In a recent appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Sean Penn reflected on the changing nature of celebrity and movie stardom, declaring Jennifer Lawrence as “probably the last movie star.” While discussing a wide range of Hollywood figures, Penn shared his thoughts on the decline of traditional movie stardom.
Sean Penn on Jennifer Lawrence
“I think the movie star manufacturer ran out around Jennifer Lawrence time or something,” Penn said. “She’s probably the last movie star.” Hollywood has evolved dramatically with the rise of streaming, social media, and franchise filmmaking. Penn’s comment taps into a broader cultural sentiment that the era of actors who could carry films on name recognition alone may be fading. These days, it’s often the franchise—Marvel, DC, or Star Wars—that draws audiences more than individual performers.
The Lack of Movie Stars
While lamenting the decline of traditional stardom, Penn singled out one actor who still embodies it: Tom Cruise.
“[He’s] a guy who pursues excellence on a very high level,” Penn said. “Those movies don’t get made on those levels without somebody extraordinary behind them. It’s no accident. He does his own stunts. He’s probably the best stuntman in movie world. He’s the most experienced guy.”
Penn emphasized Cruise’s craftsmanship, calling him not only a great actor but a key creative force behind his films.
Penn also acknowledged the impressive talent of younger actors, admitting: “I see some performances from some young actors where I feel like I should quit and become an accountant because they are so good.” When Louis Theroux suggested he might be referring to Timothée Chalamet, Penn clarified he hadn’t seen his movies yet—including Chalamet’s Oscar-nominated performance in “A Complete Unknown” as Bob Dylan.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Enduring Appeal
Penn’s praise for Lawrence stems from her rare ability to both ground high-profile roles and remain relatable. Her range—from “Winter’s Bone” to “The Hunger Games” to “Silver Linings Playbook”—has made her one of the few actors who consistently bridges critical acclaim and mass appeal.
Both Lawrence and Cruise are set to appear at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Lawrence stars in “Die My Love”, directed by Lynne Ramsay and co-starring Robert Pattinson, while Cruise will present “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”, his final film as Ethan Hunt.
