Growing up in the early 2000s, movie stars were everywhere. By Cambridge Dictionary’s definition, a “movie star” is defined as “a very popular and successful movie actor.” But is that really what makes a movie star?
Once upon a time, there used to be stars. These actors had charisma and talent that could fill up the entire screen. They had the charm that sold tickets. They also had an unspoken rule — television would never be the answer.
When I think about movie stars, two names immediately come to mind: Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock. Each gossip magazine had their faces plastered everywhere and you could not go anywhere without seeing a movie poster for a film they were working on.
But the world is different now. In the post-COVID-19 era, movie theaters everywhere are closing at an alarming rate. Just last year, Bloomington’s own AMC 11 shut its doors for good. As streaming continues to reign, it seems as if we are losing the excitement surrounding film, thus losing the hype behind the larger-than-life stars.
When you think of popular films, it is almost the title itself that reigns supreme. Take actors like Tom Holland and Chris Evans for example. The two have demonstrated their charisma in their many Marvel films, but often struggle to draw audiences to theaters when starring in films that take place outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Just this week, it was announced that Evans will be returning to Marvel in “Avengers: Doomsday” after a string of critically panned projects from “Ghosted” to “Red One.” This begs the question: are there really movie stars anymore, or do we just go for the franchises? In the year 2024, there are rising talents that have redefined what it means to be a star. I first noticed this change when “Top Gun: Maverick” was released. I had never seen the 1986 film, so I didn’t know what to expect from the sequel. Maybe it was the nostalgia that brought audiences back to the theater, but for the first time since COVID, it seemed that movies were back. With this came many people’s introduction to Glen Powell (I have loved him since he played Chad Radwell in “Scream Queens”). Powell is a modern-day Matthew McConaughey. His role as Hangman in the 2022 film had a swagger that I haven’t seen in stars in years.
Powell balances an ethereal star power and wave of mystery with an approachable persona (I give a lot of credit to his dog Brisket). It seems like his trajectory is one that will take him to the top of the Hollywood system. With mega-hits “Anyone but You” and “Twisters,” it is clear that just his name can get butts in the seats of theaters. It is the same star power that Zendaya possesses. Zendaya has a magnetism that transcends the silver screen. Her work on HBO’s “Euphoria” has earned her two Emmys and a Golden Globe. Her star is another that brings people to see films from “Challengers” to “Dune Part Two” this year.
Today’s next generation of “movie stars” aren’t really just in film — they have have spent time on some of the most influential TV shows of the 2020s. Social media has also played a significant role in amplifying the visibility of stars like Sydney Sweeney and Paul Mescal Sweeney boasts over 23 million Instagram followers and has been the face of major brands from Kérastase to Miu Miu. Mescal is a fashion icon in his own right, with his signature style consisting of very tiny gym shorts. Mescal’s Instagram account with the username @bigbreadpedlar, now private adds to the allure. I have had it requested since last year and am dying to see its contents. The two both started on television, most notably with Sweeney in “Euphoria” and Mescal in “Normal People” — two shows that are completely heart wrenching and showcase the enormous talents of the two. Gone are the days in which TV was known as “cinema’s poorer cousin.”
The concept of a movie star has undoubtedly changed, but its core remains. There will always be a magnetic presence that will capture our attention. The stars of today might not have the same bankability at the box office as the icons of the early 2000s, but they have adapted to our time. Glen Powell, Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Paul Mescal prove that their stardom thrives across all mediums. While the mysterious nature of the movie star has shifted, I look forward to this new time in which young actors continue to rise.
I believe that the movie star isn’t gone, it simply looks a little different for a new generation.
