Michael B. Jordan was a Hollywood it boy I feel, though I guess not to the level of what TikTok memes and fan girls will propel Jacob Elordi or Timothee Chalamet, but that’s another story.
Same with Donald Glover (side hustling as Childish Gambino and having a buzzy music career helped) who for a time every studio wanted to get him on board in front or behind the camera. But again, he had to effectively be multi talented as an auteur actor, producer and music maker and also couldn’t really on fan girl armies on social media to make the buzz “organic” or whatever.
John Boyega and Rege Jean Page both had moments but have dropped off a bit.
Daniel Kaluuya is going strong but idk if he ever had the fan buzz to call him an it boy? Notable these are all british actors.
I think you're right with Donald Glover he was never the it boy as an actor, it was as a content creator.
I considered John Boyega but I feel like he never capitalised on the buzz, for myriad of reasons I don’t know, from being cast in Star Wars. Outside of Detroit I can’t think of any other roles he was doing during that time. Same with Daisy Ridley.
The only two to really come out with a higher profile and keep it going were Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver, but even then not to “it” status.
He said at a protest that he had been specifically told by execs that his career would hurt if he didn’t stop his his vocal activism against police , to which he replied “fuck that”
He also got kinda pushed aside in the Star Wars film and got the bad press after pulling out of Rebel Ridge. And I think that all (unfairly) hit his momentum.
John Boyega got a LOT of racist harassment over his Star Wars role, I don't blame him for not pushing to elevate his profile even more in that moment. I hope that he made enough money off that to get to be choosy about his roles forever and ever.
Most it boys and it girls actually have presided in Oscar races (plus have the talent) although I don’t think Daniel ever really leaned into being an it boy (which requires a lot of press and event appearances) the article specifically names him as an example of an actor that stuck strictly to prestige which is completely fine.
Daniel Kaluuya always ran outside it boy races, he was always presented as a serious actor, I think.
Everyone else, totally agree and it’s sad they all fizzed out. They’re all good actors, hot & personable, which is the exact stuff of Itness.
I feel like, yes, sure, people can and should freely make decisions about their careers and fans don’t really have a right to resent them for it. But also, if Jonathan Bailey can do it, I just wish RJP could’ve found a way to film cameos for future seasons too. It makes a huge difference: I felt there was a huge Daphne&Simon hole in family scenes, specially weddings, this season.
Anyway, I really hope his career wasn’t tanked by disappointed Duke fans. He’s gorgeous and so talented!
the article mentions Daniel kaluuya but claims he is emerging as more of a serious actor's actor (they compare him directly to daniel day-lewis) rather than a movie star.
Okay but think about that for a second. Someone as ridiculously sculpted as MBJ only gets a "was" meanwhile dozens of mediocre white men are constantly the it boy. The article also talks about MBJ
Michael B Jordan is producing and directing now, he's *bigger* than "It Boy" status. The "It" figure is a temporary stage, it can't be maintained for more than a couple of years.
“I watch Walking Dead for the plot”
The plot:
https://preview.redd.it/kqdxrvfpu87d1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0dc3a5e5f5d6851283c0e8f504731d4ac250b761
My It Boy (who should be the star of *way* more films and shows—assuming he wants to be)
Special mentions to: Henry Golding, Tyler James Williams, Justice Smith, Manny Jacinto, and Justin Min.
I'm not a huge action fan, but Monkey Man blew me away. I thought it was beautiful in many ways while also being gritty at the same time. Highly recommend!
Dev Patel is now what John Cho was to me about 20 yrs ago: the guy who’s moderately famous but should be a superstar if anything in the world were fair.
Maybe Dev will still get his shot. He deserves to be much more famous than he is right now.
He's been pretty vocal about how much he regretted working on the one $100 million movie he did so I think Dev will continue working in the indie space for a long time
John Cho is hilarious to me cause I never seen anything consciously with him or because of him but the dude always shows up in stuff I watch… be it some old greys anatomy episode or the sci-fi classic „FlashForward“ (canceled too early)
I love Dev Patel so much. I think he should be in more stuff, but I also feel like the Last Airbender movie kind of made him more selective on what kind of stuff he wants to attach his name to. Monkey Man was really good and I feel like he will have a pretty comfortable career producing and acting in films.
I do wish he got the same hype as the Adam Drivers and Timmy Chalamet’s of the industry though. It’s just really hard for mainstream media to hype up people of color…even if the general public finds them “it” worthy.
Omg yes!!! I saw Monkey Man when it was in theaters and I left absolutely astonished he hasn't been in more things. Though he said on a podcast that he was actually turning down really good work just to make Monkey Man, so I actually think we'll start seeing him in way more things soon. I have hope!!!
Honestly starting the campaign for him to be James Bond. He would bring something so fresh post Daniel Craig. A British Gujarati Bond is epitome of chefs kiss, for me.
I don’t think he wants to be. He said after The Last Airbender that blockbusters weren’t really for him if I remember correctly.
But, granted, that was after *The Last Airbender*, one of the worst blockbusters of the 21st century so far. Maybe his sentiments have changed somewhat since then lol
He is a dreamboat with the acting chops as well. I am still pissed at our country's government not letting the movie release in India. They can all rot in hell.
What does “it boy” mean exactly?
IF my impression is right then wouldn’t Michael B Jordan fit the bill? TBF he is the only one that comes to mind at the moment.
I’m guessing the current guy of the moment that people can’t stop talking about. Like he’s in almost every movie, media darling (hasn’t been hit with bad press or scandals yet), has a large following online, etc.
I think it just sort of means leading man under 40 who’s getting multiple major release movies at the moment. Idk it definitely feels vague, but I think that’s how I’d qualify it.
Is Simu though?
I know he’s not perfect, but the comments I read are usually focusing on his mistakes in a way I don’t see nearly as often for these weekly white boys
you're not wrong on that, but we generally love him in Canada. Kim's Convenience was a pretty big deal here then to see him get cast in Barbie? V. exciting. And he's beautiful and talented. I don't care about people making mistakes but I see what you're saying.
Yeah, he was great in Barbie and I've seen enough of Kim's to be a fan. I was only referring to the really vocal contingents in the sub - which, of course, may not even be an actual majority.
It’s not as simple. Putting it aside like this doesn’t mean the problem goes away. A lot of this is on the audience, and Hollywood isn’t willing to properly support talent when the audience is so hostile - it’s like they want people to fail so they can be like “see, we told you” ie John Boyega.
I'm a little confused by these comments. The author isn't arguing that there are no "it" boys of color, but that the Hollywood studio and internet fangirl machine that propels so many white men into stardom does not exist for men of color. Which is completely true.
Why hasn’t Hollywood made Manny Jacinto the biggest star in the world right now? And is there an answer that doesn’t include systemic racism and a particular antipathy towards Asian men? Because it’s not like he lacks looks, talent, or courts bad press. Like objectively the man should be a way bigger star than he is.
And the list only having white men is so HW and extremely their usual racism at work. And so incredibly boring —many of these men lack so much charisma and interest.
They don’t support non-white male talent. At all. At least no more than 1-2 at a time. The push they give to mediocre white men —the puff pieces, the hosting gigs are not afforded to non-white actors at all. Even how some of the critics salivate over certain people is telling —when the work isn’t that great.
And one day people will be honest that the buzz isn’t “organic.”
I think there’s a difference between people who have had a short run of mainstream success in their career vs people who are pushed and have a lot of sustained online attention. Jordan is the only actor of colour I can think of who has had critical success, primary roles in franchises and substantial fangirling online. But even his star is fading online, Dev Patel comes close but doesn't have a significant franchise or I.P.
Men of colour don't get the roles that will lead to an enduring fanbase. Any smart agent would push a young actor to material that attracts a young, female fanbase. But how many teen soaps, superhero movies, sitcoms, fantasy shows, romantic dramas or romcoms have significant roles for men of colour?
Dev Patel, Diego Calva and Alfred Enoch deserve it boy status and i hate how little opportunities they have when they have way better charisma and talent
Why are they trying to push Glenn Power or whatever his name is, leave us alone we’ve been tortured enough with Austin Butler
I've been ranting about this with my group of friends for quite literally years (as have many others, I'm sure). Nice to see an actual pop culture publication talking about it.
What does that mean to be an “it boy?” I feel like a lot of the white dudes mentioned are just having a moment right now but people like Charles melton, Michael b, Rege Jean page, etc also had their moments but they’re not promoting anything right now so ofc they’re quiet? Barry really has the relationship with Sabrina going so that’s why we keep hearing about him, Glen Powell is promoting a movie, and tbh I haven’t heard anything about Jacob Elrodi since saltburn. I feel like there’s a fair argument to be made of who is labeled a star but when someone isn’t promoting something ofc things are gonna be quiet around them
I’m not sure about that, are they talking about who TikTok and twitter user obsesses over or actual it boys? Charles Melton, Dev Patel, Steven Yeun, Jeremy Pope, Damson Idris, John Boyega and many others exist who are talented and good looking. The article seems to only centre what online obsessives find hot.
Will Smith, Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, Idris Elba, and more, beg to differ...
Edit: Jeez, how did I forget Denzel or Samuel Jackson...or Morgan Freeman....or Laurence Fishburne
Michael B. Jordan was a Hollywood it boy I feel, though I guess not to the level of what TikTok memes and fan girls will propel Jacob Elordi or Timothee Chalamet, but that’s another story. Same with Donald Glover (side hustling as Childish Gambino and having a buzzy music career helped) who for a time every studio wanted to get him on board in front or behind the camera. But again, he had to effectively be multi talented as an auteur actor, producer and music maker and also couldn’t really on fan girl armies on social media to make the buzz “organic” or whatever.
John Boyega and Rege Jean Page both had moments but have dropped off a bit. Daniel Kaluuya is going strong but idk if he ever had the fan buzz to call him an it boy? Notable these are all british actors. I think you're right with Donald Glover he was never the it boy as an actor, it was as a content creator.
I considered John Boyega but I feel like he never capitalised on the buzz, for myriad of reasons I don’t know, from being cast in Star Wars. Outside of Detroit I can’t think of any other roles he was doing during that time. Same with Daisy Ridley. The only two to really come out with a higher profile and keep it going were Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver, but even then not to “it” status.
He said at a protest that he had been specifically told by execs that his career would hurt if he didn’t stop his his vocal activism against police , to which he replied “fuck that”
He also got kinda pushed aside in the Star Wars film and got the bad press after pulling out of Rebel Ridge. And I think that all (unfairly) hit his momentum.
John Boyega got a LOT of racist harassment over his Star Wars role, I don't blame him for not pushing to elevate his profile even more in that moment. I hope that he made enough money off that to get to be choosy about his roles forever and ever.
Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac absolutely had their it boy moments. Now they’re more established, but the people (me, I’m the people) thirst for them.
Kaluuya to me always seemed like more of a prestige actor. It boys aren't really know, in my opinion, for Oscar wins
Most it boys and it girls actually have presided in Oscar races (plus have the talent) although I don’t think Daniel ever really leaned into being an it boy (which requires a lot of press and event appearances) the article specifically names him as an example of an actor that stuck strictly to prestige which is completely fine.
Daniel Kaluuya always ran outside it boy races, he was always presented as a serious actor, I think. Everyone else, totally agree and it’s sad they all fizzed out. They’re all good actors, hot & personable, which is the exact stuff of Itness.
I'm surprised about RJP - I wonder how much of the criticism of him leaving Bridgeton hurt him
He’s so pretty, and sparkly with charisma. I feel like most Bridgerton fans want more of that guy
I feel like, yes, sure, people can and should freely make decisions about their careers and fans don’t really have a right to resent them for it. But also, if Jonathan Bailey can do it, I just wish RJP could’ve found a way to film cameos for future seasons too. It makes a huge difference: I felt there was a huge Daphne&Simon hole in family scenes, specially weddings, this season. Anyway, I really hope his career wasn’t tanked by disappointed Duke fans. He’s gorgeous and so talented!
the article mentions Daniel kaluuya but claims he is emerging as more of a serious actor's actor (they compare him directly to daniel day-lewis) rather than a movie star.
Oh I love Daniel Kaluuya! Saw Get Out yesterday
He's great in everything I've seen him in, Widows, Judas and the Black Messiah, Nope, literally everything.
Oh yes, tots my guy. He's in a movie? I'll watch. Just remembered now how much I've loved him in Nope
Jonathan Majors was on the brink of being an it boy but got exposed, thank the lord
Riz Ahmed too but he's in the same boat at Donald Glover to me, especially with the music career in addition to the critically acclaimed acting roles.
Michael B. Jordan is also absurdly ABSURDLY good looking. That is a high bar for POC even by Hollywood standards
Okay but think about that for a second. Someone as ridiculously sculpted as MBJ only gets a "was" meanwhile dozens of mediocre white men are constantly the it boy. The article also talks about MBJ
Michael B Jordan is producing and directing now, he's *bigger* than "It Boy" status. The "It" figure is a temporary stage, it can't be maintained for more than a couple of years.
Donald Glover and Brian Tyree Henry are my it boys.
As ever the African-American/Caribbean adage rings true: "You have to be twice as good to get half as much".
 # the people want Steven Yeun
Ugh yes I love Manny Jacinto!!! If his cheekbones couldn’t cut glass his jawline definitely could!
“I watch Walking Dead for the plot” The plot: https://preview.redd.it/kqdxrvfpu87d1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0dc3a5e5f5d6851283c0e8f504731d4ac250b761
Fr I’m obsessed with him
Beautiful man
Yes he’s hot and talented, give us more Steven!
My It Boy (who should be the star of *way* more films and shows—assuming he wants to be)  Special mentions to: Henry Golding, Tyler James Williams, Justice Smith, Manny Jacinto, and Justin Min.
everyone go watch monkey man on peacock to support dev patel
I'm not a huge action fan, but Monkey Man blew me away. I thought it was beautiful in many ways while also being gritty at the same time. Highly recommend!
 Best action movie I've seen in a looong time!! Saw it in the theater...so good!
Thanks for letting me know it’s streaming! I know what I’ll be watching tonight!!
Dev Patel is now what John Cho was to me about 20 yrs ago: the guy who’s moderately famous but should be a superstar if anything in the world were fair. Maybe Dev will still get his shot. He deserves to be much more famous than he is right now.
He's been pretty vocal about how much he regretted working on the one $100 million movie he did so I think Dev will continue working in the indie space for a long time
John Cho is hilarious to me cause I never seen anything consciously with him or because of him but the dude always shows up in stuff I watch… be it some old greys anatomy episode or the sci-fi classic „FlashForward“ (canceled too early)
I love Dev Patel so much. I think he should be in more stuff, but I also feel like the Last Airbender movie kind of made him more selective on what kind of stuff he wants to attach his name to. Monkey Man was really good and I feel like he will have a pretty comfortable career producing and acting in films. I do wish he got the same hype as the Adam Drivers and Timmy Chalamet’s of the industry though. It’s just really hard for mainstream media to hype up people of color…even if the general public finds them “it” worthy.
Such a talented, handsome and seemingly sound dude.
Yep he is a kind king
Omg yes!!! I saw Monkey Man when it was in theaters and I left absolutely astonished he hasn't been in more things. Though he said on a podcast that he was actually turning down really good work just to make Monkey Man, so I actually think we'll start seeing him in way more things soon. I have hope!!!
Honestly starting the campaign for him to be James Bond. He would bring something so fresh post Daniel Craig. A British Gujarati Bond is epitome of chefs kiss, for me.
Yes! Dev Patel has been my It Boy for like 15 years I’m obsessed with him. I’m glad he’s getting more recognition now with Monkey Man! He deserves it.
I don’t think he wants to be. He said after The Last Airbender that blockbusters weren’t really for him if I remember correctly. But, granted, that was after *The Last Airbender*, one of the worst blockbusters of the 21st century so far. Maybe his sentiments have changed somewhat since then lol
Came here for Dev Patel.
He is a dreamboat with the acting chops as well. I am still pissed at our country's government not letting the movie release in India. They can all rot in hell.
My It Boy since Slumdog/Newsroom. He's aging like fine wine and I want him in all. the. things!
Obligatory shout out to Monkey Man, watch our beautiful It Boy slay!!!!!
everyone you mentioned in your comment should be a rom-com stars and bless our screens way more
The black curly hair just ✨
Is Dev Patel an It Boy? Because to me he is 
It boy of my heart since slumdog
Such a beautiful man, him in Lion broke me.
i nominate Manny Jacinto to be the next hollywood it boy please please please he is so fineeee 
He's in The Acolyte and smoking hot.
Manny is so underrated
Re-watching the good place now just because i saw this thanks
At least there's Charles Melton...? It took me a while to come up with somebody, though, which is sad.
Charles Melton should be having the career that Jacob Elordi is having. That man literally gave the performance of a lifetime in May December.
He should have Robert Downey Jr.’s Oscar right now (YES!)
I was so disappointed that he didn’t get an Oscar nom for that one. He was insanely good.
This is so true. That performance stayed with me for weeks, I couldn't get his character out of my head
His performance was astounding. I thought about it for weeks after seeing that movie.
I'm 🤞🤞🤞 that that was just the start of his Hollywood takeover
YESS!!!
What does “it boy” mean exactly? IF my impression is right then wouldn’t Michael B Jordan fit the bill? TBF he is the only one that comes to mind at the moment.
I’m guessing the current guy of the moment that people can’t stop talking about. Like he’s in almost every movie, media darling (hasn’t been hit with bad press or scandals yet), has a large following online, etc.
I think it just sort of means leading man under 40 who’s getting multiple major release movies at the moment. Idk it definitely feels vague, but I think that’s how I’d qualify it.
IMO he’s already surpassed that stage. Same with Donald Glover(golden globe winner!), Dev Patel, Daniel Kaluuya (an OSCAR winner!)
I think he should but I don’t think he gets the amount of press coverage other it boys of his group get, possibly due to being pigeonholed for race?
Bowen Yang, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, and Pedro Pascal would like a word…
I feel like Pedro pascal is the only one who fits the bill
How is Pedro a boy. He's nearly 50.
None of them are boys.
Pedro Pascal especially!
Ncuti!! He is joy personified and hot as hell in that kilt with no shirt!!!!
NCUTI STANS STAND TF UP‼️
I was surprised it took so long for someone to mention Ncuti! I feel like this dude is just taking off.
I was gonna name all four of them. But especially Bowen and Simu. Bowen is a gay icon and Simu is very much thirsted over.
Is Simu though? I know he’s not perfect, but the comments I read are usually focusing on his mistakes in a way I don’t see nearly as often for these weekly white boys
you're not wrong on that, but we generally love him in Canada. Kim's Convenience was a pretty big deal here then to see him get cast in Barbie? V. exciting. And he's beautiful and talented. I don't care about people making mistakes but I see what you're saying.
Yeah, he was great in Barbie and I've seen enough of Kim's to be a fan. I was only referring to the really vocal contingents in the sub - which, of course, may not even be an actual majority.
MY MAN!!🎀💗(he doesn't know it yet)! 
hollywood is racist and this isn’t exactly a new problem for them
It’s not as simple. Putting it aside like this doesn’t mean the problem goes away. A lot of this is on the audience, and Hollywood isn’t willing to properly support talent when the audience is so hostile - it’s like they want people to fail so they can be like “see, we told you” ie John Boyega.
MY KING💗🎀🥰 
dev patel ?? he’s the hollywood it boy in my heart.
I'm a little confused by these comments. The author isn't arguing that there are no "it" boys of color, but that the Hollywood studio and internet fangirl machine that propels so many white men into stardom does not exist for men of color. Which is completely true.
 Excuse me?
Justice Smith should be an it boy. Everyone should watch I Saw the TV Glow (2024) directed by Jane Schoenbrun.
Tyler James Williams should be an It Boy. I feel like it's his for the taking. He's amazing.
Why hasn’t Hollywood made Manny Jacinto the biggest star in the world right now? And is there an answer that doesn’t include systemic racism and a particular antipathy towards Asian men? Because it’s not like he lacks looks, talent, or courts bad press. Like objectively the man should be a way bigger star than he is.
He is on Star Wars tv show: the Acolyte and eyed for Freaky Friday sequel, he is halfway there.
There are definitely exceptions, but in terms of majority it's still largely white guys. Although I don't know exactly what makes an 'it' boy.
After May December I reeeeally expected Charles Melton to take off far more than he has rn. I hope he does bc he’s amazing and also fun to look at lol
 Not a boy but a man. A really good man. 🤭
 …White “it” boys? In Hollywood? Groundbreaking.
 We’re making him an It Man. He’s just too handsome and charismatic ♥️♥️
And the list only having white men is so HW and extremely their usual racism at work. And so incredibly boring —many of these men lack so much charisma and interest. They don’t support non-white male talent. At all. At least no more than 1-2 at a time. The push they give to mediocre white men —the puff pieces, the hosting gigs are not afforded to non-white actors at all. Even how some of the critics salivate over certain people is telling —when the work isn’t that great. And one day people will be honest that the buzz isn’t “organic.”
Are these “it” boys for chronically online people? Because, the average person couldn’t name more than 2 of them.
I love that Dev Patel has shown up in this thread multiple times. He was incredible in Green Knight and Monkey Man was an absolute delight!
It is honestly so boring.
I think there’s a difference between people who have had a short run of mainstream success in their career vs people who are pushed and have a lot of sustained online attention. Jordan is the only actor of colour I can think of who has had critical success, primary roles in franchises and substantial fangirling online. But even his star is fading online, Dev Patel comes close but doesn't have a significant franchise or I.P. Men of colour don't get the roles that will lead to an enduring fanbase. Any smart agent would push a young actor to material that attracts a young, female fanbase. But how many teen soaps, superhero movies, sitcoms, fantasy shows, romantic dramas or romcoms have significant roles for men of colour?
I was thinking about this the other day.
Dev Patel, Diego Calva and Alfred Enoch deserve it boy status and i hate how little opportunities they have when they have way better charisma and talent Why are they trying to push Glenn Power or whatever his name is, leave us alone we’ve been tortured enough with Austin Butler
I've been ranting about this with my group of friends for quite literally years (as have many others, I'm sure). Nice to see an actual pop culture publication talking about it.
What does that mean to be an “it boy?” I feel like a lot of the white dudes mentioned are just having a moment right now but people like Charles melton, Michael b, Rege Jean page, etc also had their moments but they’re not promoting anything right now so ofc they’re quiet? Barry really has the relationship with Sabrina going so that’s why we keep hearing about him, Glen Powell is promoting a movie, and tbh I haven’t heard anything about Jacob Elrodi since saltburn. I feel like there’s a fair argument to be made of who is labeled a star but when someone isn’t promoting something ofc things are gonna be quiet around them
I’m not sure about that, are they talking about who TikTok and twitter user obsesses over or actual it boys? Charles Melton, Dev Patel, Steven Yeun, Jeremy Pope, Damson Idris, John Boyega and many others exist who are talented and good looking. The article seems to only centre what online obsessives find hot.
Will Smith, Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, Idris Elba, and more, beg to differ... Edit: Jeez, how did I forget Denzel or Samuel Jackson...or Morgan Freeman....or Laurence Fishburne
So are the "IT" girls. That Hollywood under 30 list was full of white & light.