Why This Actor Will Be Your New Obsession

Last month, we requested that Angelina Jolie choose an unknown for the role of Louis Zamperini in her adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken. And, luckily, she has.

Deadline reports the actress-turned-director has selected Jack O'Connell to play the role of the WWII veteran in the film, which will hit theaters on Christmas 2014. Which means, come Christmas 2014, you will be obsessed with O'Connell. Here's why:

He's Ripped

At least, he has to be to star in March's 300: Rise of An Empire. In the sequel to the cult homoerotic war movie, O'Connell plays Calisto, and though his face doesn't seem to appear in the trailer, we bet his abs do.

But He's Also Talented

British audiences would remember him best as James Cook in Skins, the successful series that couldn't quite hit the mark here in the states. The role garnered him fame and acting accolades, and helped him make a leap to the big screen in films like Private Peaceful, The Liability, and, of course, the 300 sequel.

He Has an Accent

Can a British actor pull off Zamperini, a WWII veteran as American as apple pie? We'll have to wait to find out but, in the meantime, we'll simply enjoy hearing him talk about the role in interviews.

He'll Be a Christmas Gift

Which means he'll also be an Oscar contender. With a recently announced Dec. 25 release date, Unbroken is most definitely being positioned as a frontrunner for the 2015 Oscars. After all, 2012's Christmas releases led to Oscars for both Django Unchained's Christoph Waltz and Les Misérables' Anne Hathaway.

He's Playing Louis Freaking Zamperini

A man who survived (SPOILER ALERT) the Olympic trials, a plane crash, several shark attacks, 47 days drifting at sea, several brutal prisoner of war camps, and alcoholism. In fact, if you aren't already obsessed with O'Connell, it's because you have yet to read Unbroken. Which means you need to log onto Amazon right now.