Over a third of action lead roles in the 2020s are going to actors aged 50 and over. It is the highest share on record. But it may also be the moment the cohort is tipping back.
Great article, Stephen, but as action stars, don't you mean MCU and DC characters? Hollywood is not casting 30-50 year old men in original, high concept movies anymore. They stopped doing that 15 years ago. Everything is IP-related. Chris Evans even complained of this, having played Captain America in 11 MCU movies including cameos, while not having any time to play other action/thriller characters or even be offered good scripts as he was always "on retainer" for Marvel/Disney.
Jason Statham seems to hold the entire cinematic B-movie market as the ONLY mid-budget star investors and studios will back and even he is getting cliched now.
The remaining real action stars, trained in martial arts and/or naturally athletic do consistent Video on Demand like Scott Adkins, Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White.
The lead for Highlander isn't Russell Crowe or Dave Bautista but Henry Cavill; he is 42.
Great article, Stephen, but as action stars, don't you mean MCU and DC characters? Hollywood is not casting 30-50 year old men in original, high concept movies anymore. They stopped doing that 15 years ago. Everything is IP-related. Chris Evans even complained of this, having played Captain America in 11 MCU movies including cameos, while not having any time to play other action/thriller characters or even be offered good scripts as he was always "on retainer" for Marvel/Disney.
Jason Statham seems to hold the entire cinematic B-movie market as the ONLY mid-budget star investors and studios will back and even he is getting cliched now.
The remaining real action stars, trained in martial arts and/or naturally athletic do consistent Video on Demand like Scott Adkins, Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White.
How do females stack up in the same genres, respecting age?