Which Glee Cast Members Have the Best Shot At Being Movie Stars?
With I Am Number Four unspooling at theaters around the country (and in IMAX!), Dianna Agron becomes the first Glee star to graduate from McKinley High School to the silver screen. Four isn't Agron's maiden voyage into the world of film -- she had small roles in Burlesque and The Romantics last year -- but it is the first high profile movie appearance from any Glee star since the show exploded. Will Agron be the biggest movie star of the New Directions bunch? Ahead -- using nothing but common sense, speculation and bit of wishful thinking -- Movieline counts down the ten Glee students most likely to succeed.
10. Max Adler
As Karofsky -- the homophobic and closeted bully who forced Kurt to transfer schools -- Max Adler hasn't had to do much more than glower and act like a big jerk on Glee. Buried in the overblown post-Super Bowl episode, however, were some really sweet character moments for Adler to play: Confusion, sweetness, and even a bit of charm. He'll never lead a movie, but maybe cast him as the best friend in an indie coming-of-age flick and see what happens?
Odds of being a movie star: 40-to-1
9. Naya Rivera
As long as Naya Rivera maintains her pin-up status -- and as long as Hollywood makes crappy horror movies -- she will have something to do. After all, couldn't you imagine her playing one of the doomed co-eds in Piranha 3DD? Just sayin'.
Odds of being a movie star: 36-to-1
8. Cory Monteith
Surprise! You likely didn't expect to see Monteith so low on this list, but between his age (28) and his acting skills (Monteith is fine, but doesn't seem to have very much depth) future leading man status probably eludes him. Somewhere Chris Klein is nodding his head in sad agreement.
Odds of being a movie star: 33-to-1
7. Chord Overstreet
Despite coming down with Bieber Fever during the latest episode of Glee, Chord Overstreet has been a fairly welcome addition to the cast during this rocky second season. The problem is that he has yet to find a niche: Is he the handsome-but-goofy dork that Glee seems to be pushing him toward? Is he the cocky-and-handsome jock with a heart of gold? Whatever the case, the key word there is "handsome." For future casting directors his Brad Pitt-in-Thelma and Louise looks will only help.
Odds of being a movie star: 24-to-1
6. Chris Colfer
Everyone loves Chris Colfer. Unfortunately, everyone also loves Kurt. This means typecasting. To his credit, Colfer wrote a script for himself to star in: Struck by Lightning, a coming of age film which he plans to film over the Glee summer hiatus. If he continues to show himself to be a triple threat (singing, acting, writing), he could move up the list rapidly; if he's just writing Kurt the Movie, he could be in trouble.
Odds of being a movie star: 20-to-1
5. Harry Shum Jr.
Two words: Three Minutes. The ultra-violent short film that stars Harry Shum Jr. and a bad-ass lightsaber should be the Glee second-teamer's future calling card. Shum carries an innate charm and physicality that make him seem like a natural action star. Suggestion: A team-up with Jason Statham in the star's next meat grinder.
Odds of being a movie star: 17-to-1
4. Dianna Agron
Whether or not you think Agron possesses anything more than the blandly generic appeal of blond ingenues from Kirsten Dunst to Kristen Stewart, one thing is clear: Hollywood sorta does. Not only was she rumored to be on the shortlist for a role in The Amazing Spider-Man, she was also hand-picked by Steven Spielberg for I Am Number Four. Not bad.
Odds of being a movie star: 13-to-1
3. Heather Morris
Remember when the Internet pulled a collective muscle imagining Morris starring as Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Or when everyone went nuts for "Nuthin' but a Glee Thang"? Morris has had a breakout last six months, and between her looks, comedy chops and the fact that everyone seems to love her, it wouldn't be all that surprising to see an even bigger breakout happen in the future. As an unabashed (and totally biased) fan, fingers crossed.
Odds of being a movie star: 9-to-1
2. Darren Criss
It might not be the best thing for Glee, but Darren Criss' ascention to fame has provided everyone with a new favorite It Boy. As Criss told Movieline, he's the sort of newfangled renaissance man that might be too busy to find fame on the big screen. But should he decide that's the path he wants, Criss seems like a natural fit for all types of romantic comedies and familial dramas. That he looks like the type of youngster who could play George Clooney's son probably doesn't hurt either.
Odds of being a movie star: 7-to-1
1. Lea Michele
She might be a controversy magnet -- and she might have made Hailee Steinfeld almost cry -- but Lea Michele is a certifiable star. Like her character, Michele seems to be pre-programmed for stardom, and has the talent and will to reach that goal. In fact, if there is a hitch in her wagon, it's that the difference between Michele's public persona and Rachel Berry is still minimal. Otherwise, expect mostly smooth sailing: A stint on Glee, followed by a role in that Funny Girl revival that's happening on Broadway, followed by a role in the Funny Girl movie that will no doubt happen soon after, followed by an Oscar win for Best Actress. Hey, stranger things have happened...
Odds of being a movie star: 4-to-1.
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Comments
I see Rivera transitioning more into a sort of spy/vixen/assasin kind of genre, like a Bond bad girl. Not to typecast her...
Monteith has miles more depth than Chord or Darren. He's probably one of the best actors on the show. I see him succeeding in movies more than any of these people, to be quite honest. He has high potential.
"Max Adler hasn’t had to do much more than glower and act like a big jerk on Glee."
Y0u mean like the scene in the locker room with Kurt, or the scene with his father?
Cory Monteith should be higher up on the list. I would pay good money to watch anything he's in. And he's a better actor than any of them.
Darren Criss has been on the show for a total of about 20 minutes excluding his singing. We have no way of knowing what kind of actor he is. Until we see more of him, I reserve my judgement.
Totally agree with the assessment of Heather Morris. She has Amanda Seyfried in Mean Girls written all over her.
This is an awesome article. Even though she kind of annoys me Lea Michele is obviously #1. Especially after GQ. I read this article the other day. What do you guys think? I don't know about the order:
http://www.thecampussocialite.com/5-best-celebrity-guest-stars-on-glee/
I'd rate Rivera higher; she's a great comedienne and has been working in TV the longest of any of the kids on the show. Though from one of her interviews, she seems more interested in pursuing music (and also took courses in screenwriting).
Colfer likewise seems more into behind-the-scenes stuff. Which might be for the best, because I think his physical appearance and speaking voice would tightly limit the types of film roles he would get.
Poor Mark Salling. He didn't even make the list. Even Max Adler is in it. And Cory should be higher up.
It's ridiculous how much Darren Criss is being pushed down our throats. He's even had more solos than Naya Rivera! Unbelievable. He hasn't been on the screen enough to deserve a mention, IMO.
I also think Naya Rivera and Cory Monteith should be higher on the list.
Honestly, Dianna should be #1. She's got the looks and is already creeping up the ladder.
Lea is someone that I think will either be on broadway or do comedies/musicals.
I don't think Heather is all that in looks, nice body but her face doesn't do much for me. PLus can she act, all we have seen is mono-tone.
Same with Dianna ...looks can only get you so far.
I see Lea being a bit like Kristen Chenoweth, doing a little bit of everything. But if she puts she mind to it she could do more movies.
Cory will be back on tv.
Chris will work behind the camera, writing, directing.
But her acting is average at best.
Her acting is average at best.
Does that mean she won't find any success? Just because Dianna is not Meryl Streep does not mean she won't find movies. Look at the actresses out there that may not be the best actresses. There are movies out there for everyone.
Plus, Dianna has talked about going other ventures besides acting.
Dianna has the Hollywood looks (which Hollywood is all about in the end), smarts, personality, and networking skills to carve out a good movie career. It helps that her friend works for Dreamworks casting.
Plus, their are plenty actresses out there that are more about looks then acting, and they still get good roles.
Rivera's acting is seriously understimated. In the last episodes of Glee she was able to show her talent, finally receiving a lot of praise from critics.
Agron may be the prettiest member of the cast, but Hollywood has plenty of blonde stars and will get tired of her soon is she doesn't step up.
I don't know about Darren Criss - I find him a bit annoying and he may end up getting typecast as a teen actor.
Lea Michele - she really good on Glee and on stage, but can she actually do drama well? Her acting works on Glee - it's a bit over done and theatrical which works great for the part of Rachel. Theatrical acting doesn't always translate well on stage and that could be a problem for her. She needs to be a bit more subtle. I can't see her getting big roles.
And getting the role in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl - I can't see that happening. I believe the producers want a relative unknown but more importantly, I think they want the lead actress to play the part while its on the road before it opens on Broadway.
My money would be on Kevin McHale.
And that would be based on instinct. But I am usually a good forecaster.
I don't know, I think you're underestimating Lea Michele here. She's had some really wonderful subtle quiet moments in the show too and she's pulled it off really well. The last few episodes have been particularly great for her. Yeah, she's over the top but it does work for her character but when the writing asks for quieter moments she really does pull them off.
Granted, I'm probably biased because her character is my favourite and she's a huge reason why I still watch Glee despite it's many many flaws.
She's a terrible actress though. Like seriously, have you seen the last few episodes of Glee. Awful. And if you've seen the Romantics, which I couldn't make it through, she was bad there too. And all she really had to do on the minute she was in Burlesque was play an older version of Quinn Fabray.
If she does become a movie star, it won't be because she deserves it due to her talent, it'll be because she's the most generically pretty blond girl on the cast. And everyone will know it.
Yeah I agree with your assessment on all of them, especially Heather. Also, I've seen Heather's short movie and she was pretty monotone their too. She shouldn't be on this list at all.
I'm just hoping you're right about Dianna tbh.
Yaysun you know nothing about acting. Agron is one of the more emotive actors on the show as asessed by most critics as well. So, only you in your bitter and envious hate would think she made it on just her looks.
People like you just hate as they did with Swank and Michelle Williams on their respective TV shows and time is always the best teacher to your sort.
Diannas acting is more suited to film than the dramatics of Lea and time will prove that simple fact as Lea will return to the stage and Dianna will go on to be a great leading lady of all genres of film if she wants to.
BTW, this list is a fans opinion rather than based on any substance. The msnbc list makes more sense. When you have Darren Criss and Hemo and harry shum making such a list and cory so low, you know the writer is not quite sure what the list is about.
I put my money on Dianna Agron. It is showbusiness. Her acting is subtle and quiet and always that beat behind that makes you pay attention. totally suited for drama. Totally suited for film. She's got the looks and its actually a look that can change. I have seen some brunette and red headed shots. Seen her look young and old. I believe she definitely has the brightest future of the lot. Which is good for her because, although a sweet voice, singing is not her thing.
I think people like to hate on the pretty. A girl like Dianna will always be underated because everyone will say it is because she is pretty. Whilst a girl like Lea Michele will always be overated because everyone will say she is not the typical pretty face but hey, look she can act. Then they proceed to actually overstate how she can act just because she is not a pretty face.
I think both will succeed but Dianna will be the movie star actress while Lea on stage.
Cory will make it from the boys. While the rest even have any odds, leads me to believe like someone else said that this writer did not base this on any research or due diligence but simply on what they want to see happen rather than on what will happen.
sorry but diana agron acting skills are embarassing, watch anything with her and she is always quinn. now imagine if any other girl played her part at first season, where she got so much going on at the plot, that would called everybody attetion to acting, but she is a beautiful girl and that is it.
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