How to Become (and Stay) a Movie Star in 2026
Hollywood continues to discuss an important question: Do movie stars still have the same influence as they did in the past? Film industry professionals are also trying to understand how new stars can be discovered and developed. These discussions often take place during industry meetings and casual conversations, where executives, writers and producers share their views on the future of cinema. Along with discussions about job cuts and major casting decisions, finding fresh talent has become an important topic in the entertainment industry.
Every year, The Hollywood Reporter makes an effort to identify the next generation of Hollywood movie stars. The publication looks for talented actors who have the potential to become popular names in the coming years. Instead of depending only on box-office success or social media popularity, it combines industry knowledge, personal judgement and opinions from experienced professionals.
To identify promising actors, the publication speaks with studio executives, filmmakers, writers and producers. These industry experts share their opinions about performers who have impressed them through their acting skills, screen presence and choice of roles. Their suggestions help highlight actors who may become major stars in the future.
This approach has helped the publication recognise several rising talents before they became widely popular. Sydney Sweeney, for example, was highlighted before she gained major recognition through the television series Euphoria. Similarly, Glen Powell attracted attention as a promising performer long before his appearance in the popular film Top Gun: Maverick brought him greater international recognition.
More recently, David Jonsson has also attracted attention for his growing presence in the entertainment industry. His appearance at Comic-Con created excitement among fans, particularly following discussions about his involvement in projects connected to the Black Panther franchise. His growing popularity reflects the interest in discovering actors who can bring fresh energy to major film productions.
Finding new movie stars is important for Hollywood because the industry constantly needs fresh faces, different performances and new talent. While established actors continue to attract audiences, younger performers bring new ideas and opportunities to films and television projects. They also help studios connect with younger audiences and explore different types of stories.
The Hollywood Reporter’s annual effort to identify rising stars has become a way of celebrating emerging talent and recognising the future of entertainment. By bringing attention to promising actors at an early stage of their careers, the publication helps audiences discover new performers who could become some of Hollywood’s biggest names in the years ahead.