Because they sell. It’s really that simple. Studios aren’t just chasing talent they’re betting on return. Some actors have what the industry calls “bankability,” meaning they can open a movie and turn it into a global hit. Not every actor has that, and not every great actor needs it. But for blockbusters with nine-figure budgets, studios need a safety net. And that safety net usually looks a lot like Tom Cruise running from explosions or The Rock flexing next to something that’s about to blow up.

Get this some actors have helped bring in over $10 billion each at the box office. Will Smith sits around $9 billion, Emma Watson (thanks, Hogwarts) clocks in at $9.2B, and Mark Ruffalo rides the Marvel wave at $9.8B. Then you’ve got Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, and Bradley Cooper comfortably above $10 billion. Chris Evans? He’s just shy of $11.5 billion. And of course, Robert Downey Jr., Dwayne Johnson, and Scarlett Johansson are at the top of the mountain. Sure, different sites report slightly different numbers. But no matter how you slice it these people bring in the crowds.

Being part of a franchise changes the game. One hit movie is nice. A universe that spins off into ten others? That’s legacy money. Marvel, Fast & Furious, Harry Potter they’re more than film series. They’re ecosystems. And when a star becomes a key piece of that puzzle, their value skyrockets. Chris Evans wasn’t always a global icon, but Captain America made sure he’d never be anything less. These aren’t just roles they're brands within brands. And brands make serious money.

Not really. Sometimes they do, but often they don’t. And that’s okay. There’s a difference between critical acclaim and commercial success. Some actors make indie films that win festivals. Others headline billion-dollar franchises. Occasionally, someone like Tom Hanks or Leonardo DiCaprio manages to do both. But for the most part, studios don’t need their stars to win Oscars they need them to sell tickets. And many of them do exactly that, even if they never see a golden statue.

Things have shifted a bit, sure. Streaming changed how people watch movies, and post-pandemic habits are still settling. But if anything, the value of a “sure thing” has gone up. Studios are more cautious now, leaning harder into names that guarantee attention. Whether it’s a big-screen release or a streaming exclusive, having a recognizable face on the thumbnail still matters. Especially when viewers are scrolling past hundreds of titles. In a world of choice overload, star power still cuts through the noise. And honestly? That’s not changing anytime soon.