ERIC BANA Three words: "The Incredible Hulk". Yes, this little-known Australian, whom you might recognise as the lead in the tough Antipodean indie "Chopper", was picked by Ang Lee to play Dr Bruce Banner in the big-screen version of the unjolly green giant. The 33-year-old also tries out his American accent as one of the US soldiers in "Black Hawk Down", but you'll have to wait until 2003 to see the former stand-up comic take on the biggest role of his life.

PAUL BETTANY As a young Geoffrey Chaucer, he was the best thing about "A Knight's Tale". With a number of small British features on the shelf (including "Gangster No.1"), Bettany can next be seen as Russell Crowe's best mate in Ron Howard's "A Beautiful Mind". Don't be surprised if he becomes England's next great Tinseltown export.

ORLANDO BLOOM Straight out of drama school and Orlando Bloom lands one of the biggest jobs an actor can get - playing one of the main roles in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The Canterbury-born actor was plucked from obscurity to play Legolas the Elf, which he followed with a small role as an American soldier in Ridley Scott's war drama "Black Hawk Down". Four huge films in a row - the boy's on a roll.

MEKHI PHIFER There are few mainstream roles for black leading actors if your name's not Denzel, but judging from his work to date, Mekhi (pronounced Mek-eye) Phifer could be challenging for Washington's crown. He impressed in his debut "Clockers", but he really shows his dramatic chops as Odin in "O", the oft-delayed modern re-telling of "Othello". He'll also star alongside Eminem and Kim Basinger in Curtis Hanson's "8 Mile".

TOM WILKINSON That's right, Tom Wilkinson. He's been around for years, most notably as sceptical stripper Gerald in mega-hit "The Full Monty". But more recently, this 52-year-old Leeds native has been garnering Oscar buzz for his portrayal of a bereaved parent in drama "In the Bedroom". Expect him to make a showing during awards season, but not for his performance in "Black Knight" alongside Martin Lawrence.