The Decline of Movie Stars: Has Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Become the Last True Star?

In the golden age of cinema, movie stars were the image that drew audiences and made films successful. Today, however, this tradition seems to be fading. With the rise of streaming, the collapse of the DVD market, and the increasing dominance of franchises, the role of the movie star has shifted dramatically.

The Legacy of Movie Stars

During the pre-digital revolution, the identity of movie stars was crucial. The public evaluated films based on 30-second commercials, trailers, and reviews in newspapers. Movie stars like Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Julia Roberts were household names, and their presence in a film was a deciding factor in a movie's success.

Movie star culture was deeply ingrained in society. Trashy celebrity tabloids, glossy magazines, and entertainment talk shows all centered around the stars. There was a whole ecosystem built around their image and the public's fascination with them.

The Rise of Disruptions

Starting around 2000, the entertainment industry underwent significant changes. The advent of streaming and the decline of the DVD market led to a cultural shift. The internet and social media played a critical role in how films and actors were perceived. The Rotten Tomatoes score became more influential than the actors in the trailers.

One result of these changes is that we no longer have traditional movie stars. Instead, we have aging actors brought back to revive old franchises, fictional character actors, awards show darlings who occasionally do mainstream films, and performers like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

The Case for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

Dwayne Johnson stands out as an actor who still garners significant attention. His career in professional wrestling laid the groundwork for his transition to acting, and he has been diligent in choosing scripts that highlight his natural charm and charisma.

However, even 'The Rock' is not without his limitations. Movies like Rampage and Skyscraper (both starring him) demonstrate the boundaries of his star power. His impact on the success of a film is undeniable, but compared to the likes of Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts at the height of their careers, he is a shadow.

The film Black Adam is a prime example, where the film's success was more due to the production value and the narrative, rather than Dwayne Johnson's star appeal.

The Modern Movie Star Landscape

Today, only a few actors can be considered modern movie stars, and Chris Pratt and Ryan Reynolds are among the few who still resonate with audiences. Even with these actors, there is a distinct lack of cultural fascination. Too few people go to see a movie specifically because of one of these stars.

Franchise-driven success stories like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the Harry Potter series have captivated audiences, but this success does not translate to individual actor stardom for many of the performers involved. The era of the true movie star seems to be over.

Conclusion

While Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is still a formidable presence in the entertainment industry, his star power does not compare to the megahits of the past. Whether the era of the movie star is truly over remains to be seen, but the current landscape certainly feels different from the golden age of cinema.