With the new year comes a new class of rising stars and red carpet darlings. Here are Weekend’s picks for the busiest and most talented actors to watch in 2017.
The Lineup:
Mahershala Ali — Most likely to dominate awards season
After 2016 hits “Moonlight,” “Hidden Figures” and “Luke Cage,” it’s hard to believe Ali may have an even bigger 2017. Considering, however, that he seems poised to sweep the Best Supporting Actor awards during the next few months, we like his odds. Forget the Golden Globes — Ali is going to win big where it really counts.
Sofia Boutella— Most likely to dropkick male action stars
The badass Boutella already showed she can make mincemeat of up-and-coming action stars like Taron Egerton in “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” After proving herself yet again in “Star Trek Beyond,” she returns to the dark side this year to menace Tom Cruise in Universal’s reboot of “The Mummy.” Leading men of Hollywood had better watch their backs.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw— Most likely to break your heart
She caused waterworks all around the world in a stunning “Black Mirror” episode and joined Jessica Chastain in “Miss Sloane” last year, but Mbatha-Raw isn’t done any time soon. She joins Ava DuVernay’s much-anticipated “A Wrinkle in Time,” which will film during 2017, and has a featured role in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Learn to spell and pronounce her name now — we predict it’ll be on everyone’s lips in the upcoming year.
Dan Stevens— Most likely to be your new Prince Charming
Fans from across the pond already adore Stevens as the doomed Matthew Crawley from “Downton Abbey,” but United States audiences are about to catch up. With six projects slated for the next year, including FX’s superhero spinoff “Legion” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” Stevens is about to be everywhere. He’s even a rumored contender to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.
Ben Mendelsohn— Most likely to show these young ’uns how it’s done
Mendelsohn may not be as unknown as some of the actors on this list, but he’s not nearly as famous as he should be. Key roles in “Rogue One,” “Mississippi Grind,” and “Slow West” mark Mendelsohn as a leading man to watch — not to mention his stellar work on Netflix’s “Bloodline.” Mendelsohn has four projects lined up for 2017, as well as three films already in production for the following year. This year, he joins Rooney Mara in “Una,” which already has critics buzzing, and will also play King George VI opposite Gary Oldman in “The Darkest Hour.”
Michelle Yeoh— Most likely to boldly go where no man has gone before
You may recognize Yeoh from classic Chinese action films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” but she’s making the leap to American television this year — and not just on any old show. Yeoh will play the first ever Asian captain of a Star Trek vessel on the upcoming “Star Trek: Discovery.” We can’t wait to see her issuing orders from the bridge. Considering how formidable she is in those martial arts movies, we think Kirk and Picard may have some stiff competition.
Katherine Waterston— Most likely to defend the galaxy
After scene-stealing turns in “Steve Jobs,” “Inherent Vice” and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Waterston is headed for the stars in this year’s “Alien: Covenant.” After her stint defending the galaxy and gunning down aliens, she’ll return for the next installment in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise.
Ruth Negga — Most likely to take over Hollywood
Negga had a great year between critically-acclaimed film “Loving” and the first season of soon-to-be cult TV show “Preacher.” She’s unlikely to win big during awards season, but is gaining attention for her emotional performance and stellar sartorial choices. Look for her to draw big crowds at this year’s Comic Con and to continue her streak of unusual character choices.
