Young Actors Who Completely Rebounded From Flops

The road to Hollywood stardom is rarely a straight line and often features significant potholes in the form of box office bombs. Young actors face immense pressure to maintain momentum meaning a high-profile flop can threaten to end their careers before they truly begin. Resilience is a necessary trait for longevity in the entertainment business as demonstrated by those who refuse to let one failure define them. These performers managed to shake off the stigma of bad reviews and commercial disasters to build impressive filmographies.

Michael B. Jordan

The actor faced a significant career hurdle with the critically panned ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot in 2015. His portrayal of Johnny Storm was overshadowed by the production issues and negative reviews surrounding the film. He quickly regained his footing by teaming up with Ryan Coogler for the sports drama ‘Creed’. Jordan delivered a powerful performance as Adonis Creed that revitalized the Rocky franchise. This role cemented his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Miles Teller

Teller experienced a major setback when he starred in the commercial failure ‘Fantastic Four’ alongside Michael B. Jordan. The negative reception of the superhero film threatened to stall his rising momentum. He steadily rebuilt his reputation with varied roles in films like ‘War Dogs’ and ‘Bleed for This’. His massive comeback arrived with ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ where he played Rooster. The film became a global phenomenon and reestablished Teller as a top tier talent.

Austin Butler

Early in his career, Butler appeared in critical duds such as ‘Yoga Hosers’ and ‘Aliens in the Attic’. These projects did little to showcase his dramatic range or potential as a serious actor. He transformed his career trajectory by securing the lead role in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’. His immersive performance as the King of Rock and Roll earned him an Academy Award nomination. This role successfully transitioned him from teen sitcom star to prestige film actor.

Dev Patel

Patel struggled to find his footing after the overwhelming negative response to ‘The Last Airbender’. The adaptation was widely criticized for its casting choices and direction. He worked hard to distance himself from that project with smaller character driven films. His resurgence culminated with an emotionally resonant performance in ‘Lion’. That role earned him an Oscar nomination and proved his capability as a dramatic lead.

Nicholas Hoult

Hoult faced box office disappointment with the big budget fantasy film ‘Jack the Giant Slayer’. The movie failed to launch a franchise and received mixed reviews from critics. He pivoted back to ensemble pieces and character roles that highlighted his versatility. His performance in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ as Nux became an instant fan favorite. He continued this winning streak with acclaimed roles in ‘The Menu’ and ‘The Favourite’.

Taron Egerton

The actor hit a stumbling block with the 2018 film ‘Robin Hood’ which was a critical and commercial failure. Critics panned the modern take on the classic tale for its uneven tone. Egerton immediately bounced back with his portrayal of Elton John in ‘Rocketman’. The musical biopic showcased his singing ability and acting depth. He won a Golden Globe for the performance and erased the memory of his previous flop.

Tom Holland

Between his Spider-Man appearances, Holland starred in the troubled production ‘Chaos Walking’. The film underwent extensive reshoots and received poor reviews upon its delayed release. He shook off this misstep by returning to his most famous role in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. The massive success of the Marvel sequel solidified his box office draw. He further proved his dramatic chops in the crime drama ‘Cherry’ and the series ‘The Crowded Room’.

Andrew Garfield

Garfield dealt with the polarizing reception of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ which led to the cancellation of future installments. He shifted his focus to working with legendary directors on more serious projects. His comeback was marked by a powerful performance in Mel Gibson’s ‘Hacksaw Ridge’. He later received widespread acclaim and an Oscar nomination for ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. His return in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ provided a redemptive closure for his version of the character.

Robert Pattinson

After the ‘Twilight’ saga, Pattinson appeared in several films that failed to connect with critics like ‘Bel Ami’. He spent years working in the independent film circuit to reshape his image. His grit and talent were undeniably proven in ‘Good Time’ and ‘The Lighthouse’. These performances led to his casting as the lead in ‘The Batman’. He successfully transitioned from a teen heartthrob to a respected method actor.

Ansel Elgort

The adaptation of ‘The Goldfinch’ was expected to be an awards contender but ended up being a critical and commercial flop. Elgort faced scrutiny as the film bombed at the box office. He managed to rebound by securing the lead role of Tony in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. The film received seven Academy Award nominations and praised for its direction. His performance in the crime drama ‘Tokyo Vice’ further stabilized his standing.

Alden Ehrenreich

Ehrenreich faced immense pressure and backlash after starring in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. The film was the first box office bomb in the franchise and halted his rise. He took a brief hiatus before returning with a standout supporting role in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’. He also garnered positive attention for his work in the hit comedy ‘Cocaine Bear’. These projects reminded audiences of his charisma and acting ability.

Dane DeHaan

The actor starred in the expensive sci-fi flop ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. The film struggled to find an audience and received criticism for the chemistry between leads. DeHaan reinvented himself with character roles in limited series like ‘The Staircase’. He eventually joined the ensemble cast of the massive hit ‘Oppenheimer’. His performance in the historical biopic marked a significant return to high profile cinema.

Daniel Radcliffe

Radcliffe worked hard to shed his Harry Potter persona but encountered flops like ‘Playmobil: The Movie’. He continued to take risks on eccentric and independent projects. His dedication paid off with the success of ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’. The biopic allowed him to display his comedic timing and won him a Critics’ Choice Award. He also found commercial success as a villain in ‘The Lost City’.

Logan Lerman

Lerman faced a franchise stall with ‘Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters’ and the box office failure of ‘The Three Musketeers’. He transitioned away from blockbuster attempts to focus on character work. His return to the spotlight came with the Amazon Prime series ‘Hunters’. He later joined the ensemble of the action hit ‘Bullet Train’. These roles demonstrated his growth from a child star to a mature actor.

Josh Hutcherson

After ‘The Hunger Games’ concluded, Hutcherson appeared in the delayed remake of ‘Red Dawn’ which flopped. He spent several years working on smaller projects and directing. His major comeback arrived with the horror adaptation ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’. The film became a massive box office success despite mixed reviews. This project reintroduced him to a new generation of fans.

Glen Powell

Powell was part of the ensemble for ‘The Expendables 3’ which saw diminishing returns for the franchise. He continued to grind in Hollywood with supporting roles in romantic comedies. His breakout moment finally came with ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ as the character Hangman. The role displayed his movie star charisma and led to a lead role in the hit ‘Anyone But You’. He is now considered one of the most promising leading men in the industry.

John Boyega

The actor dealt with the critical disappointment of ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ which failed to match the original’s success. He shifted his focus toward more dramatic and socially conscious narratives. His performance in ‘The Woman King’ received praise for its intensity. He further solidified his rebound with the sci-fi mystery ‘They Cloned Tyrone’. These choices highlighted his range beyond big budget franchises.

Zac Efron

Efron starred in critical failures such as ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Dirty Grandpa’ which relied heavily on slapstick humor. He began to seek out more challenging material to prove his dramatic capabilities. His transformation for ‘The Iron Claw’ stunned critics and audiences alike. His portrayal of Kevin Von Erich required immense physical and emotional dedication. The film is widely considered the best performance of his career.

Barry Keoghan

Keoghan appeared in the divisive Marvel film ‘Eternals’ which received mixed reactions from fans. He did not let the tepid response hinder his momentum. He delivered a haunting performance in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ shortly after. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination and universal acclaim. He followed this with a much talked about lead role in ‘Saltburn’.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

The actor starred in ‘Savages’ and the 2014 ‘Godzilla’ which received mixed responses regarding his character. He reinvented his screen presence with a chilling performance in ‘Nocturnal Animals’. That role earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. He continued his action career with a charismatic turn in ‘Bullet Train’. He has since been cast in the lead role for ‘Kraven the Hunter’.

Liam Hemsworth

Hemsworth struggled to find a hit outside of ‘The Hunger Games’ with the flop ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’. The sequel failed to capture the magic of the original and disappointed at the box office. He found a new niche in action thrillers like ‘Land of Bad’. He was also cast to replace Henry Cavill in the popular series ‘The Witcher’. These moves have kept him relevant in the action genre.

Kit Harington

While starring in ‘Game of Thrones’, Harington led the disaster film ‘Pompeii’ which bombed critically. He shook off the failure by continuing his acclaimed work as Jon Snow. He later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Eternals’. Although the film was divisive, it introduced him to a new massive franchise. He also received praise for his role in the series ‘Industry’.

Riz Ahmed

Ahmed played the villain in ‘Venom’ which was commercially successful but critically panned for its script. He pivoted to smaller and more intense dramatic work. His performance in ‘Sound of Metal’ as a drummer losing his hearing was a revelation. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The role established him as a heavyweight talent in independent cinema.

Charles Melton

Melton starred in the teen romance ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ which failed to make an impact at the box office. He was primarily known for his work on the soapy drama ‘Riverdale’. He completely transformed his image with the film ‘May December’. His complex performance alongside Julianne Moore earned him critical awards. He is now viewed as a serious dramatic actor.

Jeremy Allen White

Early in his film career, White appeared in the critically reviled anthology ‘Movie 43’. He spent years working consistently in television on ‘Shameless’. His true breakout came with the lead role in the series ‘The Bear’. The show became a cultural phenomenon and won him multiple awards. He also starred in the acclaimed film ‘The Iron Claw’.

Jacob Elordi

Elordi starred in the critically panning thriller ‘Deep Water’ alongside Ben Affleck. He was previously known mostly for teen romances like ‘The Kissing Booth’. He broke out of that mold with his role as Elvis Presley in ‘Priscilla’. He followed this with a dark and magnetic performance in ‘Saltburn’. These choices have made him one of the most sought after young actors.

Dacre Montgomery

Montgomery starred as the Red Ranger in the 2017 ‘Power Rangers’ reboot which underperformed financially. The planned franchise was scrapped due to the box office results. He rebounded quickly by joining the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ as Billy Hargrove. His intense performance made him a memorable antagonist in the hit series. He also garnered attention for his role in the biopic ‘Elvis’.

Finn Wolfhard

Wolfhard had a role in the drama ‘The Goldfinch’ which failed to connect with audiences. He continued his dominance in television with ‘Stranger Things’. He successfully transitioned to film success with ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. The film revitalized the franchise and was a commercial hit. He has also moved into directing with the horror comedy ‘Hell of a Summer’.

Will Poulter

Poulter starred in the period crime drama ‘Detroit’ which disappointed at the box office despite good reviews. He continued to work steadily in acclaimed television projects like ‘Dopesick’. His return to blockbusters came with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. He played the powerful character Adam Warlock in the successful trilogy closer. This role introduced him to the massive Marvel audience.

Harris Dickinson

Dickinson led the prequel ‘The King’s Man’ which received mixed reviews and struggled during the pandemic. He did not let this slow his ascent in the industry. He gained significant acclaim for his lead role in the satire ‘Triangle of Sadness’. The film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. He continued his hot streak with the sports drama ‘The Iron Claw’.

Callum Turner

Turner starred in the video game adaptation ‘Assassin’s Creed’ which was a critical failure. He worked to build a reputation through smaller British films and series. He achieved a major breakthrough with the Apple TV+ series ‘Masters of the Air’. He also starred in George Clooney’s ‘The Boys in the Boat’. These leading roles have positioned him as a rising star.

Joe Alwyn

Alwyn’s film debut in ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk’ was a box office bomb despite its technological ambition. He pivoted to supporting roles in prestigious ensemble films. He garnered praise for his work in ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Boy Erased’. He recently worked with Yorgos Lanthimos again in ‘Kinds of Kindness’. His career has been defined by working with auteur directors.

Patrick Schwarzenegger

Schwarzenegger starred in the teen romance ‘Midnight Sun’ which received poor reviews. He worked to separate himself from his famous last name with diverse roles. He found success in the critical hit ‘The White Lotus’ and the superhero spinoff ‘Gen V’. His performance in ‘Gen V’ specifically showcased his ability to play complex characters. He has successfully carved out his own path in television.

Jack Lowden

Lowden had a role in the fantasy flop ‘Pan’ which was a notorious box office disaster. He rebuilt his career with strong performances in ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Mary Queen of Scots’. His biggest success has come from the spy thriller series ‘Slow Horses’. The show has received universal acclaim and renewed for multiple seasons. He is now recognized as one of the best Scottish actors of his generation.

Tye Sheridan

Sheridan led ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ which is often cited as the low point of the franchise. The film was a financial failure and received poor reviews. He refocused on character driven dramas like ‘The Card Counter’ and ‘The Tender Bar’. These smaller films allowed him to showcase his acting ability without the weight of a blockbuster. He continues to work consistently in independent cinema.

Evan Peters

Peters also starred in the ill-fated ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ as Quicksilver. He moved away from the superhero genre to tackle darker material. He won acclaim and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the titular killer in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. He also earned praise for his role in the hit series ‘Mare of Easttown’. His versatility has kept him in high demand.

Kodi Smit-McPhee

Smit-McPhee was another casualty of the ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ failure. He bounced back with a career defining performance in ‘The Power of the Dog’. His role in the western earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He proved he could hold his own against industry veterans. He has since appeared in the biopic ‘Elvis’.

Ben Hardy

Hardy appeared in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ which received mixed reviews compared to its predecessors. He quickly rebounded with his role as Roger Taylor in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. The film was a massive global hit and won multiple Oscars. He continued to find success with the romance ‘Love at First Sight’. His career has maintained a steady upward trajectory.

Sam Claflin

Claflin starred in the reboot of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ which bombed at the box office. He had previously been known for ‘The Hunger Games’ but needed a new hit. He found it with the popular series ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’. His performance as a troubled rock star earned him critical praise. He also starred in the thriller ‘The Nightingale’.

Douglas Booth

Booth starred in the sci-fi disaster ‘Jupiter Ascending’ which was critically ridiculed. He worked to rebuild his credibility with roles in ‘The Dirt’ playing Nikki Sixx. He also appeared in ‘My Salinger Year’ and ‘That Dirty Black Bag’. These roles allowed him to distance himself from the high profile flop. He continues to work in both film and television.

Wyatt Russell

Russell starred in the critically panned thriller ‘The Woman in the Window’. The film’s release was delayed and it received negative reviews upon arrival. He found a major audience by joining the Marvel universe in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. He is set to reprise his role in the film ‘Thunderbolts*’. He also starred in the monster series ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’.

Tom Blyth

Blyth appeared in the quiet release ‘Benediction’ which did not reach a wide audience. He was relatively unknown before landing a major franchise role. He starred as a young Coriolanus Snow in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. The film was a box office hit and launched him to stardom. He carried the prequel successfully on his shoulders.

Mason Gooding

Gooding had a role in the sci-fi rom-com ‘Moonshot’ which was removed from streaming shortly after release. He found his true breakout by joining the ‘Scream’ franchise. His character Chad Meeks-Martin became a fan favorite in ‘Scream’ and ‘Scream VI’. The horror hits revitalized his career. He has since appeared in ‘Fall’.

Dane DeHaan

DeHaan starred in ‘A Cure for Wellness’ which flopped despite its visual style. He had already suffered from ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ backlash. He found redemption through his work in ‘Oppenheimer’. He also delivered a strong performance in the series ‘The Stranger’. His unique presence continues to land him interesting roles.

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