The Town with Matthew Belloni A Revealing Ranking of the Biggest Movie Stars: Tom Holland's Surprise Rise, Zendaya’s Stronghold, and Glen Powell’s Struggle
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May 7, 2025 
In this discussion, Matt is joined by Ray Subers, a senior VP of theatrical strategy at the National Research Group, known for his insights into movie star appeal. They reveal surprising trends in star rankings, highlighting Tom Holland's unexpected rise and Glen Powell's struggles in the industry. The conversation delves into why Gen Z adores Adam Sandler and The Rock, and Zendaya's ascent to near the top 10. They also explore the impact of nostalgia, awards campaigning, and recency bias on star power in today's theatrical landscape.
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Older Stars Dominate Theater Draw
- Movie stars who draw audiences to theaters are mostly older, with many over 60 years old.
- Younger actors rarely have lasting theatrical star power despite streaming fame.
Franchises Surpass Stars in Draw
- Franchises have become the defining draws in theaters over 20 years.
- Historically, stars in front of the camera were the main attraction for moviegoers.
Perennial Movie Stars Are Older
- Fourteen stars have consistently appeared in the top 25 across multiple surveys over two years.
- None of these perennial stars are under 40; most are over 60 years old.