Worst2First: The Breakout Film Stars of 2017
Worst2First:
The Breakout Film Stars of 2017
Here are my personal top ten breakout stars of 2017, worst2first (not based off their overall talent, but on their performances this year).
**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**
#10
Sofia Boutella
One of the more recognizable faces on the list, Sofia appeared in previous blockbuster films "Kingsman: The Secret Service" and "Star Trek: Beyond," but 2017 was her stellar year. She took on the titular role of "The Mummy," and while the film itself was a natural disaster, her performance was one of (basically only) the high points of the film. She followed that with starring opposite Charlize Theron in the action thriller "Atomic Blonde," and fully cemented herself as Hollywood's next action heroine. She's due to appear in the films "Hotel Artemis" and the remake of "Fahrenheit 451."
#9
Amandla Stenberg
You may remember her as everyone's lovable tribute Rue in "The Hunger Games," but now Amandla Stenberg is all grown up and ready to tackle more grown-up films. Her natural beauty shines in the otherwise humdrum "Everything, Everything," and she carries herself like a young Viola Davis. She will easily be more recognizable as the years go on, and she's set to appear in "The Hate You Give" and "The Darkest Minds."
#8
Tom Holland
When Marvel finally got the rights to Spider-Man back, it was a no-brainer to reboot the franchise (yet again), and this time they actually went with an actor who looks like he could be in high school. Tom Holland's natural boyish charm and aloofness endeared him to the Spidey-suit, and became the best iteration of Spider-Man on film. His stock is only rising, as he's due to appear next to pretty much every Marvel superhero in "The Avengers: Infinity War" and his upcoming solo sequel.
#7
Zendaya
Although she's been known for being an excellent singer and star of The Disney Channel's "K.C. Undercover," in 2017 Zendaya took to the big screen in a big way. First she starred opposite Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" as the tough-as-nails Michelle, and then in "The Greatest Showman" opposite Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, a film that's garnering Oscar buzz. She's currently working on the next "Spider-Man" film.
#6
Bill Skarsgard
The last name Skarsgard might sound familiar, as you've seen Bill's father Stellan in films such as "Thor," and his brother Alexander in the hit television series "True Blood," but 2017 belonged to the Swedish born actor. After Will Poulter backed out of the Stephen King-adaped "It," Skarsgard donned the wig and makeup to play the maniacal demon Pennywise the Dancing Clown. His performance was heralded (as was the movie itself) as one of the best performances of the year, due to his overall creepy nature (fun fact: when Pennywise's eyes move in unnatural ways, it's not effects, but rather Bill's odd ability to do that in real life). Look for Skarsgard to scare up some more children (and adults) in the next chapter of "It."
#5
The Children of "It"
In order to have a successful horror movie, you need characters you can relate to and root for. The seven children of "It" (Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer and Wyatt Oleff) not only encapsulated that trait, but also brought us adults back to our own childhood memories: riding our bikes through town, exploring unknown places, being hunted down by an other-worldy demon (alright, maybe not that last part). It's amazing that most of these children (with the exception of Finn Wolfhard, who also appears in "Stranger Things") have hardly done any acting before. Their natural chemistry made us want to be a part of their Loser's Club, and they'll all be back together again in the next "It" film.
#4
Daniel Kaluuya
When comedian Jordan Peele announced he was going to write and direct a purely horror film, people were skeptical of the outcome. They shouldn't have been, because "Get Out" was more than just a traditional horror movie. It touched on the subject of racism in America and showed that people aren't always what they appear to be. Young newcomer Daniel Kaluuya emerged as an acting force, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his work (and rumor has it, he's in strong contention for an Oscar nomination, something relatively unheard of for a horror film). His stock is only rising, as he's due to star as W'Kabi in "The Black Panther" in February.
#3
Dafne Keen
The film "Logan" took the superhero subgenre and turned it on its head. Instead of epic CGI fights and silly costumes, we were given a thought-provoking drama filled with Oscar-worthy performances, especially by Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart. Yet it's newcomer Dafne Keen - who plays Logan's surrogate daughter Laura - who stole the show. Every part Wolverine, Laura wasn't afraid to get into the fray and bust a few heads (or lob them off). There's talks of expounding Laura's story for a future X-Men series, and I hope that happens, because she was absolute perfection.
#2
Barry Keoghan
Irish born actor Barry Keoghan had an amazing year, appearing in not one, but two, critically acclaimed films. First he starred in the Christopher Nolan World War II film "Dunkirk," where he didn't have a huge role, yet it was still very memorable. He would follow that up with a knockout performance in the tense psychological thriller "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" opposite veterans Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman. He's next due to appear in films "Black 47" and "American Animals."
#1
Timothee Chalamet
Although he's appeared in the television series "Homeland" and "Royal Pains," Timothee Chalamet really cemented a name for himself in 2017. He co-starred alongside Saoirse Ronan in the critical darling "Lady Bird," and then took center stage in the coming-of-age film "Call Me By Your Name," which was one of the best films of the year. His performance was powerful, and garnered him a Golden Globe nomination, and will undoubtedly also earn an Oscar nod as well. Not bad for a twenty-two year old kid. 
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