Part 3/12:
Roberts’ predicament reflects a fundamental misunderstanding among stars and industry insiders: the role of the modern celebrity has fundamentally changed. As Rob and experts point out, the era of paying $20 million per film for guaranteed star power is over. Recent flops—whether it’s Brad Pitt and George Clooney’s collaborative projects or Jennifer Lopez’s "Kiss of the Spider Woman"—highlight that star power alone no longer guarantees success. Streaming platforms, social media, and changing consumer habits have fragmented audiences’ attention, making it harder for even the most bankable actors to draw crowds.