Yes, I know, I know. Talk of who “the next Denzel Washington” is a highly contested topic. But with the current crop of actors who are undeniably cementing their status as top-tier artists in Hollywood much like Washington, I’d be crazy not to pose this question once again. So let’s kick things right on off with The Creator star John David Washington
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Yes, we know he’s literally Denzel’s son but you can’t tell me you watched Ballers, BlacKkKlansmen, and Tenet and didn’t get a sense of his charisma and magnetism. And if that wasn’t enough, seeing him on Broadway last year for The Piano Lesson definitely made a strong case.
Kelvin Harrison Jr.
All it took was for me to see Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Waves to know we were dealing with someone special. With his range in films like Cyrano, Luce, The Photograph, The High Note and more, it’s abundantly clear that he’s a force to be reckoned with. As a matter of fact, our pick of Kelvin holds so much weight, it was recently discussed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where the young actor responded:
“It’s surreal I guess in some ways. But at the same time, I take it as a compliment in the sense that I guess it means I’m choosing the right roles. Denzel’s always chosen roles that where men feel like they have purpose and they feel dignified and they feel dynamic.”
He continued, “I believe that as Black people, specifically, we’re not saints nor sinners—we’re all of the above. And our humanity should feel full. And those are the types of projects I choose and the characters I like to play. And if they think that makes me Denzel-like, then I’ll take it.”
John Boyega
Next up, is The Woman King star John Boyega. When he’s not showing off his range in films like Star Wars or Breaking, he’s speaking out against injustices and using his platform for change. If that doesn’t scream Young Denzel, then I don’t know what does.
Daniel Kaluuya
I don’t think much has to be said about the magnetic actor that is Nope and Judas and the Black Messiah star Daniel Kaluuya. If his Oscar isn’t enough to convince you that he’s got the chops needed to take on the mantle, I don’t know what to tell you.
Jharrel Jerome
This young star may be flying low under the radar right now, but don’t let that make you forget that the When They See Us and Moonlight star Jharrel Jerome truly soars in any role he takes on. Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of him sooner rather than later.
Corey Hawkins
I know we all got a glimpse of Corey Hawkins’ greatness in Straight Outta Compton, and then again in In the Heights...and then again in The Tragedy of Macbeth. But it was his stellar performance on Broadway in Topdog/Underdog that really sealed the deal for me. Give this man his things now! (But even if you don’t, just know he’s coming for them anyway.)
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan. My, how I love you. Let me count the ways...no seriously. Whether he’s stealing our hearts as Vince Howard in Friday Night Lights, stealing vibranium in Black Panther or stealing blows in the popular Creed franchise, there’s no denying that MBJ is leaving an indelible legacy in Hollywood that will live long past today.
Aldis Hodge
There aren’t too many actors out here who possess the sheer amount of talent, charisma, and all-around swag that Black Adam and One Night in Miami star Aldis Hodge has. And for that, we ought to be grateful.
Brian Tyree Henry
We’d be here for 40 days and 40 nights if I got on my soapbox of support for all that is Brian Tyree Henry. Though he’ll forever be Paper Boi in most of our eyes (word to Atlanta), his roles in Widows and Causeway are clearly calling for us to see him more as the true gift that he is.
Leslie Odom Jr.
I’m pretty sure every role Leslie Odom Jr. touches turns into gold. If you don’t believe me, just look at the magic he made in Hamilton and One Night in Miami (I think about this movie way too often.) The guy’s just got it.
Jonathan Majors
We couldn’t make this list without including Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star Jonathan Majors.
Not only has he had a helluva last five months (Devotion, Magazine Dreams, the aforementioned Marvel film, and Creed III out now), but by and large his filmography and range make him a strong contender. His 15 minutes of fame and love from the public may have been short lived though as his recent legal troubles with regard to a “domestic dispute” will probably keep him out of the spotlight for the forseeable future.
Stephan James
I’d be lying if I said we talk enough about If Beale Street Could Talk star Stephan James because the truth is we don’t. And that’s a shame, given what we’ve seen from him in the aforementioned film, 21 Bridges and Race.
Trevante Rhodes
I mean, do I really have to say much here? Trevante Rhodes has the looks, vulnerability (Moonlight), strength (Hulu’s Mike), and just the right amount of ambiguity (The United States vs. Billie Holliday, Bruiser) to convince anyone of why he deserves to be around for a long time.
William Jackson Harper
Now this one may sound like a wild card, but hear us out: given what we’ve seen from William Jackson Harper in The Good Place, The Resort, Love Life and his (spoiler alert) cameo in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, I think he undoubtedly deserves to be in the conversation.
Regé-Jean Page
Say what you want but Regé-Jean Page aka #BridgertonBae will forever be the devilishly handsome Duke of Hastings in my eyes—but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frequently burning (ha!) to see what all he can do. The glimpse of his comedic chops in Sylvie’s Love and upcoming action prowess in Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves are just a few examples of the range he has. And if he gets the oft-rumored James Bond slot, there will really be no stopping him.
Aaron Pierre
Depth. Nuance. Good looks. These are all three things The Underground Railroad star Aaron Pierre has in him and it’s also the top three words most people would use to describe Denzel’s own filmography. Granted we need to see more of him, but I have a sneaking suspicion that my choice will be further solidified when his upcoming film Brother releases in the US soon.
Algee Smith
I could actually start and stop with Judas and the Black Messiah star Algee Smith’s smile all by itself. That’s Denzel 101, but I’d be remiss not to point out is incredible work in the New Edition Story, Detroit, and the (hopefully) soon-to-be released 2023 Sundance film, Young.Wild.Free. With each role, Smith gets more and more convincing and I get more and more excited. He continues to prove why he’s the one to watch over and over again.
Kingsley Ben-Adir
Our Black British brothers and sisters may already be familiar with Kingsley Ben-Adir since he was starring in roles like ITV’s drama Vera. But it was arguably his breakout role in the Regina King-directed One Night in Miami where he starred as civil right’s icon Malcom X, that made us here in America pay more attention. Up next, he’ll make his debut in the MCU and in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie which will no doubt give us a chance to see his range shine once again.
Will Catlett
I was thankfully introduced to Will Catlett when he starred in the lead role opposite Michele Weaver on the popular OWN series, Love Is__. Since then his nuanced portrayals have been captivation audiences in other hit projects like Black Lightening, Charm City Kings and most recently the 2023 Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning film, A Thousand and One. Everything he touches turns to gold, seeing his ascent will be just as illuminating.
Shamier Anderson
In less than a month’s time, Shamier Anderson went from the seemingly mild-mannered father in Hulu’s Bruiser to the gun slinging, dog-commanding assassin in John Wick 4 and he excelled at both. Along with his impressive acting chops, philanthropic endeavors and side life as a popular DJ—it’s clear Anderson has it and we’re dying to see more.
Damson Idris
Now you know we’d be remiss if we didn’t include Dancin’Address Snowfall star Damson Idris. After six years of Franklin Saint, one of TV’s favorite and notorious drug dealers, Idris has proven time and time again he’s the one to watch and he’s got next.
Elija Kelley
Whether he’s belting out his stellar vocals and dance moves in Hairspray or making us swoon as Ricky Bell in The New Edition Story, the multi-talented Elijah Kelly has been a force right out the gate. And with his upcoming role in the Sammy Davis Jr. limited series sure to captivate audiences worldwide, I have no doubt his star will keep rising.
Aml Ameen
Aml Ameen had my vote of confidence after I watched one of new favorite holoday rom-coms Boxing Day, but after seeing him The Porter and knowing he has an upcoming role as Martin Luther King Jr. in Rustin—I’m more than convinced he’s got the chops.
Tone Bell
Now I’m probably supremely biased here because I love quite literally every single project Tone Bell is in (The Weekend, Little, Sylvie’s Love and especially Survival of the Thickest), but I’m not too smitten to skirt over the fact that he has a range that we’ve only just begun to get a glimpse into. IDK who in Hollywood needs to hear this, but once this actor’s strike is over—get him more screen time. Please and thank you.
Jahi Winston
Jahi Di’Allo Winston may be young, but he’s already portrayed a New Edition member, kicked ass alongside Taraji P. Henson, and battled ghosts with Anthony Mackie—all before age 20. He’s also just as charismatic and can steal a scene much like Denzel himself, so I’d definitely keep your eyes on his growth.
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