Actors Hollywood Pushed — But Success Never Came

The film industry often attempts to manufacture the next major superstar by casting promising new talents in massive blockbuster projects. These actors receive incredible marketing support and leading roles in high budget franchises designed to launch their careers into the stratosphere. However many of these chosen leading men find that audience connection is not something that can be forced by a studio campaign alone. Despite being given every opportunity to succeed these performers eventually saw their momentum fade as projects failed to meet commercial or critical expectations. This list explores the actors who were once positioned to be the biggest names in the world but never quite reached that pinnacle.

Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch gained massive attention for his role as Tim Riggins in the television series ‘Friday Night Lights’. This success led to major leading roles in massive big budget films like ‘John Carter’ and ‘Battleship’. Both of these movies failed to perform at the box office and resulted in significant losses for the studios. Despite his early promise the actor struggled to find another major franchise to lead in the following years. He eventually transitioned back to television and supporting roles in various independent films.

Sam Worthington

Sam Worthington became a global star overnight when he appeared in the blockbuster hit ‘Avatar’. Hollywood immediately cast him in several high profile projects including ‘Clash of the Titans’ and ‘Terminator Salvation’. While these films were financially successful the actor often received criticism for his performance style. He eventually stepped away from the spotlight to focus on smaller roles and the subsequent ‘Avatar’ sequels. His career as a leading man in original action films did not maintain the momentum seen during his initial breakout years.

Garrett Hedlund

Garrett Hedlund was positioned as the next major leading man after his appearance in ‘Tron Legacy’. The actor also took on significant roles in films like ‘Country Strong’ and ‘On the Road’. Despite the heavy marketing campaigns behind these projects they did not elevate him to A list status. He continued to work steadily in supporting roles and television series such as ‘Mosaic’. His career trajectory showcases the difficulty of maintaining leading man status in a competitive industry.

Alex Pettyfer

Alex Pettyfer was heavily promoted as a teen heartthrob and action star in films like ‘I Am Number Four’ and ‘Beastly’. The studio marketing for these projects suggested he would become the next major superstar for younger audiences. Reports of difficult behavior on sets and the underwhelming performance of his films hindered his rise. He later appeared in the first ‘Magic Mike’ film but was not invited back for the sequels. Today he mostly works on smaller independent projects and international productions.

Jai Courtney

Jai Courtney was cast in several high profile franchises including ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ and ‘Terminator Genisys’. Hollywood studios clearly intended for him to become a staple of modern action cinema. Audiences often reacted with indifference to his characters and the films frequently failed to meet expectations. He eventually found more success playing character roles in films like ‘Suicide Squad’ rather than leading them. His path demonstrates how difficult it is to sustain a career based solely on big budget action leads.

Josh Lucas

Josh Lucas was touted as the next great leading man during the early 2000s after appearing in ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. He was given the lead in the high budget action film ‘Stealth’ which was intended to be a summer blockbuster. The film was a significant critical and commercial failure that stalled his momentum as a primary lead. He transitioned into a successful career as a character actor in films like ‘Ford v Ferrari’. While he remains respected he never reached the level of superstardom once predicted for him.

Brandon Routh

Brandon Routh was famously selected from obscurity to play the iconic role of Clark Kent in ‘Superman Returns’. The film was meant to launch a massive new franchise and make him a household name. While the movie performed reasonably well it did not lead to a direct sequel or other major film offers. Routh struggled to find leading roles in cinema and eventually found a new home in television. He is now best known for his work in the ‘Arrowverse’ as the character Ray Palmer.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer was positioned as a major leading man after his dual role in ‘The Social Network’. Hollywood studios cast him in big budget productions like ‘The Lone Ranger’ and ‘The Man from UNCLE’. Neither film achieved the expected level of commercial success to establish him as a reliable box office draw. His career trajectory was later complicated by personal controversies that emerged after several years in the spotlight. He eventually stepped away from major studio projects to focus on independent films and personal matters.

Emile Hirsch

Emile Hirsch gained critical acclaim for his performance in ‘Into the Wild’ and was quickly pushed into big budget projects. He was cast as the lead in ‘Speed Racer’ which was expected to be a massive commercial hit. The film failed to connect with audiences at the time and impacted his standing as a leading man. Legal issues and personal setbacks further slowed his career progression in the following years. He continues to work in smaller films but the initial push toward superstardom has long since cooled.

Dane DeHaan

Dane DeHaan was often compared to a young Leonardo DiCaprio due to his intense acting style and unique look. He was given a massive platform as Harry Osborn in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ and the lead in ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. Both projects faced critical backlash or financial struggles that prevented him from becoming a mainstream star. He has since shifted his focus toward independent cinema and prestigious television projects like ‘The Staircase’. Despite his talent he remains a niche actor rather than a global leading man.

Alden Ehrenreich

Alden Ehrenreich was selected for one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood as Han Solo in ‘Solo A Star Wars Story’. The film was intended to launch a new series of movies centered on the younger version of the character. The production faced numerous behind the scenes issues and the final film underperformed at the box office. This resulted in a hiatus from major film roles as the actor reevaluated his career path. He has recently returned to the screen in projects like ‘Oppenheimer’ where he has focused on supporting roles.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth was heavily marketed alongside his brother Chris after his breakout role in ‘The Last Song’. He was cast in the massive ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise which gave him significant global exposure. However his attempts to lead his own action films like ‘Paranoia’ and ‘Independence Day Resurgence’ failed to capture the public imagination. While he remains a recognizable figure his career as a top tier leading man in original projects never fully materialized. He continues to work primarily in streaming films and television projects.

Joel Kinnaman

Joel Kinnaman was chosen to lead the high profile remake of the classic film ‘RoboCop’. This role was intended to introduce the Swedish actor to a massive global audience as an action superstar. The film received mixed reviews and did not generate enough interest to launch a new franchise for the studio. He later appeared in ‘Suicide Squad’ and the television series ‘Altered Carbon’ to maintain his presence in the industry. While he remains a working actor he has not become the A list leading man that studios initially envisioned.

Kit Harington

Kit Harington became a global icon through his role as Jon Snow in the television series ‘Game of Thrones’. Hollywood attempted to translate this success to the big screen by casting him in the lead of ‘Pompeii’. The film failed to make an impact and was criticized for its lack of depth and character development. Other projects like ‘Spooks The Greater Good’ also failed to establish him as a reliable cinema lead. He has since returned to theater and character based television work to find creative fulfillment.

Chris Klein

Chris Klein became an overnight sensation following the success of the comedy film ‘American Pie’. Hollywood quickly tried to pivot him into leading man territory with the action remake ‘Rollerball’. The film was a disastrous failure that severely damaged his reputation as a viable lead actor. He struggled to find work in major studio productions for several years following that project. He eventually found a career resurgence on television in series like ‘The Flash’ and ‘Sweet Magnolias’.

Scott Eastwood

Scott Eastwood was given a significant push in the industry due to his lineage and his role in ‘The Longest Ride’. He was cast in supporting roles in massive franchises like ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘The Fate of the Furious’. Studios also gave him the lead in the sequel ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ in an attempt to make him a new action star. The film did not perform as well as the original and critics often questioned his screen presence. He has since focused on smaller action movies and modeling opportunities.

Charlie Hunnam

Charlie Hunnam gained a massive following on television in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and was expected to lead several major film franchises. He was the original choice for the lead in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ but famously dropped out before filming began. He later starred in the big budget films ‘Pacific Rim’ and ‘King Arthur Legend of the Sword’. The latter project was a massive box office failure that ended plans for a multi film universe. He now focuses on more grounded projects and collaborations with specific directors.

Douglas Booth

Douglas Booth was promoted as a rising British star with his roles in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Noah’. He was given a prominent role in the science fiction epic ‘Jupiter Ascending’ which was meant to be a massive hit. The film was critically panned and became one of the biggest box office disappointments of its year. This stalled his rise in Hollywood and he mostly returned to British independent cinema and period dramas. He continues to work steadily but has not returned to the world of massive studio blockbusters.

Skeet Ulrich

Skeet Ulrich was frequently marketed as the next Johnny Depp during the late 1990s after his roles in ‘Scream’ and ‘The Craft’. He was given leading roles in films like ‘Chill Factor’ which were designed to capitalize on his rising popularity. These films failed to find an audience and his momentum as a movie star quickly vanished. He eventually transitioned to a successful career on television in shows like ‘Jericho’ and ‘Riverdale’. While he found long term stability he did not reach the cinematic heights once predicted for him.

Shane West

Shane West was positioned as a major teen heartthrob after the success of the romantic drama ‘A Walk to Remember’. He was cast as Tom Sawyer in the big budget adaptation ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’. The film was intended to launch a franchise but suffered from a troubled production and poor critical reception. This effectively ended his chances of becoming a top tier leading man in major studio films. He eventually found success in television series like ‘Nikita’ and ‘Salem’.

Devon Sawa

Devon Sawa was a major teen star in the late 1990s and lead the successful horror film ‘Final Destination’. Hollywood attempted to keep his momentum going with projects like ‘Extreme Ops’ and ‘Slackers’. These films were critical and commercial disappointments that failed to establish him as an adult leading man. He stepped away from the industry for a period to focus on personal life before returning as a character actor. He has recently found a steady niche in the horror genre and independent films.

Jason Patric

Jason Patric was viewed as a prestige actor who could lead major blockbusters after his work in ‘Sleepers’. He was cast as the lead in ‘Speed 2 Cruise Control’ which was one of the most expensive and highly anticipated sequels ever made. The film was a legendary box office failure and Patric was often blamed for the lack of chemistry on screen. This significantly impacted his ability to secure leading roles in high profile studio movies. He has since focused on theater and small independent projects where he receives critical respect.

Matthew Modine

Matthew Modine was a rising star in the 1980s with roles in ‘Full Metal Jacket’ and ‘Vision Quest’. He was given the lead in the massive pirate epic ‘Cutthroat Island’ which was intended to be a huge summer hit. The film was such a massive financial disaster that it led to the bankruptcy of the studio producing it. Modine’s career as a leading man in blockbuster cinema never recovered from the fallout of that project. He has since enjoyed a long career as a reliable character actor in television and film.

Eric Bana

Eric Bana was an Australian comedy star who made a huge impact in Hollywood with his role in ‘Black Hawk Down’. He was cast as the lead in ‘Hulk’ which was directed by Ang Lee and intended to be a major superhero franchise. The film received a polarizing reception and the studio eventually chose to reboot the character with a different actor. His other attempts at leading major historical epics like ‘Troy’ and ‘Munich’ were respected but did not make him a superstar. He has since returned to Australian cinema and occasional character roles in American films.

Chace Crawford

Chace Crawford became a teen idol through his role as Nate Archibald in the television series ‘Gossip Girl’. Hollywood tried to transition him into movies with roles in ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ and several horror projects. He was even cast in the lead for the remake of ‘Footloose’ before dropping out of the project. His film career never quite took off and he spent several years in smaller roles. He eventually found a new career path in the popular streaming series ‘The Boys’.

Ed Westwick

Ed Westwick also gained fame through ‘Gossip Girl’ and was pushed as a brooding leading man in various film projects. He appeared in the remake of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and the thriller ‘Chalet Girl’. Despite his popularity on television his appeal did not translate to box office success for his cinematic ventures. Personal controversies further impacted his career opportunities during a crucial time in his professional life. He continues to work in international productions and television series.

Toby Kebbell

Toby Kebbell gained a reputation as a talented character actor before being pushed into major villainous and leading roles. He was cast as Doctor Doom in the ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot and the lead in the remake of ‘Ben Hur’. Both films were massive critical and commercial failures that became synonymous with the struggles of modern remakes. These disappointments hindered his transition into a primary leading man for big studio projects. He continues to find success in performance capture roles and supporting parts in various films.

Dominic Cooper

Dominic Cooper was positioned as a major new talent after his roles in ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Captain America The First Avenger’. He was given the lead in the adaptation of the popular video game ‘Need for Speed’ and the horror film ‘Dracula Untold’. Neither project performed well enough to establish him as a top tier box office draw in the United States. He eventually found a better fit in television where he starred in the cult favorite series ‘Preacher’. He remains a respected actor but works primarily outside the blockbuster system.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans was a stage actor who Hollywood attempted to turn into an action star through films like ‘Dracula Untold’. He also appeared in major franchises like ‘Fast and Furious’ and ‘The Hobbit’ as a supporting player. Despite his leading man looks and talent his solo leading vehicles often struggled to find an audience. He has found more consistent success in musical films like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ where his theatrical background is an asset. He continues to work steadily in both television and film across different genres.

Theo James

Theo James was the lead male actor in the ‘Divergent’ series which was meant to be the next ‘The Hunger Games’. While the first two films were successful the franchise eventually collapsed and the final installment was never completed. His attempts to lead other action films like ‘Underworld Blood Wars’ did not elevate his career to the next level. He has since moved away from teen franchises to focus on acclaimed television work like ‘The White Lotus’. This shift has allowed him to gain critical recognition that was missing during his time as a studio lead.

Brenton Thwaites

Brenton Thwaites was cast as the lead in several major studio projects including ‘Gods of Egypt’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales’. These films were intended to make him the next major young leading man in Hollywood. ‘Gods of Egypt’ was a notable box office failure and his role in the ‘Pirates’ franchise was often overshadowed by the returning cast. He has since transitioned to television where he plays the lead role in the series ‘Titans’. He remains a working actor but the initial push for cinematic superstardom has stalled.

Jack Huston

Jack Huston comes from a legendary Hollywood family and was given a massive opportunity as the lead in the ‘Ben Hur’ remake. The film was a significant financial loss and received poor reviews from critics and audiences alike. This outcome made it difficult for him to secure further leading roles in massive studio productions. He has since focused on character work in television series like ‘Fargo’ and supporting roles in prestigious films. His talent is widely recognized but he has not become a mainstream leading man.

Benjamin Walker

Benjamin Walker was cast as the lead in the high concept action film ‘Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter’. The movie was intended to be a breakout vehicle for the stage actor who had previously gained acclaim on Broadway. While the project had a unique premise it failed to capture the interest of mainstream moviegoers at the box office. He later appeared in the maritime epic ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ but that project also struggled to find an audience. His career eventually shifted back toward theater and television roles where he found more consistent success.

Sullivan Stapleton

Sullivan Stapleton was given a major push as the lead in the sequel ‘300 Rise of an Empire’. The film was meant to establish him as a new action hero following the success of the original movie. While the film was a modest financial success it did not turn him into a household name or a top tier star. He has since found more stability in television where he starred in the popular series ‘Blindspot’. He continues to work in the industry but mostly in television and smaller film projects.

Justin Chatwin

Justin Chatwin was selected to lead the live action adaptation of ‘Dragonball Evolution’ which was expected to be a global franchise. The film was notoriously disliked by fans and critics and became a major commercial disappointment. This failure significantly impacted his trajectory as a leading man in big budget cinema. He later found success in television as a member of the ensemble cast in the series ‘Shameless’. His film career has since focused on independent projects and character roles.

Ben Hardy

Ben Hardy was cast as Angel in ‘X-Men Apocalypse’ which was meant to be his introduction to a massive global audience. Hollywood also pushed him in roles in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and the action film ‘6 Underground’. Despite being part of several high profile projects he has not yet broken out as a solo leading man. He has recently returned to British television and theater where he continues to hone his craft. He remains a recognizable face but the push for him to lead major franchises has quieted.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. was the face of late 1990s teen cinema with hits like ‘Shes All That’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. Hollywood attempted to maintain this success as he aged into more adult roles with films like ‘Summer Catch’ and ‘Scooby Doo’. These projects were often critical failures and his appeal to audiences began to wane as the teen movie trend shifted. He eventually stepped away from the spotlight to focus on his family and voice acting work. He is now a successful author and personality but his days as a cinematic leading man have passed.

Wes Bentley

Wes Bentley became an overnight sensation after his performance in the Oscar winning film ‘American Beauty’. He was immediately offered numerous leading roles but struggled with personal issues that derailed his early career. By the time he returned to major productions in ‘The Hunger Games’ he was no longer being positioned as a top tier lead. He has since found a successful second act as a character actor on television in shows like ‘Yellowstone’. His story is one of recovery and finding a new niche after a failed initial push.

Jamie Bell

Jamie Bell gained fame as a child actor in ‘Billy Elliot’ and was later pushed as a leading man in action films like ‘Jumper’. He was also cast as The Thing in the ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot which was intended to be a major franchise starter. The failure of that film and the lack of success for his other action ventures led him to focus on independent cinema. He has earned critical acclaim for his work in smaller films like ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Film Stars Dont Die in Liverpool’. He remains a respected performer who thrives outside the blockbuster system.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett was one of the most heavily pushed actors of the early 2000s with leads in ‘Pearl Harbor’ and ‘Black Hawk Down’. He was frequently featured on magazine covers and was offered major superhero roles like Batman and Superman. Hartnett famously pushed back against the fame and the studio system by choosing smaller and more eccentric projects. This resulted in him falling off the A list as he prioritized personal artistic goals over commercial success. He has recently seen a career resurgence in projects like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Trap’.

Topher Grace

Topher Grace was the star of the hit sitcom ‘That 70s Show’ and was groomed for a major film career. He was given the role of Venom in ‘Spider-Man 3’ which was intended to be his big transition into blockbuster villainy. The portrayal was widely criticized by fans and the film was considered a disappointment despite its financial success. He struggled to find leading man roles in the years that followed and eventually transitioned to character acting. He has since received praise for his supporting roles in films like ‘BlacKkKlansman’.

Jim Sturgess

Jim Sturgess was positioned as a major new leading man after starring in the musical ‘Across the Universe’ and the thriller ’21’. Hollywood studios cast him in several high profile projects including ‘Cloud Atlas’ and ‘The Way Back’. Despite his obvious talent and the prestigious nature of these projects they did not result in major box office success. He has since moved into more independent films and television projects in the United Kingdom. He continues to work steadily but has not returned to the level of studio push he once received.

Sam Claflin

Sam Claflin gained significant attention as Finnick Odair in ‘The Hunger Games’ series and was pushed for several leading roles. He starred in the romance ‘Me Before You’ and the action film ‘The Huntsman Winter War’. While ‘Me Before You’ was a success his other attempts at leading major action franchises did not connect as strongly. He has since focused on more character driven roles in projects like ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’. He is a successful actor who has found a better fit in ensemble and character based work.

Max Irons

Max Irons was given a significant push as the lead in young adult adaptations like ‘Red Riding Hood’ and ‘The Host’. These films were intended to follow the success of ‘Twilight’ and establish him as a new romantic lead. Both projects failed to meet commercial expectations and the planned franchises were cancelled. He has since focused on British television and historical dramas where he has found more consistent success. He remains a working actor but has largely moved away from the Hollywood blockbuster machine.

Jeremy Irvine

Jeremy Irvine was handpicked by Steven Spielberg to lead the massive epic ‘War Horse’ which was expected to make him a star. He followed this with roles in ‘The Railway Man’ and ‘Great Expectations’ as part of a major career push. Despite the high profile nature of these projects he did not become a household name or a reliable box office draw. He has since worked in a variety of independent films and smaller television projects. He is recognized for his acting ability but the initial push toward superstardom did not stick.

Alex Russell

Alex Russell gained attention in the found footage superhero film ‘Chronicle’ and was pushed as a new young lead. He appeared in the remake of ‘Carrie’ and the action film ‘S.W.A.T.’ on television. While he has had a steady career he has not broken through into major cinematic leading man status. Much of his most recognizable work has remained within the realm of television and smaller genre films. He continues to work in the industry but is no longer being marketed as a potential A list star.

Boyd Holbrook

Boyd Holbrook was given a major opportunity as the lead antagonist in ‘Logan’ and the primary lead in ‘The Predator’. ‘The Predator’ was intended to revive the franchise but was met with poor reviews and underwhelming box office numbers. This outcome slowed his momentum as a potential action leading man for major studios. He has since focused on character roles in projects like ‘The Sandman’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. He is a highly regarded actor who has found more success in supporting and villainous roles.

Tye Sheridan

Tye Sheridan began his career with acclaimed roles in independent films like ‘Mud’ and ‘Joe’. He was later cast as the lead in the massive blockbuster ‘Ready Player One’ and as Cyclops in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. Despite leading these high profile projects he has not yet established himself as a major solo box office draw. He continues to balance big budget work with smaller independent films to maintain his artistic range. While he is very successful he has not yet reached the level of superstardom once expected.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort became a major teen star with ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and was pushed as a leading man in the ‘Divergent’ series. He achieved further acclaim as the lead in ‘Baby Driver’ and the remake of ‘West Side Story’. However personal controversies and the mixed performance of ‘The Goldfinch’ significantly impacted his public image and career momentum. He has recently focused on television with the series ‘Tokyo Vice’ to rebuild his professional standing. His future as a top tier cinematic lead remains uncertain in the current industry climate.

Cam Gigandet

Cam Gigandet was positioned as a major rising star after his villainous role in the first ‘Twilight’ film. He was given leading roles in action films like ‘Never Back Down’ and ‘The Roommate’ which were marketed toward younger audiences. These projects were successful in their niche but did not lead to a career in major studio blockbusters. He has since transitioned to a long career in independent action films and television guest appearances. He remains a recognizable figure in the genre but never reached the A list level once predicted.

Tell us what you think about these career trajectories in the comments.