The craft of acting is the crux to any cinematic experience — and this year, there seems to be no shortage of talents that have the promise of executing some amazing performances. As we look ahead to a year of movies that seems like anything but assured, we can examine some of these actors and actresses from afar, anticipating their potential interpretations.
NOTE: There are many projects still in development, others we’re unsure about in terms of timing and, even some that are on this list may not see the light of day this calendar year.
Here are the most anticipated performances of 2021.
Other notable performances we’re anticipating for 2021: There are plenty of heavyweights including Golden Globe winners Angela Bassett and Taron Egerton, blockbuster megastars like John Boyega and Jennifer Lopez, Oscar-nominees Jake Gyllenhaal and Scarlett Johansson, Oscar-winners like Olivia Colman and Jennifer Lawrence, and undisputed talents like Timothée Chalamet, Rob Morgan, Paul Walter Hauser, Issa Rae, Chris Rock and Zendaya.
Also, in case you missed it, Variety’s lists of the most exciting directors and most anticipated films from 2021.