The concept of “star power is dwindling” has become a focal point for Hollywood film executives regarding the current state of the acting industry. At this moment, the individuals who were once guaranteed to draw audiences are now just names on a marquee. A significant portion of the box office is attributed to veteran actors who, despite their advanced ages, still command a solid presence in the hearts of moviegoers.
After a year filled with blockbuster hits like Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar 2, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Hollywood is stepping into the summer blockbuster season with a mix of fresh works. However, in an era where production companies are playing it safe, focusing solely on established brands and remakes, the film industry is beginning to show signs of age.
The Struggle of the “Aging Stars”
This summer’s major blockbusters include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Both films feature prominent action stars Harrison Ford (81) and Tom Cruise (61) in leading roles. Recently, Brad Pitt (59) has also been making headlines regarding his upcoming car racing film. These actors represent the “living legends” of the film industry, with a long list of successful projects over the decades, still drawing audiences today.
In a landscape often defined by opulence and glamour, the names Harrison Ford and Tom Cruise are still seen as priceless. However, this situation is beginning to feel like a “ticking time bomb” for the Hollywood film industry, according to observations from The Guardian.
Studios are increasingly looking for familiar faces to ensure box office success. At the recent Cannes Film Festival 2023 in France, many production houses presented their upcoming projects, according to Variety, but the standout films featured aging stars like 76-year-old Sylvester Stallone in Cliffhanger and 75-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger in Breakout.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.
Many aging stars in Hollywood today are still able to draw significant attention. Tom Cruise was the highest-grossing actor in 2022 with over $100 million from Top Gun: Maverick. Recently, he expressed a desire to follow in Harrison Ford’s footsteps, knowing that acting in high-octane roles may be challenging as one approaches their 80s.
However, this observation serves as a poignant reminder of the aging male actors who are being labeled as “ageless” in Hollywood. Action films are not necessarily an easy profession. There are more technologies, such as digital enhancement and artificial intelligence, that help actors maintain their youthful appearances, yet witnessing an aging star in a leading role is becoming increasingly rare, often evoking more nostalgia than excitement.
One of the most recent examples is Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The actor still exhibits charisma in the role of an aging archaeologist. However, the action scenes he undertakes in the film, no matter how thrilling, cannot hide the marks of time.
In 2019, Robert De Niro also sparked controversy when he used AI technology to de-age himself in the film The Irishman. Although the facial features of the actor, now over 70, were digitally altered, the essence of his character in action scenes remained difficult to convince audiences that he was still a vibrant individual.
“In nearly a decade, Hollywood has not produced any new relevant stars”
The presence of aging film stars is a natural phenomenon. However, the biggest challenge facing Hollywood is the potential loss of audience interest, as the film industry lacks fresh content to replace its aging stars. While the “aging stars” may still be securing significant projects, the new faces are often seen as less appealing to production companies searching for the next big hit.
According to Variety, a well-known production house in Hollywood lamented, “Over the past 10 years, we have continuously struggled to create a new generation of relevant stars.” With increasingly fewer names making waves and sustaining their relevance in the film industry, the situation seems grim. Film critic Tom Brook noted that Hollywood’s struggles with aging stars have been evident since the early 2010s. The film industry has shifted focus towards younger actors, but with dwindling box office returns, it is becoming harder for these new talents to shine.
It is also worth noting that many believe Channing Tatum could be the next big thing in Hollywood, yet he has faced setbacks with several underperforming projects. Currently, he is often relegated to supporting roles, struggling to break free from typecasting.
Main actors from the film Channing Tatum have faced challenges in maintaining their status.
Recent reports indicate that younger actors like Margot Robbie, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan are not yet seen as the leading stars in Hollywood, according to sources from Variety. Despite their growing prominence, these actors are still struggling to achieve the same level of recognition as their older counterparts. This trend raises concerns for production companies that are eager to maintain profitability while navigating the changing landscape of the industry.
In Hollywood, the evaluation of a star’s worth has historically revolved around box office revenue. However, the landscape is shifting. Hamilton, a notable production house in Hollywood, recently noted that today’s stars are often perceived in terms of their ability to attract audiences, leading to a reliance on familiar names. However, if the industry cannot cultivate a new generation of stars, Hollywood may find itself losing its central prominence in the global film industry.
