They’re taking over.
From Hollywood blockbusters to HBO’s latest drama series, British actors and actresses are being imported and cast in some of the biggest and most juicy roles today, propelling them to heights of stardom previously inexperienced.
So, without further ado, here are some prime examples of those carving a name for themselves worldwide.
1. Carey Mulligan
A delightful success story, Carey Mulligan is the girl who was told she couldn’t - and did anyway. Nearly felled by a string of failed auditions and parents who considered a career in entertainment doubtful at best, Mulligan’s determination saw her through in the end. Her break came in 2005, when she starred as Kitty Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Since then, she’s gone on to star in a few TV dramas and low-key British films, such as Never Let Me Go and An Education, before Hollywood caught her scent. Now starring in huge hits like Drive and Shame, she can be seen on all the red carpets and, thankfully, it doesn’t look like she’s going anywhere any time soon.
Upcoming movies: The Great Gatsby, Inside Llewyn Davis
2. Benedict Cumberbatch
For years, Benedict Cumberbatch made a name for himself in the UK, starring in various TV programmes, and found a comfortable home at the BBC. His role in Atonement in 2007 began to turn heads, though. A light was switched on, so to speak. Since then, Cumberbatch has gained a huge fanbase (mainly female) for his roles in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse and BBC’s "Sherlock." Hollywood now has their eye on him...
Upcoming movies: Star Trek, The Hobbit
3. Kelly McDonald
Queen of the independent film, it is only now that Kelly MacDonald is properly being recognised overseas. Most famous for her role in Trainspotting, MacDonald enjoyed a modest success until recently, when she was cast as Irish immigrant Margaret Schroeder in HBO’s "Boardwalk Empire," blowing her fame sky high.
Upcoming movies: Brave
4. Tom Hiddleston
With such a fine pedigree, it’s little wonder Hiddleston has grown to be such an impressive character. Educated at Eton, Cambridge and RADA, Hiddleston comes fully equipped with stunning acting skills and a smile to match. [sdlkflsdlfsjkfk] He is the man of the moment, having been in some of this summer’s biggest blockbusters; Thor, War Horse, and The Avengers to name a few.
Upcoming movies: Henry IV, Part 1, Thor 2
5. Michael Fassbender
You might be asking yourself the question: what movie hasn’t this man been in? X-Men: First Class, A Dangerous Method, Jane Eyre, Haywire, Shame--Michael Fassbender has been a busy man - and is adored by Hollywood and teenage girls alike. However, a few years ago this man wasn’t so well known. Starting out doing voice overs for TalkTalk and Head and Shoulders, it wasn’t until he was cast in Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds and Steve McQueen’s Hunger that Fassbender began to turn heads. His success is well-deserved too, as he offers a strong performance in every film he’s in.
Upcoming movies: Prometheus, Twelve Years A Slave, The Counselor
6. Rebecca Hall
Hall started out in the early nineties, and then seemed to drop off the map until 2006, when she resurfaced in Starter For 10. Since then she has gone on to star in worldwide hits, such as The Prestige, Frost/Nixon and Vicky Christina Barcelona. Now rumoured to feature in Iron Man 3, Hall is rapidly becoming a household name.
Upcoming movies: Iron Man 3 (rumoured)
7. Tom Hardy
Hardy gained recognition for his acting skills in Stuart: A Life Backwards, playing a mentally-unstable homeless man. However, although starring in some notable films, such as Layer Cake and RocknRolla, it is only recently that he has really seen the fruits of his labour; after featuring in Christopher Nolan’s Inception and Tomas Alfredson’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He is now a Hollywood favourite.
Upcoming movies: The Dark Knight Rises, Mad Max: Fury Road
8. Harry Lloyd
Being the great-great-great grandson of Charles Dickens has its advantages. Although, in recent years, Harry’s heritage has become a neat bit of trivia rather than an acting CV. His talent speaks louder than blood, and talent he has in abundance. Standing out in the BBC drama Robin Hood, and making a welcome appearance in "Doctor Who," Harry has gone on to star in HBO’s "Game of Thrones" and The Iron Lady.
Upcoming movies: Henry IV, Part 1, Closer to the Moon
9. Imogen Poots
Imogen Poots still has that new-actress sheen to her, having gained recognition in Danny Boyle’s 28 Weeks Later in 2007. Since then she has gone on to star in a few BBC dramas, like Christopher and His Kind, and featured in Centurion and Jane Eyre alongside Michael Fassbender. However, since starring in Fright Night, Poots is making a big name for herself overseas. You can be sure she’ll be popping up on your screens more often.
Upcoming movies: A Late Quartet, Filth, The King of Soho
10. Jack Huston
Acting is in Jack Huston’s blood. The successes of his aunt Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), his uncle Danny Huston (30 Days of Night, Wolverine) and grandfather John Huston have set a fine example. It might be considered a little daunting, being raised in the shadow of so many wonderful performers, but Jack has become a hit in his own right. Starring as the half-faced sniper Richard Harrow [my love, my only love~~] in HBO’s "Boardwalk Empire," he is now snatching up all sorts of big roles, his talent preceding his name and heritage.
Upcoming movies: Two Jacks, Kill Your Darlings
(OK, yes, this list is really white, lbr.) I'M CRYING. I literally stan for [or at least very much love] all of these people. Britanophile 4 life. Who are your other current faves, ONTD?)
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