In the wild, unpredictable world of Hollywood, an actor’s longevity and legacy are often measured by their triumphs – those iconic, critically lauded performances that etch their names into cinematic history. But let’s be real, the path to greatness is littered with… well, everything *but* greatness sometimes. It’s a cutthroat industry where even the most buzzed-about talents can find themselves constantly battling for that elusive “good movie” stamp, or perhaps, still searching for that truly definitive, universally acclaimed project that defines their entire career.
Today, we’re diving headfirst into a topic that’s bound to ignite discussions and maybe even a little controversy – a true ScreenRant special, if you will. We’re taking a bold look at 10 incredible performers who are currently making waves and capturing attention, but who, when you cast a critical eye on their burgeoning filmographies *so far*, haven’t quite reached that “undeniably good movie” peak that makes critics swoon and fans unite in adoration. This isn’t a diss track; it’s an honest, fan-centric, and yes, wonderfully provocative exploration of what it means to be an “Actor to Watch” in an industry constantly craving the next big thing.
We’re talking about the journey, the potential, and the immense pressure to deliver, especially for those who are just beginning to spread their wings. These are the faces you’ll be seeing everywhere, and while their talent is undeniable, the question remains: which one of them will truly break through and deliver that “good movie” that changes everything? Or, is it possible that for some, that definitive classic might still be a distant dream, leaving their early careers marked by intriguing but perhaps not yet iconic roles? Let’s unpack the careers of these rising stars and stir up some cinematic conversation.
1. **Milly Alcock: Soaring, But Still Finding Her Landing**Milly Alcock has certainly earned her wings, quite literally, with a meteoric rise that has propelled her into the superhero stratosphere. Tapped to play Supergirl, Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El, she’s inheriting a major legacy. The buzz around her upcoming “Supergirl” film, set for 2026, is palpable, and her brief yet memorable cameo in the recent “Superman” movie, spitting out that already iconic line: “Thanks for looking after my dog, bitch!”, certainly grabbed attention and left audiences wanting more from this Australian actor.
However, despite this monumental step, Alcock’s journey is still very much in its early stages of defining that singular, universally acclaimed “good movie” that will truly cement her as a cinematic titan. She’s been a standout in television, captivating audiences as Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s “House of the Dragon” and starring in the hit Netflix limited series “Sirens” alongside Julianne Moore. These are fantastic credits, no doubt, but the big screen, especially in the superhero genre, demands a different kind of impact, a definitive feature film that transcends its genre.
Alcock herself admits to the unique challenges of her new role, stating, “Acting while flying is really hard,” and confessing, “It’s much easier when your feet are on the ground.” This honest reflection speaks to the immense demands placed on emerging actors, particularly those stepping into such high-profile, physically challenging parts. Her talent, honed since she started studying drama at age 5 and even dropping out of performing arts school for her first TV role on “Upright” in 2018, is clear, but the consistency of “good movies” is yet to be fully proven.
The pressure to deliver a “good movie” in the superhero realm is immense. Alcock grapples with the duality of wanting “to work and do things people watch and are important,” while also aspiring “to have a long career and not get pigeonholed into one part.” This internal conflict highlights the tricky tightrope young actors walk. Her enthusiasm for Kara is infectious, but the cinematic jury is still out on whether “Supergirl” will be *the* “good movie” that truly elevates her to a league of her own. Her cinematic legacy, in the eyes of many, is still waiting for its definitive big-screen masterpiece.
2. **Ella Anderson: Nickelodeon Alum Seeking Her Silver Screen Anthem**Ella Anderson’s career is a testament to dedication, having worked steadily for the last 15 years as both a singer and actor, beginning her journey at the tender age of five. She vividly recalls her first audition line, “I want a teddy bear, Daddy,” and the thoughtful questions she’d pepper her mother with about the character’s motivations: “Why do you think I want this teddy bear? Do you think it was promised to me? Did something happen at school?” It’s clear she’s always approached her craft with a seriousness that belies her age.
While Anderson has undoubtedly made her mark in the entertainment world, particularly for her prominent role in the Nickelodeon series “Henry Danger” as the hero’s sister, the quest for that truly undeniable “good movie” that resonates universally as a critical and commercial darling is an ongoing one. Nickelodeon fame is a fantastic springboard, but transitioning from beloved TV to acclaimed cinema often presents a unique set of challenges, demanding a different kind of performance and narrative depth.
This year, however, could be a game-changer for Anderson as she prepares to star opposite Oscar nominees Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in “Song Sung Blue.” The film, a charming true story about a couple forming a Neil Diamond tribute band, casts Anderson as Rachel, the strong-willed daughter. Her ability to “more than hold her own” against such seasoned veterans speaks volumes about her talent and composure on set, suggesting a formidable presence on screen.
Her past experience playing the young Jeannette Walls in the biographical “The Glass Castle” highlights her commitment to portraying real-life stories with “care and love and empathy,” a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. These roles are commendable, but the industry often waits for a breakout performance in a feature film that captures widespread critical consensus, distinguishing an actor’s big-screen work as truly exceptional, and building that much-talked-about “good movie” canon.
Beyond acting, Anderson is also an accomplished singer, with her EP “Evolving” released in 2021, showcasing her multifaceted artistic sensibilities. As she mulls over her next steps, she expresses excitement for “the possibilities,” stating, “I’m filmmaker-driven, and if someone is really passionate about the story and has a strong perspective, I think we’re speaking the same language. So, I’m looking for like-minded people.” Her ambition is clear, but the path to that definitive “good movie” often requires aligning with a project that truly allows all these elements to coalesce into something unforgettable, a cinematic anthem that truly elevates her status beyond her impressive, yet primarily television-centric, foundational work.
3. **Miles Caton: From Stage Charisma to Cinematic Sinner – A Genesis Story**Life has undergone a seismic shift for Miles Caton, the young star of the film “Sinners,” who just a few years ago was touring with H.E.R. as a 16-year-old. That experience, “being on my own, performing in front of large crowds,” proved “important and crucial” for him, providing the confidence needed to make the leap into his first major movie project. It’s an unconventional, yet compelling, origin story for an actor who has now burst onto the scene with undeniable force.
“Sinners,” directed by the acclaimed Ryan Coogler and featuring Michael B. Jordan, has been one of the year’s biggest hits. Caton’s portrayal of Sammie, the preacher’s son whose unique singing talent triggers a chain of supernatural events, has garnered rave reviews for his acting debut. This is undoubtedly a powerful start, hinting at immense potential, but the journey to consistently delivering “good movies” and establishing a long-term, critically unimpeachable filmography is an entirely different beast for any emerging actor.
While “Sinners” is a resounding success, it’s one project, and the cinematic world often demands a deeper catalog of acclaimed works before bestowing the “good movie maker” crown. Caton is already experiencing the unique pressures of newfound fame, admitting, “I get recognized all the time, which is something that I’m still learning to adjust to, because I can’t tell if somebody’s staring at me like they’ve got a problem with me or just because they know me. So, I’m trying to differentiate that.”
Despite the challenges, “People show me so much love,” he notes, reflecting the positive reception he’s received. On set, he learned from observing Coogler in action, choosing to “just have faith in him and his process,” which taught him “a lot as a young Black man with a vision and a dream to accomplish.” This kind of mentorship is invaluable, but the onus of choosing future projects that live up to this promising debut now falls squarely on his shoulders.
Looking ahead, Caton is “excited for the future” and specifically yearns to explore action and adventure films, taking calls and meetings to chart his next course. “I’ve got a lot of different things I want to do,” he says. His debut is stellar, no doubt, but the true test of an actor’s career lies in the consistent selection and execution of roles that continue to elevate their standing, proving “Sinners” was the beginning of a long line of “good movies,” rather than a singular, unrepeatable moment of brilliance. The industry is watching, ready to see if he can keep the streak going.
4. **Edmund Donovan: From Stage Acclaim to Silver Screen Acclaim, But Still Building a Canon**Edmund Donovan, a graduate of Yale School of Drama, clearly isn’t new to the spotlight, having swept the theater scene in 2020 with an Obie, a Drama Desk, and a Lucille Lortel Award for his work in the play “Greater Clements.” His pragmatic approach to his education, attending Yale “largely because I knew school would guarantee me three years of working and practicing,” underscores a dedicated and serious commitment to his craft.
Now, he’s earning significant praise for his role opposite Willem Dafoe in Kent Jones’ film “Late Fame,” where he plays an acolyte to Dafoe’s underappreciated poet. Donovan laughingly admits that portraying an admirer of his scene partner “was very easy,” a sentiment shared due to the collaborative spirit among the cast and crew, many of whom, like Dafoe and Greta Lee, also share theater backgrounds. This collaborative, “true indie film” experience, which went from casting in December to bowing at the Venice Film Festival, is certainly a strong addition to his resume.
However, the world of cinema, with its vast and ever-growing pantheon of “good movies,” is a different beast than the often more immediate and concentrated world of theater. While Donovan has accumulated significant accolades on stage and is now receiving “raves” for a prominent film role, the question of a comprehensive, universally lauded filmography – one that unequivocally marks an actor as having “made a good movie” in a broader, sustained sense – is still in its formative stages for him.
Donovan has explored darker characters, seen earlier this year in “Your Monster” portraying a selfish playwright, and notes he’s played quite a few “deplorable” people. He consciously tries to find humanity in them, believing “It’s not useful if you think of them as a bad person. The best villains are people who really believe they’re justified.” This analytical depth is undoubtedly a strength, lending nuance to his performances.
Up next, Donovan is slated to appear in a film from “This Closeness” actor-filmmaker Kit Zauhar, whom he praises as “so singular and self-assured.” And his desire to “get back on stage” underscores his roots, where he loves the feeling of being “used up,” saying, “It burns you to the filter. You know you’re going to be tired, but you also know you’re going to feel like you left it all out there.” While his talent and compelling performances are evident, his journey to consistently delivering “good movies” on the silver screen, to building that unassailable cinematic canon, is still very much in progress, making his career one that fans and critics alike are eager to watch unfold.
5. **Chase Infiniti: The Undaunted Newcomer with Heavyweight Company, But Awaiting Her Own Masterpiece**
Chase Infiniti is clearly not one to be easily intimidated, a trait that has served her well in an industry where navigating big names and high-stakes projects is the norm. Her very first TV job plunged her into the deep end, playing the daughter of Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga in the Apple TV+ series “Presumed Innocent.” That’s quite the debut! And now, her feature film debut finds her sharing the screen with bona fide heavyweights: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro, in Paul Thomas Anderson’s highly anticipated “One Battle After Another.”
Despite the immense talent surrounding her and the rave reviews the project is already receiving, Infiniti maintains a remarkable composure. She admits, “I didn’t understand the full possible scope of how much people were looking forward to it,” expressing genuine happiness that “people seem to be loving it.” This calm demeanor perfectly suits her character, Willa Ferguson, who, in the film, “keeps her cool as she evades capture, shoots guns and generally kicks ass.” It’s a powerful, action-packed introduction to the big screen, showing great promise.
Yet, as impressive as these initial roles are, the journey to a universally recognized “good movie” is a marathon, not a sprint, especially for an actor at the very start of their cinematic career. While the projects themselves might be lauded, the definitive “good movie” where *she* is the central, undeniable force of critical praise, the performance that defines *her* specific cinematic impact, is still on the horizon. The audition process, including a self-tape and a meeting with Anderson, was a valuable experience for her, calling the moments of workshopping “such a gift.”
For Infiniti, the journey is truly just beginning. She has already wrapped her next big project, a starring role as Agnes in “The Testaments,” the highly anticipated spinoff of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” where she once again finds herself in impressive fictional parentage, portraying the grown daughter of Elisabeth Moss and O-T Fagbenle’s characters. She lightheartedly agrees when it’s mentioned she always has the “coolest parents,” both “in real life and in fictional life, yes,” highlighting her impressive co-stars and on-screen family.
Her early career is marked by collaborations with industry giants and roles in high-profile productions. This indicates immense promise and a rapid ascent, but the provocative question posed by our list’s title remains: when will Chase Infiniti lead or define a cinematic piece that is unequivocally heralded as *her* “good movie,” cementing her status not just as a talented co-star, but as a singular force in the landscape of truly exceptional films? The anticipation for her future projects, and that defining role, is certainly building.
6. **Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas: A Norwegian Voice Grappling with Family Narratives**Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas found her calling to act during her final rounds of theater school auditions at 18. It was a pivotal moment when she realized acting wasn’t just a dream, but a tangible path “other people saw in me that weren’t just my parents.” This realization set her on a path to become an emerging voice in Norwegian cinema, a journey now bringing her to a global spotlight with inclusion in Variety’s prestigious list.
Her next major project is Joachim Trier’s feature, “Sentimental Value,” a film that promises to delve deep into complex family dynamics. Lilleaas plays Agnes Borg Pettersen, the younger sister of Nora (Renate Reinsve), who finds herself caught in the crossfire between her sister and their father, Stellan Skarsgård, as he embarks on his next film production. It’s a role that demands a nuanced portrayal of a character grappling with a childhood shaped by an often-absent father and the resulting generational trauma.
Agnes, as Lilleaas describes, exists in constant familial crisis, yet harbors a powerful desire for unity. “There’s a crisis all around her constantly. Both Nora and Agnes are in a family crisis at the same time, but Agnes really wants everyone to be together. She wants the family to work,” she explains. This inherent conflict offers fertile ground for a compelling performance, highlighting her character’s deep emotional landscape and aspiration for healing within her fractured family.
Lilleaas hopes that “Sentimental Value” will resonate deeply with audiences, particularly “siblings, sisters and chosen family members,” offering them a sense of comfort and understanding. She approached the role with profound commitment, stating, “I really opened up and all of me was put into making this film.” The safe and collaborative environment fostered by Trier and the cast and crew clearly allowed her to explore these vulnerable themes, making this project a potential cornerstone in her pursuit of that truly “good movie” that speaks to universal human experiences, marking her as an actor of profound emotional depth.
7. **Jay Lycurgo: From Audience to A-Lister’s Peer – But Is “Good” Defined by Association?**Just a few years ago, Jay Lycurgo sat in the audience at the Toronto International Film Festival, gazing at the industry’s elite discussing their work, harboring a quiet ambition: “I would love to be there and talk about something I’m proud of.” Fast forward to 2025, and Lycurgo isn’t just attending; he’s hitting the festival circuit with not one, but two buzzy films: the epic romance “Eternal Return” and the Cillian Murphy-led “Steve.” It’s an inspiring ascent, but for ScreenRant fans, do these high-profile collaborations equate to *his* definitive “good movie”?
In “Steve,” directed by Tim Mielants and adapted from Max Porter’s novel “Shy,” Lycurgo portrays a teenager navigating a school for troubled youth, with newly minted Oscar winner Cillian Murphy as his teacher. To prepare for the role, Lycurgo leaned on a deeply personal connection: “My dad works in alternative educational units, just like Steve.” He vividly recalls seeing his father “come home exhausted every day” and describes a “different type of exhaustion because teenagers are unpredictable.” This insight offered him “newfound respect” for his dad’s work, undoubtedly enriching his performance.
Remarkably, Lycurgo beat out 3,000 other actors for the role, and despite never doing a chemistry test with Murphy (who also produced the film), he more than holds his own against the acclaimed star. He raves about Murphy as “a brilliant actor and a great scene partner but also just such a grounded person.” The “unspoken synergy and energy” with Murphy, Max Porter, and Tim Mielants made him “feel seen in a new way.” This strong endorsement from a revered peer is a testament to Lycurgo’s talent and presence.
The Murphy-Lycurgo connection extends beyond “Steve,” as they are set to reunite in the “Peaky Blinders” movie, “The Immortal Man,” and Lycurgo also has a role in the upcoming “I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning,” adapted by frequent Murphy collaborator Enda Walsh. Lycurgo suspects Murphy “put in a good word for me,” highlighting the power of industry relationships. While working with such titans is invaluable, the critical question remains: will a collaboration allow Lycurgo to truly own a project, delivering the singular “good movie” performance that definitively elevates *his* cinematic legacy beyond an exceptional scene partner? The potential is undeniable, and his journey promises to be fascinating.
8. **Guillaume Marbeck: Channeling Godard, Crafting a Persona – The Director-Turned-Actor’s Debut**Before landing the audacious lead role of Jean-Luc Godard in Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague,” Guillaume Marbeck understood the assignment was more than just acting; it was embodying an icon. His pre-audition scramble for the perfect Godard-esque glasses – a key piece of the director’s 1959 persona – highlighted his commitment. When asked why he was late, Marbeck, fully immersed, delivered a Godardian retort: “Of course I’m late. I needed these glasses.” This unwavering dedication to persona, rather than mere props, convinced the filmmakers to take a chance on an unproven actor.
Marbeck’s journey to this pivotal role is far from conventional. He immersed himself in film school in France, focusing initially on cinematography, followed by a year in New York dedicated to screenwriting and directing actors. He spent a decade doing “every job that you can imagine on the set, and also on production and distribution,” skipping only makeup artist and hairdresser. His motivation was clear: “I just wanted to know every point of view of the business, so I could have the most 360-degree view when I’m writing the script.” This deep, holistic understanding of filmmaking makes his acting transition particularly compelling.
For Marbeck, acting under a director of Linklater’s caliber was “like grad school.” Yet, portraying a figure as iconic as Godard carried immense pressure. “For people that love cinema, playing Godard is like playing the pope,” he candidly observes, acknowledging the high stakes involved. Fortunately, “Nouvelle Vague” was well-received at Cannes, with many critics specifically singling out Marbeck’s performance for praise. This debut is a striking success, but his ultimate goal remains to “write and direct films of his own.” While this breakthrough role is undeniably impressive, the challenge for Marbeck will be to consistently deliver “good movies” as an actor, leveraging this experience to further his multifaceted cinematic ambitions, ensuring this isn’t just a singular triumph but a launchpad.
9. **Mari Yamamoto: From Journalism’s “Devil Wears Rolex” to Hollywood’s Inspiring Presence**Mari Yamamoto’s path to Hollywood is as compelling and unconventional as the stories she now helps bring to life. Her career began in Japan as a journalist, writing for a culture magazine she adored, but her editor – whom she sardonically nicknamed “The Devil Wears Rolex” due to his volatile nature – made the experience difficult. The final straw came during a subway ride: observing a man who “just looked like he’d lost the will to live,” she noted the title of his book, “The Disease Called Being an Editor.” She took it as a sign and swiftly exited journalism.
Her next sign arrived while watching “Grey’s Anatomy” and encountering Sandra Oh. “I’ve never seen somebody who truly looked like me playing a character, a person, like that,” Yamamoto reflects, describing it as a life-changing moment. “I realized this is an art form an Asian person can do in America.” This profound inspiration propelled her to New York, where she immersed herself in the craft at Lee Strasberg. Within a year, she performed in roughly 30 off-off-Broadway shows, indulging in “experimental theater,” including a memorable cult show with an orgy scene where the “writer and director were also for the rehearsals in solidarity.”
These rich, formative experiences paved the way for standout roles in acclaimed television series, including the Apple TV+ sensation “Pachinko” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” Now, Yamamoto is set to appear opposite Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser in this fall’s “Rental Family.” In the film, they portray employees at a Tokyo firm providing actors for various tasks. Her research for the role involved meeting with members of such an agency, where she learned a profound truth: often, people simply needed someone to talk to. “I think because therapists aren’t very common yet in Japan, there aren’t a lot of places where you can be vulnerable and reach out for help. And these people are very good at telling what others really need,” she observes. Moving forward, Yamamoto aims to merge her passions, stating, “I’m working on my own thing right now to write and act in. That’s the dream.” While her journey is filled with remarkable roles and unique insights, the anticipation for *her* definitive “good movie” – a project that fully showcases her multifaceted talents and profound empathy – continues to build, making her an exciting talent to watch.
**The Verdict: Whose Good Movie Will Define Their Legacy?**
And there you have it, a deep dive into the fascinating, often tumultuous, and thrilling careers of 10 actors poised to define Hollywood’s next era. From Milly Alcock’s superhero flight to Mari Yamamoto’s empathetic portrayals, each artist on this list brings undeniable talent and a unique perspective to the screen. They’ve captured our attention, sparked our imaginations, and are delivering standout performances. Yet, the question of that truly “good movie” – the one that transcends a strong performance to become *their* indelible mark, a cinematic touchstone that shifts their entire legacy – remains an ongoing narrative.
In an industry constantly seeking the next big thing, these actors embody both the immense pressure and the exhilarating potential of forging a legendary career. They are taking risks, collaborating with titans, and pouring their hearts into projects that could, at any moment, become *that* film. Whether it’s a critically acclaimed indie darling, a genre-redefining blockbuster, or a personal project that captures the zeitgeist, the race to cinematic immortality is on. As fans, critics, and industry observers, our role is to keep watching, keep debating, and keep celebrating these incredible talents as they chase that elusive, career-defining masterpiece. The future of Hollywood is in their hands, and we can’t wait to see what “good movie” they deliver next.
