As I delve into the lives of these extraordinary individuals, I am struck by their remarkable journeys and the unique perspectives they bring to the table. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, with his roots firmly planted in Oji-Cree heritage, stands as a beacon of activism and inspiration. His story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of keeping one’s cultural identity close at hand.
As a dedicated enthusiast, I’ve witnessed a remarkable ascension of these ten promising talents who have conquered Broadway and the film festival scene. They’re currently spearheading some of the top streaming films and contenders for awards season. It’s only a matter of time before they reach even greater heights in Tinseltown.
These individuals have previously collaborated with Steven Spielberg (famous for Josh Rivera’s role in West Side Story) and Darren Aronofsky (known for working with D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), and they are skillfully juggling projects from A24 and those starring Tom Cruise, a common endeavor shared by Katy O’Brian and Sophie Wilde. The 2024 graduates will be joining a roster that in the past has counted box office sensations like Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, as well as Oscar nominees such as Florence Pugh and Paul Mescal.
For some individuals, this moment has been a long-awaited development, while others are relatively new to the picture. Dominic Sessa, who made his debut last year with “The Holdovers“, admits, “I hadn’t grasped how any of this functioned. I didn’t think it would impact my life significantly.
Profiles written by Caitlin Huston, Zoe G. Phillips, Christy Piña, Seija Rankin, Carly Thomas
Kit Connor
20-year-old Connor has outgrown high school and is eager to expand his horizons. Known for his role as a young Elton John in ‘Rocketman’, he then starred in the hit high school romantic comedy series ‘Heartstopper’. His ambition to graduate propelled him towards Broadway, where he’s now leading ‘Romeo + Juliet’ alongside Rachel Zegler, making Shakespeare accessible for Gen Z. As Connor puts it, “It just felt bold.” He admits uncertainty about the future of ‘Heartstopper’, but once his run on Broadway ends, he’ll focus on promoting his most mature role yet in Alex Garland’s A24 thriller ‘Warfare’. After that, he plans to take a break for self-reflection, followed by tackling challenging roles to push himself and improve.
“If I weren’t an actor, I’d likely immerse myself in academic pursuits. My preferred field of study would probably lean towards film studies, English, or history – subjects that piqued my curiosity due to their focus on human experiences and narratives. Numbers have never been my forte, a fact that hasn’t changed over the years.”
Josh O’Connor is the collaborator I’m absolutely thrilled about! We share a friendly rapport, and each encounter leaves me yearning to witness his talents in action.
On set of ‘Warfare’, there was no personal space, as we always did everything together. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. However, during downtime, I often find solace at home, simply relaxing with my favorite tunes playing.
ONE PIECE OF PRICELESS ADVICE FROM MY ENTERtainment EXPERIENCE: “Placing trust in the natural progression of events. Many colleagues within the entertainment field have shared this valuable insight with me.
SONG OR ALBUM I HAVE ON REPEAT “David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. I used to, at the beginning of the run of the play, I was listening to a lot of music that would try to hype me up because I wanted to have a load of energy going into the play but then I started re-listening to that album‚ “Rock and Roll Suicide”, “Five Years”, “Moonage Daydream” — that put me in a good mindset for [the play].”
“My Current Binge-Worthy Show” “I’ve become utterly captivated by ‘The Sopranos.’ I began watching it during my stay in [New York], as I mistakenly believed that New Jersey was merely a stone’s throw away.
“One of the most surreal experiences I’ve had was realizing that my image was displayed on a billboard – it’s quite unbelievable!”
Ryan Destiny
In her initial significant acting role, Queen Latifah provided Destiny with guidance that significantly influenced her career trajectory. This was during Destiny’s tenure as the main character in Lee Daniels’ musical drama, Star. When they had a private conversation, Queen Latifah made it clear to Destiny that she should be decisive about her aspirations. “She encouraged me to be honest with myself about what I truly want,” said Destiny. This was when she started brainstorming. Destiny mentally noted the types of productions she desired to participate in and found herself consistently drawn towards a female sports movie. In 2020, while working on her recurring part in Grown-ish, she received an opportunity to audition for the leading role in The Fire Inside, a biographical film about Olympic boxer Claressa Shields, written by Barry Jenkins. “I felt compelled to give it a shot,” she said. “Ultimately, I discovered that even as a lead character, I don’t have to be scared of making mistakes.
“If I weren’t an actor, I’d likely be an interior designer. Although I’d love to be an architect, the thought is a bit too grandiose for me.”
“When I need to unwind, I turn on some tunes. Music has a way of soothing me and creating a cozy, personal haven for myself.”>
One repeat-worthy track for me is ‘Skin Tight’ by Ravyn Lenae and Steve Lacy. It always helps me relax.
Most Valuable Guidance in My Entertainment Career: “It’s important not to shy away from asserting myself. I prefer to avoid conflicts or problems, so I usually try to maintain neutrality. However, there are situations where standing back isn’t the best approach.
The show or film that has me completely captivated is none other than ‘The Substance’. Its unique tone and visual style have me absolutely hooked, and if I could, I’d give the cinematographer a friendly cheek kiss!
“One of the most star-studded moments in my life was encountering Beyoncé at a gathering. I was so flustered that words seemed to elude me, all I could manage were ‘hi’s’, smiles and expressions of gratitude as she praised me. It was a high point for me; nothing else seems quite necessary after that.
Kaia Gerber
Originally, Kaia Gerber pursued a career similar to her famous modeling mother, Cindy Crawford, walking the runways for brands like Valentino and Celine. However, at 23 years old, she has spent the last two years transitioning her focus towards acting, amassing a notable collection of comedy roles in productions such as ‘Bottoms’, ‘Palm Royale’ and ‘Saturday Night’, sharing screen time with stars like Kristen Wiig. Even she finds this unexpected. “I used to think that to do comedy, you have to be really funny,” she says. “But it turns out that treating it seriously works better for me. The type of comedy I do is to believe in what I’m doing, no matter how absurd it may seem.” Upcoming projects include appearances alongside Anne Hathaway in A24’s ‘Mother Mary’ and Keanu Reeves in Apple TV+’s ‘Outcome’. As a co-founder of the popular book club Library Science, Gerber is constantly on the lookout for potential adaptations, with producing potentially being part of her future. “Even if there was a book that I didn’t see a role for myself,” she says, “I could still picture myself wanting to see it brought to life.
“If I weren’t an actor, I’d likely be a ‘librarian-adjacent’ professional. Although I don’t have the formal degree, I help manage and organize personal libraries, so you could say I’m on my way to becoming one.”
THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH “Halina Reijn.”
“What helps me unwind on set?” “Well, I usually take some time out to read a book, nothing surprising there. When I’m on set, I find it convenient to read short stories as they can be easily started and stopped.
“The Most Valuable Lesson I’ve Learned in Entertainment” “My mom always emphasized the importance of punctuality. She hates it when I’m late, and I’ve come to understand its significance through her.
CURRENTLY OBSSESED MUSIC: Brat as I still can’t seem to move on from the vibe it gave me during the summer, despite us being in autumn now.
“One of the most surreal Hollywood experiences for me was discovering that Pamela Anderson used to be the school crossing guard when I was a child. She would wear her yellow safety vest, and I never realized at the time what a celebrity she really was.”
David Jonsson
David Jonsson walked away from his major breakthrough role at a time when things were taking off significantly. Known for his standout performance on “Industry,” the provocative HBO financial drama that initially gained cult status before exploding in popularity, Jonsson found himself frequently cast as subdued, intellectual characters. His decision not to reprise his role for the third season raised eyebrows from some, but he saw it as a bold move. “My entire career is a risk,” states Jonsson, 31. And it’s proving to be a smart choice. This summer, he starred alongside Cailee Spaeny in “Alien: Romulus,” which grossed over $330 million at the box office, establishing its stars as financially viable. Jonsson is set to portray Sammy Davis Jr. in an upcoming biopic about his relationship with Kim Novak, directed by Colman Domingo and marking another leading role for Jonsson (he’s slated to star in “The Long Walk,” a Stephen King film due out next year). “I’m learning how to manage a set effectively,” he says. “As always, the rule is: Don’t be difficult.
If not an actor, I’d likely find myself serving in the military or studying astronomy. Both fields are quite distinct, yet they each hold a certain appeal for me. Given my diverse interests, it seems fitting that I ended up as an actor.
I’m absolutely thrilled to collaborate with Ayo Edebiri! We first crossed paths at the BAFTA Tea Party, and she called out my name from across the room. When I turned to see who it was, there she was, greeting me warmly. It was our very first encounter, yet her energy was so radiant and welcoming.
“What do I do to unwind when on set?” “I usually meditate. I make sure to carve out a few minutes in my trailer for some quiet reflection.
“One Piece of Wisdom I’ve Received in Entertainment:” “Collin Firth once told me not to make everything so intense. He shared this advice during my first movie experience, and one of the things he said was: Smile, remember it’s all a bit of fun.
“Currently, I’ve been playing on loop some tunes by the British group, Dearie. They have a lovely shoegaze style to them. I’m also spinning tracks from Artic Monkeys, Skepta, and Cocteau Twins.”
THE MOVIE OR SERIES I AM OBSESSED WITH “My Private Idaho by Gus van Sant.”
ONE OF THE MOST HOLLYWOOD MOMENTS IN MY LIFE I had an unexpected encounter that felt right out of a movie – I shared a friendly kiss with someone in an elevator during an awards ceremony. It took me by surprise, but it was definitely Hollywood-style.
Katy O’Brian
2024 proved to be an exceptionally busy year for O’Brian, as evidenced by her packed calendar. In that year alone, she starred in the critically acclaimed film Love Lies Bleeding, the blockbuster hit Twisters, and has already wrapped up filming for Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, the queer zombie movie Queens of the Dead, and a biopic about Christy Martin, opposite Sydney Sweeney. Her schedule shows no signs of slowing down soon. As we speak with O’Brian, who is 35 years old, she only has one day in Los Angeles before departing to film Edgar Wright’s remake of the 1987 classic The Running Man. Despite the increasing size of her roles, O’Brian maintains that her work ethic remains largely unchanged. “I make a point to always focus on paying close attention to detail,” she says, emphasizing its importance.
If I weren’t an actor, I might fancy being a fighter instead. It sounds quite thrilling, although I’d likely be terrible at it, but the excitement would make it worthwhile.
THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH Lily Gladstone.
“When I’m at work, I tend to chat with everyone in the team, which might unintentionally disturb them as they focus on their tasks.”>
CURRENTLY PLAYING MUSIC ON LOOP “At the moment, my wife is playing Chappell Roan repeatedly, so I’m stuck with that too. It’s excellent music, but I’ve heard it a bit too much.
The show I’ve become absolutely hooked on is called The Franchise, and it’s incredibly amusing. It has a remarkable sense of authenticity that makes it feel almost like my own life.
Aaron Pierre
30-year-old actor Pierre, after achieving success with his Netflix film “Rebel Ridge” and landing prominent roles in Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King”, Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show”, and HBO’s Green Lantern series, expresses his joy for the first time in his career to simply enjoy the present moment. He describes working with a star-studded cast as an opportunity to learn and grow. Additionally, he has been selected to play John Stewart in HBO’s Green Lantern series, although he cannot reveal details. His ultimate dream role is to portray Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s “Fences”, following in the footsteps of his idols James Earl Jones and Denzel Washington.
If not an actor, I’d likely choose a career in sports, specifically track and field, where I could give it my all and potentially achieve great things.
THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH “Sarah Polley. I think she is a phenomenal filmmaker.”
HOW I DECOMPRESS ON SET “On set, and in life, I drink tea.”
CURRENTLY PLAYING ALBUM ON REPEAT “The record I’ve been spinning repeatedly is Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Want You’. It’s a truly captivating album, and there’s something special about listening to any album, but especially this one, on vinyl. Without the ability to fast-forward or rewind, you simply immerse yourself in the music as Marvin Gaye and his creative team intended.
One of my current favorites is a documentary series on Netflix called ‘Receiver.’
One of the most ‘Hollywood’ experiences I’ve had, though it might not seem thrilling to others, is when I visited a studio lot in LA for work, not just for meetings or coffee. It was my workplace! I had an ID pass and even a designated parking spot – that moment felt incredibly special.
Josh Rivera
Following his role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story in 2021, Rivera found himself without work for such an extended period that he eventually exhausted his finances and had to take up bartending. “That was quite a revelation,” he remarked, “as it mirrors the unpredictable nature of an actor’s life – brimming with possibilities at one moment, stark and empty at others.” However, Rivera, aged 29, has experienced professional triumphs in recent years as well. A standout memory was witnessing a preliminary screening of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. “Despite the turmoil I was experiencing during filming, the screening evoked so many recollections. It served as a reassurance that I was on the correct path.” Now, Rivera is the newest rising star to be selected by prolific producer Ryan Murphy, portraying former NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez in the upcoming season of FX’s American Crime Story.
“If I weren’t an actor, I might have pursued a career as a biologist. I find myself often exploring various topics about microorganisms on YouTube and enjoy learning about them. If I were to return to college, I believe I would learn so much more. In fact, I may have even excelled in high school if I had the necessary resources. Unfortunately, during my school days, I was the one always asking for a pencil or money – that was me.”
“I can’t wait to collaborate with Toni Collette and Ryan Gosling; their talents are simply incredible!”
“Relaxing During Set: My Methods” “I unwind by playing video games. Recently, I found myself immersed in ‘American Sports Story’, and spent hours revisiting the entire series of ‘Halo’ games. This was my way of escaping the current situation. And I often indulge in a lot of snacks, particularly homemade or ‘crafty’ ones.
“Currently, the song ‘How Deep is Your Love’ by Yebba featuring PJ Morton is on constant repeat for me, particularly when I’m taking a shower.”>
“The television program that has me hooked is ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’. In fact, I’m currently revisiting ‘Dragon Ball’, and it’s bringing back a lot of fond memories.”
“One of the most incredible experiences I’ve had in Hollywood was when I worked on West Side Story. I still remember Steve Spielberg sharing stories about Michael Jackson calling him to discuss the moonwalk. It’s a story that’s hard to believe!
Dominic Sessa
After securing the main role alongside Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers” last year, Sessa had just one aspiration: to excel in the part so that he could potentially feature in another movie. “I didn’t grasp how any of this worked,” admits the actor, who was unexpectedly chosen from his school’s drama department for Alexander Payne’s film. “I didn’t think it would alter my life.” Towards the end of the movie’s promotional phase, he was already gearing up for his next role (in “Tow” with Rose Byrne and Octavia Spencer) and has since landed roles opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in Michael Showalter’s forthcoming holiday comedy “Oh. What. Fun.”, as young Anthony Bourdain in an upcoming A24 biopic, and in the third installment of the “Now You See Me” series. “I’m not aiming to develop or foresee the next revolutionary film,” he says. “I want to be involved in projects that I, personally, would relish watching.
IF I WASN’T AN ACTOR I’D BE “A teacher.”
“I’m really excited about the prospect of collaborating with Jack Black, as working together promises to be an enjoyable experience.”
After a long day of gaming, I unwind by diving into the pages of a good book. It’s an excellent time-filler when there’s downtime between matches. Reality TV also catches my eye, and my sister introduced me to ‘Love Is Blind’. I’ve recently watched the latest season, finding it captivating. I find myself intrigued by these shows because I can hardly imagine subjecting myself to such scrutiny while attempting to build a romantic connection with someone.
“As a gamer, I’d say the best advice I’ve received in the entertainment industry is to seize every opportunity, regardless of its type. Avoid limiting yourself unknowingly. The filmmaker Alexander Payne showed me this valuable lesson.”
SONG OR ALBUM I HAVE ON REPEAT “‘Southern Nights’ [by Glen Campbell]”
THE MOVIE OR SERIES I AM OBSESSED WITH Raising Arizona.
Sophie Wilde
In a surprising twist, Wilde initially believed the 2022 horror movie “Talk to Me” would be a small, independent production. However, it turned out to be her breakout role and A24’s highest-grossing horror film ever. Even before its theater release, she was presented with the script for Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl,” which she found captivating, describing the director as “simply amazing.” This erotic thriller revolves around an affair between a powerful CEO (portrayed by Nicole Kidman) and her younger intern (Harris Dickinson), with Wilde cast as Kidman’s assistant. She expresses her excitement about working alongside such an icon, whose work she has long admired. At 26 years old, Wilde is currently in London filming with another icon, Tom Cruise, for Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s secretive and untitled project. She appreciates the numerous prestigious projects coming her way but also acknowledges that with career advancement comes a significant increase in administrative tasks: “Now, I have many more emails to respond to.
If I weren’t an actor, I’d probably be a novelist. I was quite the literature enthusiast in school, and choosing between English literature and acting was a close call for me.
I’m really looking forward to collaborating with Robert Eggers. His movies are fantastic, and I can’t wait for the release of “Nosferatu”.
I like to unwind on Set 1 by playing my specially curated playlists for each role.
THE BEST ADVICE I’VE GOTTEN ABOUT WORKING IN ENTERTAINMENT IS about failure. That it’s important to fail and that your self-worth isn’t intrinsically tied to whether you succeed or not.
Currently, the album I’ve been playing non-stop is Charli XCX’s remixed collection. The track I particularly enjoy on it is “Everything Is Romantic” [with Caroline Polachek].
My current television obsession is the HBO series titled “The Synanon Fix.“. It’s a captivating documentary that delves into an intriguing subject matter.
One of the most Hollywood moments I’ve experienced was when… I attended the CFDA Awards, and found myself alone, unsure of where to go next, when suddenly, thousands of cameras were flashing at me. It dawned on me that Kim Kardashian was standing behind me. I thought, “Of course, let her take center stage as the queen.
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai
Following an accidental introduction to acting during his teenage years, the 23-year-old secured his first Emmy nomination this year for his performance in the final season of “Reservation Dogs”, a development he acknowledges as both triumphant and tinged with melancholy. “There were countless conversations we could have had,” says Woon-A-Tai, yet he acknowledges that the role provided many opportunities. These include a part in Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing” and Alex Garland’s “Warfare”, where he stars alongside Kit Connor, another rising talent. Throughout his meteoric rise, Woon-A-Tai, who is of Oji-Cree heritage, has maintained his activist fervor. In September, he garnered attention for walking the Emmys red carpet with a red palm print – a symbol of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement – painted on his face. Woon-A-Tai attributes this idea to his grandfather and aspires that “this action drew attention to the issue rather than myself – I prefer the focus to be on the issue.
If I weren’t an actor, I’d likely become a history teacher. I have a deep interest in history, and while it might seem dull to others, it’s always been captivating to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t encounter many inspiring teachers during my own educational journey, which made me want to drop out at times. So, the idea of inspiring young minds and helping them appreciate history as much as I do is a dream of mine.
“The most valuable advice I’ve received while working in entertainment goes like this: ‘Early is on time, and on time is late.’ However, it should be noted that I arrived 20 minutes late for this particular occasion, thanks to notoriously unpredictable LA traffic.”*
SONG OR ALBUM I HAVE ON REPEAT “The Woody Guthrie [song] ‘Two Good Men’.”
David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’ has captivated me thoroughly. What I adore about it is its unique soundtrack, comprised solely of The Smiths.
An extraordinary Hollywood moment for me was when I managed to enter a club through someone else’s name, not mine but Will Poulter’s who I was with. He got us into the club with his name. It was something I hadn’t experienced before and found it incredibly cool. However, it wasn’t my name that got me in.
“You can find this article in the November 20th edition of The Hollywood Reporter. To stay updated, consider subscribing.
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2024-11-20 18:01