Commentary: Why The New Star Formula Is Hated By Older Celebrities

In today’s shaky entertainment landscape, the rise of new stars often comes with a change in the formula for celebrity-making. This shift has been met with resistance and even disdain from some of the older, more traditional celebrities. This article explores the reasons behind this aversion, focusing on the clash of values, the threat to established norms, and the fear of obsolescence that new-age stardom brings to the old guard.

3. The Shift in Cultural Values

The “New Star Formula,” heavily reliant on digital platforms and social media, diverges significantly from the traditional paths to fame, which involved grueling auditions, live performances, and years of working up the ranks. Today’s stars often rise to fame through viral moments or social media influence, which does not necessarily require the traditional skills or experiences valued in the past. Older celebrities who had to navigate these rigorous traditional routes may view the new formula as undermining the importance of honing one’s craft over years of hard work.

Furthermore, the type of content that garners attention has changed. The new formula often rewards personalities who can create the most buzz online, not necessarily those with the best artistic or performance skills. This shift in cultural values, from a focus on artistic integrity to marketability and viral potential, can be particularly jarring for celebrities who pride themselves on their professional accomplishments and mastery of their art.

2. Threat to Established Norms

Older celebrities often lament the erosion of established industry norms where agents, auditions, and professional networks dictate the trajectory of one’s career. The democratization of fame through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram means that traditional gatekeepers like studio executives and casting directors have less sway than they used to. This can be unsettling for those who have succeeded and even thrived under the old system. It challenges their understanding of how the industry should work and diminishes their role in shaping the next generation of talent.

This change also impacts how projects are greenlit and produced. Today, a star with a significant online following can secure book deals, lead roles in movies, or headline major fashion campaigns, often based more on their follower count than on traditional measures of suitability or talent. This has led to a reevaluation of what constitutes “merit” in the industry, further alienating those who climbed the ladder in the conventional way.

1. Fear of Obsolescence

Perhaps one of the more profound reasons older celebrities might dislike the new star formula is the fear of becoming obsolete. As the industry evolves, so too do the attributes and skills it prioritizes. Celebrities who once held the limelight find that the qualities that made them stars are no longer in demand. Instead, the ability to engage an audience through quick, often superficial interactions on social media or the capability to constantly churn out content may be more valued.

This fear is not just about losing relevance but also about losing financial opportunities and influence within the industry. As new stars rise, they bring with them new producers, directors, and collaborators, potentially sidelining those who were once considered industry staples.

The disdain that some older celebrities have for the new star formula is rooted in a complex mix of nostalgia, cultural shift, and existential threat. While it is easy to criticize the new ways of celebrity-making, it’s important to recognize that each era of entertainment reflects the broader societal values and technologies of its time. The challenge for today’s industry is to find a balance that respects and incorporates the wisdom of the old while embracing the innovative potential of the new. This balance might not only ease the transition for established stars but also ensure a richer, more diverse entertainment landscape for audiences worldwide.

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