Nicola Peltz from ‘Airbender’ to ‘Transformers’ stardom

You would not be blamed if you did not realise that the stunning young lady gracing the Transformers: Age of Extinction trailers and posters was the same girl who played Katara in the flop adaptation that was The Last Airbender.

That’s right. It has been four years since a young Nicola Peltz starred as the Waterbender in M. Night Shyamalan’s almost painful to watch butchering of a beloved animated series. But the 19 year old has returned in a highly coveted and desirable position; the leading lady in Michael Bay’s latest Transformers film.

And you know that you have to be pretty darn gorgeous and memorable to be chosen to inherit the position previously occupied by sultry sex symbols Megan Fox and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Peltz is the successor to two former ‘FHM Sexiest Woman in the World’ title holders, one of whom iconically perfected the art of leaning on motor vehicles, and the other, a former Victoria’s Secret Angel. Do you feel intimidated for young Nicola yet?

How the youngest ‘Transformers girl’ to date handles that pressure when portraying Tessa Yeager, we’ll never know. Don’t forget that her character is the daughter of no less of a star than Mark Wahlberg! Peltz has surely proven her ability to hold her own in the face of star power and expectations.

But if it’s any soother for the nerves, the ‘Transformers girl’ brand has been gaining prestige among the 21st century audience, potentially rivalling, dare we say, the famed ‘Bond girls’. So, regardless of how Transformers: Age of Extinction turns out, we can expect Nicola Peltz to make a tremendous leap on the FHM Sexiest Woman in the World rankings in the years to come (she is ranked #91 this year).

Because everyone is going to be talking about her, here are five facts about Nicola Peltz for you to impressively slip in during conversations with your pals.

1. She won the genetic lottery… twice

Peltz’s DNA has “wow” embedded on it. Her father is billionaire Nelson Peltz, the Wharton-educated former CEO of Snapple with a current estimated net worth of $1.65 billion. Cue slow, low whistle.

And it doesn’t stop there. Peltz’s mother, Claudia Heffner, is a former model. So, that’s where the Michael Bay-worthy looks comes from.

2. She comes from a very, very big family

Think Weasley or von Trapp-big. Peltz has four older brothers, two younger brothers and a sister. Her father, who had two previous marriages, has 10 children in total.

9 people in the world can now say, “Yeah, Tessa in Transformers is my sister.” That’s way more people with sibling bragging rights than usual, but hey, the more the merrier.

3. One of many stars in the Peltz family

Even though Peltz is sure to experience a leap in her star power with her role in Transformers, she is far from the only star in her family. And we’re not even talking about her parents!

Her brother, Will Peltz, is also an actor and played Pierre in the Justin Timberlake sci-fi flick In Time. Another of Peltz’s brothers, Brad Peltz, is a professional ice hockey player who played in the East Coast Hockey League.

4. Like mother, like daughter

Before she became an actress, Peltz started modelling at a young age. She’s definitely her mother’s daughter.

Heads up, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Carly Spencer has met her match.

5. Tough enough to take on Transformers

Acting is just one of many skills in the young actress’ arsenal. She played ice hockey as a child, and learned Tai Chi for The Last Airbender. She packs quite a punch. Literally.

Bring it, Decepticons.

One thing is for certain; Nicola Peltz is more than meets the eye.