Out of all the actors on this list, Jack O'Connell is probably the one whose future is the most uncertain. He got his start in the popular film This is England, and later garnered attention for his work as James Cook (or simply Cook, as he's known to his friends) beginning on the third season of Skins. But let's be realistic...he's got a lot riding on how well Unbroken does when it hits theaters later this week. So far, there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic. Director Angelina Jolie is a major media darling, and early reviews have been singing praises for her film in general, but especially the performance of her leading man, Jack O'Connell. He certainly doesn't hold anything back as he takes on the physically and emotionally exhausting role of an Olympic athlete who goes through hell as a prisoner of war during World War II. If the film does well on its Christmas Day opening (always a popular release date for sentimental tearjerkers), we could be looking at a young actor very much in demand.
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.
