The Next Generation! These Talented Stars Are Taking Hollywood By Storm
These days, it's hard to keep track of all of the up-and-coming talent in Hollywood. However, OK! has broke it all down for you. Scroll through the gallery below to see which celebrities you should be keeping an eye on.
Joey King, 21
The Next Reese Witherspoon
Just like multifaceted Witherspoon, Joey King's mastered both the small and silver screens. While the humble star gained legions of fans from the teen rom-com The Kissing Booth, she amazed critics and viewers alike for her lead role in the crime drama The Act. In fact, Joey’s work earned her both a Golden Globe and an Emmy nom! “I feel very out of place, in a good way,” she admitted of the impressive feat. “Honored. Really, honored.”
Chase Stokes, 27
The Next Heartthrob
Move over, Zac Efron! With his flowy locks and goofy charm, it’s easy to see why girls are swooning over the Outer Banks star — but the overnight sensation insists he’s more than just a pretty face. “For me, it’s about continuing to push the bar and do work that’s ever-changing,” Chase Stokes has said of his hopes for the future, explaining that he wants his career to mimic that of actors “who’ve branched out into more drastic roles.”
Halle Bailey, 20
The Next It Girl
Get ready for this singer-actress to be part of your world! Though she first made waves as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle, she’s now poised to portray the titular character in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. “I am just grateful,” gushed Halle Bailey. “It’s going to be beautiful, and I’m just so excited to be a part of it.”
Charles Melton, 29
The Next Action Star
Fans of Riverdale just couldn’t get enough of the athletic actor — with or without a shirt on. So much so, in fact, that he was bumped up to series regular in season 3. Since then, Charles Melton has taken his physical skills to the silver screen, nabbing parts in the recent action film Bad Boys for Life and in the upcoming drama Swing, which centers around college rowing teammates.
Hayley Kiyoko, 29
The Next Changemaker
Though she’s best known for hits like 'Curious,' Hayley Kiyoko's also an actress! Even more admirable is her determination to make a difference in the world. After coming out herself, she’s become a loud advocate for the LGBTQ community. “My biggest ‘weakness’ growing up was that I was gay,” she explained, “and now it’s become my biggest strength because it’s empowered me.”
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, 18
The Next Role Model
Living the dream! Though Maitreyi Ramakrishnan had no formal acting experience, she beat out 15,000 other girls for the lead in the coming-of-age Netflix series Never Have I Ever. Already renewed for season 2, the comedy follows a first-generation Indian-American teen figuring herself out, a story that Maitreyi said “hasn’t been talked about. And now we’re having that conversation, which is important.”
Zendaya, 23
The Next Oscar Winner
The triple threat flawlessly transitioned from Disney Channel star to leading lady material — and the proof is in the pudding. “I’m honestly speechless, my heart is just overflowing with love and gratitude,” Zendaya said in July after receiving her very first Emmy nom for her role in the HBO drama Euphoria. “Thank you to everyone out there who’s watched and given our show life.”
Lucas Hedges, 23
The Next Scene-Stealer
You may not know his name, but you’ve definitely seen his face! Lucas Hedges earned an Oscar nom for his role in the 2016 drama Manchester by the Sea. Since then, he’s appeared in a slew of praised films, including Lady Bird and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri. He also keeps good company: Past costars include Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts, both of whom have played his mom!