Denzel Washington advised Michael B. Jordan that overexposure on social media can harm a movie star's career, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mystery and demand by staying offline, a strategy Jordan has adopted to great success.
The Hollywood Reporter highlights the new generation of A-list movie stars who are being anointed by auteur directors rather than franchise studios. This diverse group, including Austin Butler, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya, is known for their versatility across different types of media and genres. Despite their varied talents, the list lacks significant racial diversity, reflecting ongoing challenges in the industry. These young actors are seen as a beacon of hope for studios struggling with post-streaming economic realities, offering potential for both critical acclaim and box office success.
Saturday Night Live, once known for launching the careers of movie stars, has seen a decline in its ability to create big-screen celebrities in recent years. While some SNL alumni have found success in television and streaming, the show's ability to produce major movie stars has waned since the 2000s. Industry figures like Judd Apatow are calling for more opportunities for new comedy stars, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and investing in fresh talent to revitalize the pipeline of movie stars from SNL.
Christopher Nolan fell in love with Cillian Murphy's "crazy eyes" when he saw a photo of him during press coverage of 28 Days Later. Although Murphy wasn't right for the role of Batman, Nolan used his screen test to convince the studio to let him play the Scarecrow in Batman Begins, making him the first non-movie star to play a Batman villain.
Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group chair-CEO Tom Rothman kicked off CinemaCon by addressing the state of theatrical releases and the importance of movie stars. He also announced that Apple Original Films has selected Sony as its distribution partner for the upcoming film Napolean, starring Joaquin Phoenix. Sony presented its upcoming slate of 23 films, including Bad Boys 4, Kraven The Hunter, and The Equalizer 3. The mood at CinemaCon is upbeat, with exhibitors predicting a rebound in the box office as the summer season nears.