Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his insights into Hollywood, joins for a lively discussion on drafting young movie stars under 35. They debate rising talents like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and emerging actors such as Dominic Sessa. The conversation shifts to the changing dynamics of stardom, contrasting young stars’ prospects in film with the opportunities in TV. With humor and critical analysis, they explore what it takes to become the next box office sensation amid shifting industry trends.
The Young Movie Star Draft reveals a competitive analysis of young actors under 35 and their potential to succeed at the box office.
The discussion emphasizes the shifting landscape of Hollywood, where streaming success does not guarantee future movie star status.
Deep dives
The Shifting Landscape of Young Movie Stars
The conversation highlights the changes in the entertainment industry regarding the emergence of young movie stars, emphasizing that traditional pathways to stardom have significantly altered. Unlike previous generations, few actors under 35 have the ability to open a film at the box office, indicating a shift in how Hollywood markets its talent. The hosts specifically focus on actors who are 35 and younger, suggesting that opportunities often arise from franchise films rather than standalone projects. This leads to a consensus that while young actresses seem more prominent, their box office appeal remains uncertain compared to their male counterparts.
Insights from Drafting Future Stars
During the episode, the hosts engage in a draft to choose young actors they believe have the potential to succeed in terms of box office draws in the next five to seven years. The draft is structured to select two men and two women from designated age categories, demonstrating a strategic assessment of market trends and industry insights. Between both participants, there is an underlying competitive spirit as they analyze each pick's viability and weighing favorably against the other's choices based on polling from industry insiders. This exercise showcases the sheer unpredictability of Hollywood, particularly regarding which of these young talents might ultimately become the next big box office draw.
Challenges of Casting Under 25
The discussion around the category of actors under 25 reveals a stark reality: there are limited standout male options compared to female candidates. The hosts struggle to identify young male actors who can excel at the box office, citing the overwhelming dominance of male actors over 30 who have proven successful in franchises. This scarcity points to a concern regarding the future of male stardom, as many candidates lack a solid filmography that suggests they will succeed in large scale productions. The conversation reinforces the notion that talent agencies and studios may need to refocus on developing emerging male stars through robust support and marketing strategies.
The Broader Impact of Streaming on Movie Star Culture
The podcast touches on how streaming services have altered the landscape of emerging talent, where many actors find success in high-profile television series over traditional film roles. This reality has led to a rise in popularity for actors who might have otherwise remained relatively unknown, pivoting their careers towards streaming platforms. However, the hosts note that simply having a strong presence on TV does not automatically translate to commercial success in movies. With TV shows frequently becoming prominent launching pads due to their vast audiences, the episode raises queries about the future of movie star culture and how young actors can navigate this evolving terrain.
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to conduct The Town’s first ever Young Movie Star Draft. Matt and Lucas must each draft three actors and three actresses under the age of 35 who they think have the best shot at becoming the next big theatrical movie star. For an added twist, they can only select two people in each of the three age brackets of 20-25, 26-30, and 31-35.
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