Actresses Hollywood Hyped as “It Girls” But Audiences Ignored

The entertainment world often tries to create the next big star by carefully choosing who gets media attention and investing heavily in their projects. This process, often called creating an “It Girl,” involves a lot of publicity aimed at making a performer a household name. However, what industry experts predict doesn’t always match what audiences actually like. Some actors might receive great reviews but not become popular with moviegoers or have a long-lasting impact, showing how unpredictable fame is and how hard it is to maintain a successful career when everyone is watching.

Gretchen Mol

Gretchen Mol was hailed as Hollywood‘s next big thing by Vanity Fair in 1998, even before she’d starred in many films. This created a lot of pressure and expectation. Although she appeared in movies like ‘Rounders’ and ‘Celebrity’, she didn’t achieve the widespread fame that was predicted. The intense media attention was often seen as a setback to her career. Ultimately, she found consistent success playing complex characters in television shows such as ‘Boardwalk Empire’.

Julia Ormond

In the mid-1990s, Julia Ormond was promoted by film studios as the next Audrey Hepburn. She starred in prominent films like ‘Legends of the Fall’, ‘First Knight’, and a remake of ‘Sabrina’. Despite appearing alongside well-known actors, Ormond didn’t quite become a major star with American audiences. After a lot of initial buzz, her roles in big Hollywood movies decreased. She then moved into supporting roles and gained recognition for her work in independent films and television.

Elizabeth Berkley

Elizabeth Berkley rose to fame on ‘Saved by the Bell’ and was then positioned as a potential movie star with the film ‘Showgirls’. The movie was meant to be a bold step into more mature roles, backed by a large marketing push. Unfortunately, it wasn’t well-received by critics or audiences and flopped at the box office, significantly hindering her career as a leading actress. After this setback, Berkley shifted her focus to stage performances and supporting roles in both television and film.

Estella Warren

Estella Warren first gained recognition as a synchronized swimmer and model before being touted as a rising star in the early 2000s. She landed leading roles in big-budget films like ‘Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Driven,’ but critics generally didn’t respond well to her acting. She struggled to connect with audiences as a leading lady, and her appearances in major films quickly decreased. While she continued working in independent films and made-for-TV movies, she never achieved widespread popularity.

Paz Vega

Paz Vega came to Hollywood with a strong reputation from Spanish cinema, especially after her performance in ‘Sex and Lucia’. Many predicted she’d become a big international star, similar to Penelope Cruz. Her first significant American film was the romantic comedy ‘Spanglish’, which was expected to make her a household name. Unfortunately, the movie received mixed reactions and didn’t quite launch her to A-list stardom. Since then, she’s continued to work steadily, mainly in films made in Europe and for international audiences.

Sienna Miller

I remember Sienna Miller bursting onto the scene in the mid-2000s – she was everywhere, in magazines and all the tabloids! Everyone was calling her the next big style icon. She started getting film roles – ‘Alfie,’ ‘Layer Cake,’ and she even played Edie Sedgwick in ‘Factory Girl.’ But honestly, while she was famous, her movies didn’t always do so well. It felt like people were way more interested in her life off-screen than her acting. Eventually, she started taking on really challenging roles in smaller, independent films like ‘The Lost City of Z,’ and that’s when critics really started to notice her talent. She didn’t become a huge blockbuster star, but she definitely earned a lot more respect as an actress.

Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth first became well-known for her role in the surfing movie ‘Blue Crush,’ which led to a lot of attention in Hollywood. She was then cast as Lois Lane in ‘Superman Returns,’ a role expected to establish her as a major star. However, the film didn’t perform as well as hoped, and her performance didn’t give her career the boost everyone predicted. Although she continued to be featured in fashion and media, her later movies didn’t connect with many viewers. More recently, she’s shifted her focus to producing and acting in smaller, independent films.

Camilla Belle

I remember when everyone was really excited about Camilla Belle after she was in the remake of ‘When a Stranger Calls’. They really seemed to be building her up as the next big thing, and she even landed the lead in that huge, visually ambitious film ‘10,000 BC’ – it was advertised like it was going to be a massive event! But honestly, despite the film doing okay at the box office, she didn’t quite become the star everyone predicted. A few films later, like ‘Push’ and ‘From Prada to Nada’, just didn’t really catch on with audiences. Over time, she moved away from those big Hollywood roles and started focusing on smaller projects and working with fashion brands internationally.

Gemma Arterton

Gemma Arterton quickly became known in big-budget action and fantasy films like ‘Quantum of Solace’, ‘Clash of the Titans’, and ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’. Film studios hoped she would become a major British star in those genres. However, these films didn’t receive very positive reviews or audience reactions. Arterton later said she wasn’t happy with the focus on blockbusters and decided to concentrate on theater and smaller, independent British films, where she found more rewarding roles and critical acclaim, such as in ‘Tamara Drewe’ and ‘The Escape’.

Isabel Lucas

Isabel Lucas first gained attention for her role in the Australian soap opera ‘Home and Away’ before becoming known to American audiences in ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’. She was initially promoted as a rising star and went on to appear in films like ‘Red Dawn’ and ‘Immortals’. However, despite being in several successful franchises, she didn’t become a long-term popular figure. As a result, her career shifted towards smaller, more artistic films, and she eventually moved away from mainstream Hollywood productions.

Alice Eve

Alice Eve often played glamorous roles reminiscent of classic Hollywood stars, appearing in films like ‘She’s Out of My League’ and ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’. While her appearance in ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ sparked conversation about prioritizing looks over strong character arcs, she hasn’t quite reached the level of fame many expected early in her career. Though consistently working on well-known projects, she’s generally seen as a valuable supporting actress rather than a leading star. She continues to act in both television and film, frequently as part of a larger cast.

Teresa Palmer

Teresa Palmer received a lot of attention when she starred in films like ‘I Am Number Four’ and ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’, with Hollywood hoping she’d become a leading actress in both action and romance, similar to ‘Warm Bodies’. Despite consistently working, she never quite reached true A-list stardom, as her films didn’t generate the strong audience response needed to become a major celebrity. More recently, she’s found consistent success on television, notably as the star of ‘A Discovery of Witches’.

Abbie Cornish

Abbie Cornish first gained recognition in Australia and was then promoted as a rising star in Hollywood, appearing in films like ‘Bright Star’ and ‘Sucker Punch.’ Many predicted she would follow in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman and become a prominent actress in serious, acclaimed films. However, movies such as ‘W.E.’ and the remake of ‘RoboCop’ didn’t quite resonate with audiences. While she’s a skilled actress, her leading roles haven’t consistently brought success at the box office. More recently, she’s combined acting with a focus on music and has taken on supporting roles in television.

Mia Wasikowska

You know, after ‘Alice in Wonderland’ blew up – seriously, a billion dollars! – Mia Wasikowska seemed poised for huge things. She kept making really interesting choices, diving into these gorgeous, atmospheric period pieces like ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Crimson Peak’. Critics loved her, but she never quite became that consistent box office draw, you know? Eventually, she decided Hollywood wasn’t really for her and moved back to Australia. She’s still a fantastic actress, and I always look forward to her work, but she definitely prefers smaller, more meaningful projects and staying out of the whole ‘It Girl’ scene. Honestly, I respect that a lot.

Britt Robertson

Britt Robertson starred in high-profile films like Disney’s ‘Tomorrowland’ and the Nicholas Sparks adaptation ‘The Longest Ride’, which were intended to make her a popular and versatile young actress appealing to a wide audience. However, these movies didn’t do as well as expected with audiences and critics, and she didn’t become a major star as many predicted. Since then, she’s focused on television, taking leading roles in shows like ‘For the People’ and ‘The Rookie: Feds’.

Shailene Woodley

After finding success with ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, Shailene Woodley was expected to become a leading star with the ‘Divergent’ movies, which were hoped to be as popular as ‘The Hunger Games’. There was a lot of initial excitement, and the media predicted she’d be a major voice for her generation. However, the ‘Divergent’ films didn’t maintain their popularity, and the last movie planned for theaters was canceled. This impacted her ability to guarantee success at the box office, so she’s now focused on critically acclaimed TV shows like ‘Big Little Lies’.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander quickly became a prominent actress in Hollywood, winning an Oscar for ‘The Danish Girl’ and starring in the new ‘Tomb Raider’ films. She was promoted as a versatile talent who could succeed in both serious, artistic movies and big action franchises. While ‘Ex Machina’ received strong reviews, ‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘Jason Bourne’ weren’t as popular with audiences. Her later films haven’t consistently resonated with critics or found large audiences. She continues to work on films made internationally and high-quality television projects.

Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones gained significant attention after being nominated for an Oscar for ‘The Theory of Everything’ and starring in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. Hollywood hoped this would lead to major success, and she was cast in films like ‘Inferno’ and ‘On the Basis of Sex’. However, she didn’t quite become a consistent leading star as some expected. While those roles brought her visibility, audiences were more interested in her work within larger franchises. As a result, she’s since been more careful and selective about the projects she chooses.

Leelee Sobieski

Leelee Sobieski rose to prominence in the late 1990s with roles in films like ‘Deep Impact’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut,’ and quickly gained media attention for her resemblance to Helen Hunt. While she landed parts in big-budget movies such as ‘The Glass House,’ many of her films didn’t succeed with audiences or critics. Over time, her appearances in major studio films decreased, and she eventually left acting to pursue a career as a visual artist.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton rose to fame on ‘The O.C.’, and there was a lot of expectation for her to become a movie star. She was incredibly popular in the mid-2000s, appearing on magazine covers and representing major brands. While she hoped films like ‘Closing the Ring’ would launch her film career, those projects didn’t resonate with audiences or critics. Ultimately, her attempt to move from being a TV star to a leading film actress wasn’t successful.

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen first became well-known as a child in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and later gained attention for her role on ‘Gossip Girl’. The media often highlighted her changing fashion sense and predicted she’d become a leading actress in teen movies. Though she appeared in films like ‘Underdog’ and ‘Paranoid Park’, she gradually lost interest in acting. Eventually, she stepped away from Hollywood to focus on her band, The Pretty Reckless, choosing to pursue music as a full-time career instead of continuing her path as a popular young actress.

Erika Christensen

Erika Christensen first gained recognition and a lot of industry attention for her work in the Oscar-winning film ‘Traffic’. She then starred in leading roles in movies like ‘The Perfect Score’ and ‘Swimfan’, but these films didn’t quite connect with audiences. While the industry hoped to establish her as a major dramatic actress, her early success didn’t lead to a consistent run of hit movies. She later found lasting success playing a prominent role in the television series ‘Parenthood’.

Mena Suvari

After starring in the popular films ‘American Beauty’ and ‘American Pie’ in 1999, Mena Suvari quickly became a highly talked-about young actress. She even became a spokesperson for Lancôme and appeared in many fashion magazines as the industry’s new favorite. Unfortunately, later films like ‘Sugar & Spice’ and ‘Loser’ didn’t do well in theaters, and the excitement around her career died down. Since then, she’s consistently worked in smaller independent films and made guest appearances on television.

Rachael Leigh Cook

Rachael Leigh Cook became a popular star in the late 1990s thanks to her role in the hit movie ‘She’s All That’. Hollywood hoped to build on this success by casting her in the big-budget film ‘Josie and the Pussycats’, but when that movie didn’t do well in theaters, it changed the course of her career. She wasn’t able to successfully transition to more mature roles or different types of films. Later, she found success as a voice actor and starring in movies for the Hallmark Channel.

Tara Reid

Tara Reid became well-known in the late 90s and early 2000s thanks to movies like ‘American Pie’ and ‘The Big Lebowski’. She was often presented as a relatable and lively actress, fitting the Hollywood image of the time. But when she tried to star in her own films, like ‘My Boss’s Daughter’ and ‘Alone in the Dark’, they weren’t well-received by critics or audiences. Soon, her personal life received more attention than her acting work. More recently, she’s enjoyed a career comeback thanks to the ‘Sharknado’ movies.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp, the daughter of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp, quickly gained attention in the entertainment and fashion industries. She landed roles in popular projects like the Netflix film ‘The King’ and the HBO series ‘The Idol’. However, despite a lot of media attention and being labeled a rising star, her work hasn’t always been well-received by critics or audiences, who often question the praise she receives. She continues to be a well-known face in fashion and is still working towards a truly successful and acclaimed acting role.

Alexa Davalos

Alexa Davalos had chances to become a leading actress in popular, big-budget movies such as ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ and ‘Clash of the Titans,’ and she even starred in the remake of ‘Red Dawn,’ suggesting Hollywood saw her potential as an action star. However, despite these roles, she didn’t become a major celebrity or gain a large following. While the industry expected her to become a big-name actress, she ultimately found more steady success and recognition with the television series ‘The Man in the High Castle’.

Noomi Rapace

Following the global popularity of Sweden’s ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ series, Noomi Rapace quickly attracted attention from Hollywood. She landed roles in big movies like ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ and Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’. Despite being a talented and powerful actress, she didn’t quite become a major star in America as some studios predicted. Many of her English-language films didn’t gain widespread popularity or match the success she’d found earlier in her career. She remains a busy and sought-after actress, consistently working on international and independent films.

Sasha Luss

Sasha Luss initially found success as a fashion model. Director Luc Besson chose her for a part in ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,’ and she later starred in the action thriller ‘Anna,’ which was heavily promoted as the start of a major movie career. However, the film didn’t attract enough viewers, and Luss wasn’t able to build on that momentum to become a leading actress in Hollywood. She has now primarily gone back to working in the fashion world.

Sofia Boutella

Sofia Boutella started her career as a dancer before landing prominent roles as a villain in films like ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond’. Hollywood soon gave her leading roles, including the title character in the 2017 remake of ‘The Mummy’. Although that film was meant to begin a new series of movies, it wasn’t successful, which slowed down her rise to becoming a major star. While she continues to work on big projects like ‘Rebel Moon’, she hasn’t quite reached the level of solo stardom many predicted early in her career.

We’d love to hear your opinion: which actress do you think didn’t get enough recognition, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

2026-01-14 10:18