Harrison Ford addresses the "death of the movie star" discourse. The topic has been frequently discussed in recent years, with the premise being that individual actors do not hold the same kind of power and relevance that they once did and are no longer the main selling point for a movie. It is argued that intellectual properties and franchises, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, now hold more of this power, leaving Ford and other longtime iconic actors as the last true movie stars in Hollywood.

While speaking with GQ, Ford emphasized that he rejects "the death of the movie star" idea and insists that this notion misses the point of what actors really do. He acknowledged the many talented actors working in the entertainment industry while also clarifying that their jobs, along with his own, are about more than being a movie star. Ford also explains how this mindset connects to his own career and outlook on acting. Check out Ford's comments below:

Oh, I think it’s rubbish. I don’t think the question is whether or not there are any movie stars. There’s wonderful actors coming up every day. Whether or not they become movie stars is really not the point. If movies need stars, they will find them. I’ve never f***ing understood being a movie star. I’m an actor. I tell stories. I’m part of a group of people who work together, collaborate on telling stories. I’m an assistant storyteller. That’s what I am.

What This Means For "The Death Of The Movie Star"

The Discourse Misses The Point

Ford's comments are an important reminder that "the death of the movie" star conversation misses the point of what actors are meant to do. Actors are meant to bring a story to life and to have that story make an impact on the audience. From his breakout role in George Lucas' American Graffiti to reprising his role as gruff therapist Dr. Paul Rhodes in Apple TV+'s Shrinking season 2, Ford has always been able to tell great stories through his impressive performances, regardless of the stage he was at in his career, and regardless of his stardom.

One of Ford's most defining projects, the original Star Wars, is a perfect example of his explanation, as Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Ford were not among the biggest names in Hollywood when the movie was released in 1977. Lucas found the actors best suited to telling his space fantasy story, which launched one of the all-time most successful franchises. The best movies do not begin with casting movie stars but with creating good stories and finding the right stars to do them justice.

Our Take On Harrison Ford's Comments

He Continues To Be A Refreshing Voice

Ford's remarks are both candid and humble, a balance that continues to make him one of the most refreshing voices in Hollywood. Even though it is a television series and not a movie, Shrinking and its characters demonstrate Ford's point well, with the series becoming a hit above all because of its quality story and acting. Popular intellectual properties and franchises have their advantages, as do projects boasting big-name actors, but the most powerful selling point will always be the quality of the art, regardless of the names that are attached.

Source: GQ