Ah, the glitz and glamor of Hollywood’s new wave, where the next generation of stars is shining brighter than ever.
It’s no surprise that Variety’s Young Hollywood Impact Report just had to spotlight these incredible talents who’ve not only captured our screens but also our hearts.
Let’s start with our favorite Brits from “Heartstopper,” Joe Locke and Kit Connor.
Now, these two have been on quite the journey since the Netflix series catapulted them into the limelight.
The show, with its tender portrayal of young LGBTQ+ love, became an instant hit, and its stars were thrust into the kind of fame that most actors only dream of.
Joe and Kit have embraced it with a charm and grace that only makes us love them more.
Kit Connor, who’s as versatile as they come, is proving his range by jumping from the small screen to the big stage.
And when I say big stage, I mean Broadway, darling.
He’s set to play none other than Romeo in the classic “Romeo & Juliet,” starring opposite Rachel Zegler.
But that’s not all; Kit’s got a full plate with upcoming projects including A24’s much-anticipated film “Warfare” and the DreamWorks animation “The Wild Robot,” where he’s rubbing shoulders (or should I say vocal cords?) with Lupita Nyong’o.
Kit’s enthusiasm for theater is palpable, and he’s been quoted saying how much he’s looking forward to returning to the stage because it’s “very creatively fulfilling.”
And honestly, who could disagree? Live theater has a magic all its own.
Joe Locke isn’t letting his “Heartstopper” success define him either.
After his stellar performance as Tobias Ragg in “Sweeney Todd” on Broadway, he’s now stepping into the world of Disney+ with “Agatha All Along,” a spinoff of “WandaVision” that already has fans buzzing.
Joe’s love for the stage shines through when he talks about how theater is acting in its purest form. No retakes, no camera tricks—just raw talent.
+Related: Kit Connor’s Buff Transformation & Stellar Rise
Meanwhile, across the pond, our Swedish sensations Omar Rudberg and Edvin Ryding have been making waves of their own. “Young Royals,” the Netflix series that explores royal life and queer love, has been nothing short of a global phenomenon.
Edvin, who plays the conflicted Prince Wilhelm, is gearing up for a completely different role in Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later.”
Acting alongside legends like Cillian Murphy and Jodie Comer, Edvin’s taking his career to thrilling new heights.
It seems he’s a fan of well-crafted drama himself, as he’s been binging “The Bear” and loving every intense minute of it.
And then there’s Omar Rudberg, who’s showing us all that there’s life beyond boy bands.
Once a member of FO&O, Omar has transitioned seamlessly into a solo career, making music that’s as stylish as he is.
Oh, and did I mention he’s now dabbling in the beauty world?
Omar recently launched a unisex fragrance under his brand OMR, adding “entrepreneur” to his already impressive resume.
For his TV binges, Omar’s been into “Threesome,” a Swedish drama with chemistry so electric, it’s no wonder he’s hooked.
These stars, celebrated at Variety’s Young Hollywood event on August 8, are more than just names on a list—they’re a force of nature, representing the future of entertainment.
After the turmoil of last year’s strikes, it’s clear that they’re thrilled to be back in action, doing what they do best: captivating us all with their talent.
It’s hard not to feel a sense of camaraderie with these rising stars, like we’re all part of the same wide circle of friends.
Watching their journeys unfold feels personal, like we’ve been cheering them on from the very beginning.
And in a way, we have. Their successes are our joys, their challenges our concerns, and their stories—whether on stage, screen, or in the studio—are ones we can’t wait to continue following.
+Related: Omar Rudberg Shares a Heartfelt Tribute to Young Royals
