2014 is already promising to be quite a year for the cinema, with tons of high-profile films slated to be released in the summer and fall. Some action films, some Oscar-baiting drama, some comedy. But they all share one thing in common: their potential to be the launching pad for Hollywood's hottest new talent. Somewhere out there, a few select jobbing actors are about to have a fantastic year. Each major blockbuster hit carries with it the opportunity for breakout performances. We saw it back in 2010, when Jennifer Lawrence became a superstar virtually overnight with her performance in Winter's Bone, and even as recently as 2013, when Lupita Nyong'o's turn in 12 Years a Slave made her an industry darling. These actors have been working consistently over the past few years, but are poised to make a major splash in Hollywood this year. With major releases on the horizon, their careers could potentially be launched into the stratosphere...
10. Tom Holland
Tom Holland got his start performing in the West End production of Billy Elliot, which means that he's a triple threat; he's equally comfortable singing and dancing as he is acting. He blew us all away in last year's The Impossible, where he starred alongside Naomi Watts as an English teenager trying to find his family during the Boxing Day Tsunami. He was the emotional center of the film, as he desperately tried to get help for his severely injured mother, while at the same time locating his father and brothers. In a lot of ways, the performance was reminiscent of Christian Bale's phenomenal turn in Empire of the Sun. Up next for Holland, now 18, is a supporting role in Heart of the Sea, where he'll be playing the younger version of Brendan Gleeson and performing alongside actors such as Chris Hemsworth, Ben Whishaw, and Cillian Murphy. With any luck, he'll follow in his fellow Billy Elliot child star Jamie Bell's footsteps, and continue to work, surrounding himself with good actors and good projects. We've got a lot to look forward to from this young actor.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
