The golden age of movie stars is fading, replaced by a new era of content creators, influencers, and streaming platforms. In a recent conversation between Jordan Peterson and actor Dennis Quaid, the two explored the dramatic changes in Hollywood and the film industry. Once upon a time, movie stars like Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, and Julia Roberts could carry a film on their name alone. Audiences flocked to theaters not for the plot, but for the star.

However, today’s entertainment landscape is driven more by brands and franchises than individual actors. Marvel, Star Wars, and Fast & Furious are examples of machines that no longer rely on a single performer. Actors are now replaceable; the franchise itself is the main attraction. Social media has further blurred the line between public and private life. The mystique that once surrounded movie stars has vanished. Instead of mystery, there’s overexposure.

Peterson notes that everyone is now “on TV” thanks to social media. You don’t need Hollywood’s blessing to build a fanbase. YouTube and TikTok have democratized fame, and with that shift, the traditional movie star is becoming obsolete. Quaid reflects nostalgically on the past, when moviegoing was a communal and almost sacred experience. Now, with streaming and digital content dominating, even loyal fans are losing touch with the theater.

In this new age, anyone with a camera and passion can rise to prominence—but the price is the loss of the larger-than-life mystique that once defined Hollywood.