Growing up in the early 2000s, movie stars were everywhere. By the Cambridge Dictionary definitionA “movie star” is defined as “a highly popular and successful film actor.” But is that really what makes a movie star?

Once upon a time there were stars. These actors had charisma and talent that could fill the entire screen. They had the charm of selling tickets. They also had an unwritten rule: television would never be the answer.

When I think of movie stars, two names immediately come to mind: Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock. Every gossip magazine had their face plastered everywhere and you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing a poster for a movie they were working on.

But the world is different now. In the post-COVID-19 era, movie theaters everywhere are closing at an alarming rate. Just last yearBloomington’s AMC’s own 11 has closed its doors for good. As streaming continues to reign, it seems like we’re losing the excitement about moviegoing, losing the hype behind larger-than-life stars.

When we think of popular films, it’s almost the title itself that reigns supreme. Take for example actors like Tom Holland and Chris Evans. Both have demonstrated their charisma in their many Marvel films, but often struggle to attract audiences to theaters when starring in films set outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Just this week it was announcement that Evans will return to Marvel in “Avengers: Doomsday” after a series of criticized projects from “Ghost” has “Red.” This begs the question: are there really still movie stars, or are we just going for franchises? In 2024, some emerging talents have redefined what it means to be a star. I first noticed this change when “Top Gun: Maverick” was released. I had never seen the 1986 film, so I didn’t know what to expect from the sequel. Perhaps it was nostalgia that brought audiences back to the theater, but for the first time since COVID, it seemed like movies were back. With that came many people’s introduction to Glen Powell (I’ve loved him since he played Chad Radwell in “Scream Queens”). Powell is a modern-day Matthew McConaughey. His role as Hangman in the 2022 film had a swagger that I haven’t seen in stars in years.

Powell balances ethereal star power and a wave of mystery with an accessible character (I give his dog a lot of credit Brisket). It seems his trajectory will take him to the top of the Hollywood system. With mega-hits “Anyone but You” and “Twisters,” it’s clear that his name alone can put butts in theater seats. It’s the same star power that Zendaya possesses. Zendaya has a magnetism that transcends the big screen. His work on HBO’s “Euphoria” earned him two Emmys and a Golden Globe. Its star is another one that’s bringing people to see films from “Challengers” to “Dune Part Two” this year.

Today’s new generation of “movie stars” aren’t limited to movies: They’ve spent time on some of the most influential TV shows of the 2020s. Social media has also played a big role in amplifying the visibility of stars like Sydney Sweeney and Paul Mescal. Sweeney has over 23 million subscribers. Instagram followers and has been the face of major brands from Kérastase to Miu Miu. Mescal is a fashion icon in his own right, with his signature style consisting of a tiny gym shorts. Mescal’s Instagram account with username @bigbreadpedlarnow private adds to the appeal. I’ve been asking for it since last year and I’m dying to see its contents. The two both got their start on television, notably starring as Sweeney on “Euphoria” and Mescal on “Normal People” – both shows that were completely heartbreaking and showcased the enormous talents of both. Gone are the days when television was known as “the poor cousin of cinema.”

The concept of a movie star has undoubtedly changed, but its essence remains. There will always be a magnetic presence that captures our attention. Today’s stars may not have the same box office profitability like the icons of the early 2000s, but they have adapted to our times. Glen Powell, Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Paul Mescal prove that their stardom thrives in all mediums. While the mysterious nature of the movie star has changed, I look forward to this new era where young actors continue to progress.

I believe the movie star hasn’t disappeared, she just looks a little different to a new generation.