2007'S PRODIGIES: SHIA LABEOUF
ShoWest's 2007 ''Star of Tomorrow'' wasted no time. Within a month, the 21-year-old had the No. 1 movie in the country (Disturbia), and July's Transformers soared past the $300 million mark. A trespassing arrest in November was a surprising misstep, but his star will recover. Did we mention that Indiana Jones thingy? — Jeff Labrecque
The best part about being so successful at such a young age is...
''I get to meet my heroes. To be in that Indiana Jones clique is insane. These are my superheroes. These are my Batmans, my Robins. And I get to eat lunch with them.''
The biggest challenge...
''All of a sudden, everyone wants to be your pal. I think the hardest thing is deciphering reality from the success, and knowing when to shut down the success of your occupation to be able to enjoy the mundane, everyday life s---. And you get tired of talking about the same things. I'm tired of talking about myself.''
He knew he'd finally made it when...
''That struggle doesn't end. I don't think that ever goes away.I think when that goes away,your career's over. Success only means more pressure: How is your next film going to differ from your last? If you're not progressing, you're dying.''
Favorite career moment of the year...
''I think my favorite moment was when Harrison flew in and jumped out of his helicopter to come to rehearsal with his whip in his hand. He wasn't in Indiana Jones gear. It was just Harrison Ford with his whip, walking to rehearsal.''
Up next...
''I'm getting ready to go to rehearsal [for Eagle Eye, a political thriller]. They're gearing up the Transformers sequel right now also. But 2007's opened up doors to where I can really work with people who I really, really dream of working with.''
Shia's Entertainer of the Year...
''Kanye West. He's the most electrifying entertainer I've seen this year. That Muhammad Ali, funny, cocky type of thing — I haven't really seen that in a long time. There are never any dull moments. He makes a real effort to make sure that whenever he is on the bill, you know it's going to be exciting.''
NEXT PAGE: 2007's Class Clowns
