5 Up-and-Coming Hollywood Actors That Somehow Fizzled Out Already
Not everyone is cut out to be a big star.
While it's well known that Hollywood revolves around its biggest stars, who collaborate with the most sought-after directors and command hefty compensation packages for their roles, studios are constantly on the lookout for fresh and promising talent, hoping to carry on with the Hollywood legacy for future generations. However, on occasion, producers back the wrong horse, investing millions in promoting an up-and-coming star only to see little to no return on their investment.
Here are five actors who were once seen as rising stars but fell far short of expectations:
Alex Pettyfer
In the early 2010s, Pettyfer appeared to be on a roll, headlining in major films like In Time, Magic Mike, and I Am Number Four. Yet, with many of his high-profile projects underperforming at the box office and the actor seemingly showing no interest in collaborating with indie filmmakers, his career has since hit a rough patch, with him now mostly appearing in projects of questionable quality.
Hayden Christensen
It was widely believed that playing young Anakin Skywalker would launch Christensen into superstardom. However, things turned out quite differently; the actor faced significant backlash for his take on the iconic character, and ended up doing B-movies for the next two decades.
Mia Wasikowska
At the onset of the previous decade, Wasikowska emerged as one of the film industry's brightest talents, with roles in movies like Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre, and Stoker. Despite a strong start in Hollywood, her momentum soon lost steam. That said, the actress has since found success in indie cinema, working with several well-respected directors.
Taylor Kitsch
When Kitsch burst onto the cinematic scene, many were convinced he was destined for Hollywood's A-list, especially with leading roles in films like John Carter and Battleship. Regrettably, the dismal box office returns of these movies cast a shadow over his promising start. However, the silver lining came in the form of premium television, where his commendable performances in series like Waco, True Detective, and Painkiller garnered him significant respect from fans and critics alike.
Garrett Hedlund
Hedlund, known for roles in Tron: Legacy, Country Strong, and On the Road, was regarded as a hot up-and-comer in the early 2010s. However, after a series of critically panned and commercially unsuccessful projects, he was relegated to roles in B-movies and has remained in that space since.