A quick search for “action stars” online reveals a list of names that are mostly male, white, and older in age. From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sylvester Stallone, these action veterans have been dominating the genre for decades. However, industry insiders are calling for the emergence of a new generation of action stars who can bring freshness and diversity to the genre.
Fred Kogel, CEO of German film and TV group Leonine, recognizes the need for new stars in the action genre. He believes that it’s up to the industry to build up new stars with the right physicality, looks, and acting skills. Jeffrey Greenstein, CEO of Millennium, echoes this sentiment, stating that there is a need for stars who can fill iconic roles left behind by the likes of Stallone and Schwarzenegger.
To identify potential new action stars, The Hollywood Reporter consulted industry experts and compiled a list of 25 names. These actors range from rising talents who have already shown their action chops to established actors who may be ready to transition into the ass-kicking world. Here are just a few of the potential new action stars:
Sala Baker, a New Zealand actor, started his career as a stuntman and bit part actor in Hollywood blockbusters. He has played henchmen in films like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and The Mandalorian. Finally, with a major role as a key villain in the upcoming film The Killer, Baker has the chance to showcase his talent as an action star.
Gabriel Basso gained recognition as the lead in Netflix’s The Night Agent, a spy thriller that garnered a huge audience upon its release. Basso’s performance as a lowly FBI agent caught up in a government conspiracy showed his potential as an action star.
Zazie Beetz has proven her range as an actress with roles in blockbusters like Joker and Deadpool 2. She has also had some action scenes in films like The Harder They Fall and Bullet Train. Beetz is ready to take on a leading role in an action movie.
Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role in the hit series Stranger Things, has already proven her ability to front a franchise with films like Godzilla and Enola Holmes. Her upcoming film Damsel, in which she plays a sword-wielding princess, could further solidify her status as an action star.
Ana de Armas, known for her role as a Bond girl in No Time To Die, showcased her action skills in the film’s intense fight scenes. She will also star in the John Wick spin-off Ballerina, where she will play a young assassin. With these projects, de Armas is set to become a leading lady in the action genre.
These are just a few of the potential new action stars identified by The Hollywood Reporter. Others include Sope Dorisu, a British actor who impressed audiences with his role in Gangs of London, and Maxwell Jacob Friedman, a professional wrestler who could make the transition from the ring to the big screen.
The need for new action stars is evident, as the current roster of veterans is starting to show signs of fatigue. With fresh blood and diverse talents, the action genre can continue to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of what is possible on screen. As the industry focuses on building up new stars, the next generation of action heroes will emerge and make their mark on the genre.
