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The New Leading Men in Our Lives
The New Leading Men in Our Lives,Meet the next class of actors who will be dominating screens (and hearts) for the foreseeable future. Here’s a taxonomy of the biggest breakout actors 35 and under who haven’t (yet) been the lead of a major superhero film.

The New Leading Men in Our Lives

If you watch enough movies, then you’ll know the Chrises, Jake Gyllenhaal, Oscar Isaac, and Timothée Chalamet. Their checks have cleared and probably will keep clearing, but this is Hollywood, where there’s always high demand for fresh blood. We’re getting a rebranded James Bond; Marvel is shifting gears from phase four into phase five. Someone’s gotta fill all these key franchise roles — and maybe even fit in an awards-bait drama or two.

So who is in the running to be America’s Next Top Matinee Idol? Here’s a taxonomy of the biggest breakout hunks 35 and under who haven’t (yet) been the lead of a major superhero film (if they’ve had a supporting role, well, they’re still on the rise). Some are aiming to be critical darlings (three are up for Oscars this year), some are trying to book 007, some can even sing — and, yes, all have incredible bone structure.

Drama Kings




























Damson Idris

Age: 31

He’s ending an acclaimed TV run on Snowfall; he’s in Donald Glover’s cryptic upcoming Amazon show, Swarm; he’s a suave and British internet boyfriend (and Lori Harvey’s); and his name might half-satisfy those who long for an Idris Elba Bond.

Photo: Getty Images (all)

Thank you for subscribing and supporting our journalism. If you prefer to read in print, you can also find this article in the February 27, 2023, issue of New York Magazine.

Want more stories like this one? Subscribe now to support our journalism and get unlimited access to our coverage. If you prefer to read in print, you can also find this article in the February 27, 2023, issue of New York Magazine.

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