10 Actors Whose Next Movie Might Be Their Best

Cillian Murphy might finally be Oscar-bound in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer.

Oppenheimer Cillian Murphy
Universal

Hollywood sure isn't an industry for the meek - an actor's career can be made or crushed by one wrong decision, and often it's a decision that's totally out of their hands.

But we all love seeing a talented actor rise through the ranks and deliver their best, most career-defining work to date, as these 10 actors just might with their upcoming projects.

Nothing is ever certain, of course - movies fall short of expectations all the time - but between the inspired source material and talented cast and crew attached, these films just might put these actors at the top of their game.

In some cases it'll see them enjoy mightier box office success than they ever could've imagined, while in others there's a good chance it'll net them their share of awards glory, and for the more quiet cult gems among the lot, it'll quietly confirm their sublime acting talent to those who dare to watch.

From acclaimed actors who just keep climbing higher to on-the-rise performers who finally seem set to make their mark on the industry, each is primed to deliver their career-best work within the next year-or-so...

10. Dwayne Johnson - Black Adam

Oppenheimer Cillian Murphy
Warner Bros.

As charismatic and badass as The Rock might be, it's fair to say that he doesn't exactly have a pile of critically revered smash hit movies to his name - his career to date is largely defined by commercially successful, low-investment blockbusters that received mixed reviews from critics.

But Dwayne Johnson just might change that with Black Adam, where he'll portray the iconic DC anti-hero in a film that will allegedly shift the very power hierarchy of the DC Extended Universe.

Johnson is basically a real-life action figure and so casting him as the arch-nemesis of the Justice League makes a whole lot of sense.

After all, if Black Adam is going to be a palpable threat to the likes of Superman and Shazam in future movies, only an actor of Johnson's stature will truly suffice.

But given the utterly uneven state of the DCEU, audiences couldn't really be blamed for keeping their expectations low. And yet, according to reputable leaker ViewerAnon, Black Adam was test-screened last December and went down well with attendees.

With rock solid director Jaume Collet-Serra (Jungle Cruise) helming, Black Adam could deliver a career-redefining hit for Johnson that's positively received by both critics and audiences alike.

If nothing else, seeing Johnson in something other than a totally generic jungle-faring action-adventure movie will be a welcome change, especially in a superhero movie with as off-kilter potential as Black Adam.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.