Glen Powell defends Ryan Gosling’s star power
A rising star stands up for a legend
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, new stars emerge while established ones continue to shine. Recently, Glen Powell, known for his roles in “Twisters” and “Anyone But You,” found himself in the spotlight not just for his acting, but for defending fellow actor Ryan Gosling. Powell took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to a viral comment from an unnamed Hollywood producer who praised Powell while subtly discrediting Gosling.
The controversial comment
The unnamed producer, speaking to a media outlet, declared Powell as a bona fide movie star, stating, “audiences now go to movies to see him.” However, the comment took a turn when the producer added, “Unlike an actor like Ryan Gosling whose appeal is mostly limited to female audiences, Glen appeals to both females and males.”
Powell’s classy response
Powell, in a show of humility and respect, responded with a nod to Gosling’s iconic line from “Barbie,” saying, “Gosling is a legend. I’m just Glen.” This response quickly gained traction on social media, amassing over 100,000 likes and sparking discussions about the nature of stardom in Hollywood.
The changing face of Hollywood stardom
The end of an era?
Hollywood has long been a factory for creating movie stars, but recent changes in the industry have made it more challenging to launch new A-listers. George Clooney, in a recent interview, lamented the decline of the studio system’s ability to develop stars. “They haven’t developed stars the way the studio system used to,” Clooney remarked. “Brad Pitt and I were at the very end of that era.”
A new generation of stars
Despite these challenges, new talents like Glen Powell and Timothee Chalamet are making their mark. Analyst Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations noted that Powell and Chalamet are “ushering in a new talent base of bankable stars.” This shift is not only exciting for audiences but also a relief for an industry that has relied on aging talent for too long.
Upcoming projects for Powell
Glen Powell’s star continues to rise with several exciting projects on the horizon. He is set to star in Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” and the Hulu comedy series “Chad Powers.” These roles are expected to further cement his status as a versatile and bankable actor.
Explore more about Glen Powell’s upcoming projects:
Personal reflections on stardom
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s fascinating to witness the evolution of stardom in Hollywood. The industry’s shift from a studio-driven star-making machine to a more fragmented and diverse landscape has its pros and cons. On one hand, it allows for a broader range of talents to emerge. On the other, it makes it harder for any single actor to achieve the same level of universal recognition that stars like Clooney and Pitt enjoyed.
The role of social media
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have become crucial in shaping public perception and building a star’s brand. Powell’s recent defense of Gosling is a perfect example of how actors can use these platforms to connect with fans and shape their public image.
The enduring appeal of Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling’s appeal, often described as limited to female audiences, is a testament to his ability to connect deeply with a specific demographic. However, this characterization overlooks his versatility and the wide range of roles he has played, from the romantic lead in “The Notebook” to the stoic driver in “Drive.”
Explore more about Ryan Gosling’s iconic roles:
Final thoughts
The debate over what makes a movie star is as old as Hollywood itself. While the industry continues to evolve, the essence of stardom remains the same: the ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Glen Powell’s rise and his respectful nod to Ryan Gosling remind us that true stars shine not just through their roles but also through their character and humility.