Will Smith’s Comeback and the Butts-in-Seats Star Ranking
Jun 11, 2024
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Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss Will Smith's comeback in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die.' They debate movie stars opening original movies, director versus actor bankability, and NBA Finals ratings. Exploring the enduring appeal of 90s actors like Robert Downey Jr, and the success of action stars in attracting international audiences. Analyzing actors' career performances, box office success, and rising talent impact.
Will Smith's return to box office success with 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' signifies his enduring star power among diverse audiences in familiar roles or established franchises.
The evolving landscape of movie stars' influence highlights the necessity for familiar roles or reliable franchises for enduring box office success, emphasizing the diminishing significance of star-driven vehicles without recognizable IP.
Deep dives
Will Smith's Enduring Star Power and Successful Return to Bad Boys Franchise
Will Smith's return to the Bad Boys franchise with 'Bad Boys Ride or Die' marked his successful comeback despite personal controversies. The movie's box office success, exceeding $56 million domestically, showcased Smith's enduring star power, especially among diverse audiences. The podcast highlighted how vintage stars like Smith from the '80s and '90s remain reliable draws for audiences, especially in familiar roles or established franchises.
The Evolution of Movie Stars' Influence and Reliance on Established IP
The discussion delved into the changing landscape of movie stars' influence where star power is contingent on the familiarity of roles or established franchises. The conversation emphasized the diminishing significance of star-driven vehicles without recognizable IP. Examples from stars like Denzel Washington and Tom Cruise were used to illustrate the requirement for familiar roles or reliable franchises for enduring box office success.
Assessment of Emerging Stars and Studios' Investment in Recognizable IP
The podcast explored the challenges faced by emerging stars to establish bankability in original movie projects. The conversation scrutinized newer talents like Timothy Chalamet and Zendaya, emphasizing the necessity of star-plus-IP combinations for box office success. Insights were shared on the increasing influence of streaming platforms like Netflix in redefining star power and audience appeal amidst the evolving entertainment landscape.
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Will Smith’s return to box office stardom after the success of ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ and if this marks the official return for Will Smith as one of Hollywood's most dependable theatrical movie stars. They then discuss which movie stars can reliably open an original movie in theaters, and whether directors are more bankable than actors (03:01). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the NBA Finals ratings (25:18).
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