I have to go with Scarlett Johansson, by a narrow margin over Shia LaBeouf and Keira Knightley. All of those actors have picked very good roles so far, and their star will only increase. James McAvoy has made a name for himself with his roles in Narnia and Last King of Scotland, so look for him a lot in the future. Jonah Hill has potential, as long as he isn't always typecast as the chubby guy with the Jewfro. Lindsay Lohan? Why is she even in this group?  

Now by 'greatest American actor in the years to come' did you actually mean 'greatest Canadian actor' Chienfantome? 

So many people to choose from. Lebouf, Knightly Efron, Johansson, Gosling. You did overlook somebody though. Nikki Blonsky from Hairspray. 

Shia Laubeouf Defintley mean Disturbia and Transformers this year Indaina Jones next year this kid knows what he is doing. 

Shia LaBeouf? Most people haven't even seen him in his best acting performance - "A Guide to Recognizing Angels" opposite Channing Tatum ("Step Up"). Guys, you were actually paying attention in "Transformers"? I don't know how anyone can really consider LaBeouf except for his selection of talent agents getting him parts in "Transformers" & "Disturbia". He'll be in next summer's "Indiana Jones 4", so he'll be even larger next year than now, but does that mean most promising? I've always known that you can judge tomorrow by today. Well, how many of these actors have any Oscar nominations? Ryan Gosling has one. Anyone else? Nope. Gosling has shown more poise and intelligence in his roles than anyone. From bit roles in "Remember the Titans" to starring roles in "The Notebook", "The Believer", "Half Nelson" and "Fracture". The man knows more than anyone else what he's doing.  

James McAvoy played Tumnus in Narnia, correct? 

As for Gordon-Levett, His career may allign with someone like John Cusack- solid but not great actor with a smaller but loyal audience base. (I like Cusack, I just have admitted to myself that he's not one of the greats. I still like watching his films.)  

James McAvoy played Tumnus in Narnia, correct? As for Gordon-Levett, His career may allign with someone like John Cusack- solid but not great actor with a smaller but loyal audience base. (I like Cusack, I just have admitted to myself that he's not one of the greats. I still like watching his films.)  

I recommend going out and renting The Lookout and Brick for Levitt's performances.  

A_Roode, you read my mind ;) That's definitly how I feel about Gosling, he is an actor in the vein of Sean Penn. Dary, uncompromising, and intense. 

Acting in one so-so movie with a few funny lines does not make Michael Cera a promising star. 

All of these actors have already "made it", but none are household names...yet. I think Shia and Keira are the frontrunners. 

Where is Scott Mechlowitz or John Kransinski? 

Does anyone else think Tom Hanks is kinda overated. Sure he's a good actor. But I wouldn't call him great. And I really don't find him to be funny either. 

No. I REALLY have to disagree with you Keira Knightley fans. She got lucky with Pirates. She's attractive, young and has a british accent. Man. that must have taken a lot of work. I don't care how many sappy romantic period pieces you put her in, until she proves that she has some emotional depth and can actually act...I keep my standpoint. She can cry. Wow. Anyone can cry. She can use victorian language. Yay. She can read. I'm done. I'm sorry. 

My name is geezer, and I have a problem 

well, gosling just hit another indie home run with a blowup doll, so i'm guessing he'll be getting a tiny landslide of votes on this poll over the next couple of weeks.... :D 

Does anyone else think Tom Hanks is kinda overated. Sure he's a good actor. But I wouldn't call him great. And I really don't find him to be funny either.