Part 8/14:
Julia Roberts’s recent box-office failure indicates a broader trend: stars who seemed invincible are faltering. Rob attributes her decline to a disconnect from the evolving landscape of celebrity—her focus on fragrances, endorsements, and nostalgia projects rather than compelling new work. He suggests that iconic roles like Pretty Woman should have been her pinnacle, but her move away from that formula signals a misreading of the marketplace.
Other stars, like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, face similar setbacks. DiCaprio’s latest “Oscar bait” project flopped, and Lawrence’s career has plateaued since her Harvey Weinstein associations were scrutinized. The entertainment industry is shifting away from looks and star power to authenticity and online influence.