphy. It's safe to say that Steven in your project is going to get eyes on it!
Jacob Elordi
Finally, Jacob Elordi might be the poster child for a hot actor. This chiseled Aussie made everyone squeal on Euphoria, but he is now a bonafide star after taking on the role of Elvis in Priscilla. Not only that, but he was the hot boy toy in Saltburn and now everyone wants him to be a love interest. He has SIX projects coming up, including Frankenstein in which he will shockingly play Frankenstein's Monster. I'm sure he'll still make it sexy!
