Based Camp | Simone & Malcolm Collins

Why Movie Stars Stopped Mattering + Why Did They Ever Matter?

Oct 9, 2025
This discussion takes a sharp look at the decline of celebrity culture, spotlighting Taylor Swift as a potential last true pop star. The hosts unpack the backlash against figures like Emma Watson over controversial opinions and how social media has transformed our view of fame. They explore the hollow legacy of traditional stars, the rise of micro-celebrities, and how scandals erode the untouchable aura once held by celebrities. With shifts in public sentiment from aspiration to resentment, the conversation reveals a world where authenticity trumps mass appeal.
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INSIGHT

Centralized Media Built Old-Star Power

  • Celebrity culture collapsed because centralized media and corporate cross-ownership amplified stars in one era.
  • Decentralized social media and alternative creators have eroded that centralized amplification and authority.
INSIGHT

Stars Often Performed Prepackaged Roles

  • Celebrities often played roles chosen by studios and PR rather than expressing real views.
  • That role-playing made their public politics and positions shallow and performative.
INSIGHT

Engagement Has Plummeted For Old Influencers

  • Engagement numbers for previously influential activists and stars have drastically fallen.
  • Emma Watson and Greta Thunberg now get a fraction of their peak social interactions.
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