Contributed by Kathleen Newman-Bremang
There comes a time in every young TV actress’ career when she decides (read: attempts) to make the inevitable leap from small screen siren to big screen bombshell. For Leighton Meester, that time is now. The ‘Gossip Girl’ star will reportedly take on the lead role in “The Roommate,” a thriller set in a college dorm revolving around Meester’s character and -- yeah, you guessed it -- a crazy roommate.
Like so many of television’s leading ladies before her, Leighton has chosen to kick off her big budget film career with a classic genre: The Predictably Unpredictable Thriller. Let’s just say the transition hasn’t been the smoothest for some of her predecessors.
So, for Leighton’s sake, let’s take a look back at the TV ladies made the move to movies- and what we can learn from them.
Sophia Bush -- "The Hitcher" (2007)
Bush has been a fan favorite for six seasons on the CW hit, One Tree Hill, but the husky voiced brunette braved it on her own in The Hitcher. The movie wasn’t a box office smash and it got panned by critics. But hey, it won her two Teen Choice Awards.
Lesson learned: Bush’s fate in Tinseltown has yet to be determined, but if we can take anything away from her attempts at big screen dominance, it’s to keep your day job. You know, just in case.
Sarah Michelle Gellar -- "The Grudge" (2004)
Sarah Michelle Gellar faded away from the spotlight after Buffy wrapped. She got married and made some questionable movie choices but The Grudge looked like it would be her comeback vehicle. It made a ton of money and spawned a sequel but alas, SMG has disappeared again.
Lesson learned: Stay away from Scooby Doo remakes. And Freddie Prinze Jr.
Jessica Biel -- "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (2003)
It may have been those infamous risqué magazine photos or maybe- just maybe- it was the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake that helped Jessica Biel break free from 7th Heaven. Okay, it was the photos. But Biel’s gone on to show off her versatility and staying power in films like “The Illusionist” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.”
Lesson learned: Do whatever it takes to make everyone forget about the character that made you famous. Even if that means posing half-naked in Gear magazine. Or Maxim. Either one.
Katie Holmes -- "Disturbing Behavior: (1998)
When Katie Holmes teamed up with James Marsden for this classic teen thriller, she was still just Joey Potter from Dawson’s Creek. What a difference a decade makes. She starred in the indie hit, Pieces of April and blockbuster Batman Begins (but turned down Dark Knight). Oh yeah, and she catapulted to super stardom after hooking up with Tom Cruise.
Lesson learned: Sure Leighton could get to Katie’s level of celebrity; she’d just have to marry, say, Hugh Jackman? But no matter what, if someone asks you to star in the best comic book adaption of all time, say yes.
Comments