The 2025 Movie Star Rankings: 35 Over 35. Plus: Nicolas Cage!
May 6, 2025
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In an engaging discussion, Nicolas Cage, the renowned actor celebrated for his diverse roles, shares insights about his latest project, 'The Surfer.' He reflects on what drives his choices in films at this stage of his career and reveals the inspirations behind his performances. The hosts discuss the movie industry landscape, including the impact of political comments on filmmaking. Additionally, they dive into the rankings of Hollywood's biggest stars over 35, analyzing their recent roles and the evolving nature of fame in today's cinema.
The hosts critique President Trump's proposal for a 100 percent tariff on foreign films as an oversimplified solution to Hollywood's challenges.
They discuss the evolution of the industry, particularly the trend of productions moving overseas for tax incentives impacting job security.
The ranking of movie stars over 35 invites playful debate on box office success, cultural relevance, and individual actor contributions to film.
In a candid conversation, Nicolas Cage shares insights on maintaining creative interest in roles and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
Deep dives
Overview of '60 Songs That Explain the 2000s'
The podcast introduces the new season titled '60 Songs That Explain the 90s: The 2000s', focusing on significant music from the early 2000s. Iconic artists like The Strokes, Rihanna, and Kanye West are highlighted, reflecting a diverse range of impactful songs from this era. The host, Rob Harvilla, aims to draw connections between the music and cultural shifts of the time. The new season promises a comprehensive exploration of how these songs shaped the decade's musical landscape.
Importance of Advertising in Podcast
The episode emphasizes the role of sponsorship in podcasts, showcasing the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card and its benefits. It highlights the importance of financial products like credit cards, which offer rewards and versatility for everyday purchases. This sponsorship serves as a case study on how financial institutions leverage media partnerships to reach specific audiences. The ad reveals the broader commercial context in which podcasts operate, blending entertainment with brand promotion.
Discussion on Hollywood's International Competition
A central discussion revolves around President Donald Trump's remarks about Hollywood's decline and competition from international filmmakers. The hosts critique Trump's proposed solution of imposing tariffs on foreign films, arguing it oversimplifies complex issues within the industry. They highlight the negative impact such ideas can have on the film community and the misconception that tariffs would resolve problems of job loss in filmmaking. The conversation brings attention to the broader challenges faced by the industry, particularly after the pandemic.
Analysis of Movie Industry Dynamics
The podcast delves into the shifting dynamics of the movie industry, particularly concerning productions moving overseas due to tax incentives. This exodus can impact countless professionals within the industry who rely on steady work. The hosts express concern that the narrative of Hollywood's decline simplifies deeper disruptions affecting the industry's workforce. The conversation highlights the need for more substantial dialogue about sustainable solutions rather than punitive measures like tariffs.
Commentary on Actor's Influence in Industry
In a humorous segment, the discussion covers the disparity in public perception toward popular actors and industry executives. The hosts comment on how celebrity figures are often held accountable for industry actions, while executives may not face the same scrutiny. This reflects a broader societal trend where stars become the faces of cinematic successes and failures, often overshadowing the complexities within corporate decision-making. This dichotomy raises questions about accountability and the nature of celebrity in modern media.
Film Analysis and Release Trends
The hosts analyze recent trends in film releases, particularly focusing on major stars like Denzel Washington and Spike Lee's collaborations. They address the trend of actors moving to streaming platforms, often shortening theatrical window releases, which alters traditional box office dynamics. The conversation unpacks the implications of these changes on both viewer habits and industry economics. Additionally, they touch upon the importance of box office hits for actors' careers and how this pressures studios to make decisions based on financial returns.
Revisiting Movie Lists and Rankings
One segment revolves around creating a list of top movie stars over 35, encouraging playful debate among the hosts about who should make the cut. The rankings reflect not only box office success but also cultural relevance and individual contributions to film. The hosts share their insights and personal biases while considering upcoming films and the actors' recent performances. This conversational segment fosters engagement by inviting listeners to reflect on their favorite stars and their influence on cinema.
Nicolas Cage and His Career Reflections
In a special segment featuring Nicolas Cage, he reflects on his extensive career and the challenges of maintaining creative interest in acting roles. Cage discusses choices that allow him to explore different aspects of character depth and collaborate with both established and emerging directors. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling and the emotional connection he seeks with each role. The conversation showcases Cage's passion for film and his desire to continue evolving as an actor.
Sean and Amanda briefly react to the news that President Donald Trump wants to impose a 100 percent tariff on any films produced outside of the United States (1:46). Then, they react to the new trailer for Spike Lee’s film ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ and discuss ‘Another Simple Favor,’ the sequel to ‘A Simple Favor,’ starring Blake Lively (7:41). Later, they create their 2025 Movie Star Rankings, where they select and rank the 35 biggest movie stars over the age of 35 (21:11). Finally, Sean is joined by Nicolas Cage to talk about his new film, ‘The Surfer’; what attracts him to certain projects at this stage of his career; and the actors who have inspired him as a performer (1:51:17).
