It’s nice work if you can get it — headlining a blockbuster movie. Sadly, there’s a limited window for most actors and actresses who can lead a film to blockbuster status, dropping millions upon millions at the box office doorstep. There are rarities like Tom Cruise, who are still able to hit strong with flicks like Mission: Impossible, but many others who used to command $20 million dollar salaries have slipped, and the movies they’re doing no longer draw crowds like they once did. Here are nine examples of actors who can no longer headline blockbuster movies.
9. Ryan Reynolds
Why Hollywood executives thought Ryan Reynolds could ever truly headline a blockbuster is beyond reasonable logic. His biggest film to date is The Proposal, and obviously, he has Sandra Bullock to thank, in part for the huge success. He was her co-star. The Green Lantern? Really? And the film was terrible. There’s no denying Ryan’s physical prowess, the dude can get ripped for roles, but we rarely see much depth to his skills in the roles he has thus far obtained as a Hollywood actor in the past. He may have the looks of a leading man, but he does not have bravado of a leading man. Perhaps he should try taking a really, really strange character role in which he doesn’t rely on his natural charm. He might gain more critical praise for doing such, but realistically, he’ll never command the box office.
Stephen Lovekin/REX
