In a recent appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Sean Penn stirred up conversation by proclaiming Jennifer Lawrence as "probably the last movie star" in Hollywood. The Oscar-winning actor's bold statement has sparked discussions about the state of stardom in the modern film industry, while shedding light on his views about other prominent actors like Tom Cruise and Timothée Chalamet.
The End of the Movie Star Era?
Penn's comments come at a time when Hollywood is grappling with questions
about the relevance of traditional movie stars in an era dominated by
franchises, streaming platforms, and social media influencers. According to
Penn, "the movie star manufacturer ran out around Jennifer Lawrence's time
or something." This sentiment suggests that Lawrence, who rose to fame
with her raw talent and magnetic screen presence in films like The Hunger
Games and Silver Linings Playbook, represents a rare breed of star
whose charisma and versatility can still command audiences.
Lawrence, the second-youngest actress to win an Academy Award for Best
Actress in 2013 for Silver Linings Playbook, has consistently delivered
performances that blend emotional depth with commercial appeal. Penn's praise
highlights her ability to transcend the changing tides of Hollywood, where
individual star power is often overshadowed by intellectual property-driven
blockbusters.
Penn’s Take on Tom Cruise and Timothée
Chalamet
While Penn lauded Lawrence, he also shared his thoughts on other actors.
He described Tom Cruise as "probably the best stuntman in the movie world" and
"a guy who pursues excellence on a very high level," acknowledging Cruise's
dedication to pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking, particularly in the Mission:
Impossible series.
As for Timothée Chalamet, Penn admitted, "I haven't seen his movies yet,"
leaving the door open for the young actor's potential but withholding judgment
until he experiences Chalamet's work firsthand. This comment has raised
eyebrows, given Chalamet's meteoric rise with critically acclaimed performances
in films like Call Me by Your Name and Dune.
Jennifer Lawrence at Cannes 2025
Adding to the buzz around Lawrence, she is set to attend the 2025 Cannes
Film Festival for the premiere of her new film, Die, My Love, directed
by Lynne Ramsay. The dark comedy, which also stars Robert Pattinson and LaKeith
Stanfield, explores themes of mental health, marriage breakdown, and postpartum
depression. Described by Ramsay as "really f***ing funny," the film is already
generating Oscar buzz and is a contender for the Palme d'Or.
Lawrence's involvement in Die, My Love underscores her ability to
take on challenging, unconventional roles, further cementing her status as a
powerhouse performer. The film's premiere on May 17, 2025, at Cannes is
expected to be a significant festival highlight, featuring high-profile
projects from directors like Wes Anderson, Spike Lee, and Ari Aster.
The Debate Over Movie Stardom
Penn's declaration about Lawrence prompts a broader conversation: What
defines a movie star in 2025? Is it box office draw, critical acclaim, or the
ability to capture the public's imagination? Lawrence's career
trajectory—spanning blockbuster franchises, indie darlings, and awards-season
favorites—seems to embody all three. Yet, Penn's assertion that the "movie star
manufacturer" has run dry suggests a nostalgia for an era when larger-than-life
personalities dominated the silver screen.
While some may argue that actors like Chalamet, Zendaya, or Florence Pugh
are ushering in a new wave of stardom, Penn's focus on Lawrence points to her
unique ability to bridge the gap between old-school Hollywood glamour and
contemporary authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Sean Penn's bold claim that Jennifer Lawrence is "probably the last movie
star" is both a tribute to her talent and a commentary on the evolving
landscape of Hollywood. As Lawrence prepares to take Cannes by storm with Die,
My Love, her star power shows no signs of dimming. Whether or not she truly
is the last of her kind, her influence on the industry—and her ability to
captivate audiences—remains undeniable.
What do you think? Is Jennifer Lawrence Hollywood's last movie star, or
are there others carrying the torch? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources: Variety, Deadline, The Independent