It’s the end of the year when the latest films are released and excitedly enough: the list of Variety’s Actors On Actors. Film critics and lovers (like me) can’t wait to see what pairings appear every year. This year’s list was definitely one to remember, with Hollywood’s latest heartthrobs like Jonathan Bailey and David Corenswet, or ones who have been in the film game like Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. However, there are still some actors that were not chosen this year, and so I’ve decided to compile a list of actors that would be very interesting to see on these episodes.
If you are not familiar with Variety’s Actors on Actors, let me give you a run down:
The show is a long-running interview series where two actors sit down together to talk about what they are most passionate about: acting.Â
Other than talking about their latest release, they also talk about how they build their performances, experiences and changes in the industry, basically what exactly goes in their mind once the camera is on them. These pairings get the chance to connect and console with one another, sharing how they got from the bottom to the top.
There have been so many different pairings every year, but there are times when some actors we would like to see don’t get mentioned.Â
So here is a few list of pairings I 100% believe deserve to be featured:
- Tyriq Withers (HIM) & Odessa A’zion (Until Dawn, Marty Supreme)
Tyriq Withers in HIM plays a football player who deals with struggles in identity, trauma and pressures to become “him.” Odessa A’zion’s characters in Until Dawn and Marty Supreme feature high tension, messy relationships and dealing with chaos. They can easily relate their characters as they both take on serious roles. Outside of the film world, they present themselves as out-going with loud personalities that will bond easily together.
- Ariana Greenblatt (Now You See Me: Now You Don’t) & Mckenna Grace (Regretting You, Five Nights at Freddy’s)
Booked and busy, Ariana Greenblatt & Mckenna Grace are the actors who have been getting roles since out of the womb, and they are still so YOUNG. From Barbie to Hunger Games, these girls continue to do blockbuster after blockbuster. I would love to see this pairing and actually see them communicate with each other as to how they got to this point of their careers; what advice would they give. I am honestly surprised at how they haven’t had any films together yet.
- Pedro Pascal (Materialists) & Elizabeth Olsen (Eternity)
Pedro Pascal and Elizabeth Olsen are both amazing actors and not to mention, very attractive. They play huge roles in their own movies filled with romance, but they play different characters. Olsen plays the chooser, and Pascal plays one of the choices. I would love to see them compare one’s stories and how they feel about the characters they portrayed in the movie. Not to mention, they are both loving people and their personalities will blend very well together.
- Damson Idris (F1) & Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)
It isn’t an Actors on Actors without good old heartthrobs! Besides their gorgeous looks, they are both very talented actors who have become rising stars after their shows that gained popular attention throughout the years. Idris’ characters have now changed from a drug dealer to a F1 driver, and Elordi’s characters from a highschooler to a scary monster. With that, I feel that they can easily connect and talk about how they’re on the steps to becoming actors with range.
- Anna Kendrick (Another Simple Favor) & Margaret Qualley (Honey, Don’t!)
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I honestly think Anna Kendrick and Margaret Qualley have the same vibe. They show themselves off as care-free and down to earth, like a normal person. They don’t give into the whole “glamourous celebrity” idea because that’s just not their thing, and I love it. In a conversation, I can easily see their personalities meshing really well together. Not to mention, the characters they play use misread identity as part of the narrative tension.
- Brad Pitt (F1) & Keanu Reeves (John Wick: Ballerina)
When I think of Brad Pitt and Keanu Reeves, I simply cannot think of a specific movie where I know them because I see them EVERYWHERE. They are the veteran actors who continue to act regardless of age or what Hollywood says. I respect them and because of this, I would love to hear their opinions on how the film industry has changed for them. What do they miss? Do they like the actors of today? What needs to be changed? Their interview could be very interesting as we rarely hear from the older generation of actors anymore.
I hope these pairings really got you thinking about who you would want to see. However, I think it’s important to realize that the enjoyment of Actors on Actors comes from watching artists and talking about their passions. I find it so important when a conversation is being made about different backgrounds, personalities, and their journeys all meshed together into this perfect multi-colored yarn ball. Each of these duos bring something fresh: rising stars comparing early success, seasoned icons reflecting on decades of change, and actors whose on-screen intensity mirrors their off-screen authenticity.Â
Whether or not Variety ever brings these pairs together (for my sake, I hope they do), it reminds us of why we love film: the stories, the passion, and the people who help shape both.
However I’m letting you know, if these DO HAPPEN, I called it. Just saying.