Geroge Clooney names Timothée Chalamet, Glen Powell and Zendaya as actors who stand out

Veteran actor George Clooney sparked a fresh wave of discussion about Hollywood’s star power after naming Timothée Chalamet, Glen Powell and Zendaya as younger performers who impress him, even as he argued that the classic era of the movie star has effectively ended. Clooney shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Variety, where he reflected on how stardom has shifted in the entertainment industry.

Clooney said that the time when audiences would buy a ticket primarily because a big name appeared above a movie’s title has largely passed. “The thing where you put someone’s name above the title and you go see a movie because they’re in it has ended,” he explained, noting that his own rise as a movie star came from a different system where studios invested in actors over multiple films and built careers over time.

Despite this assessment, Clooney didn’t hold back in praising the emerging generation. He described Chalamet as a standout talent of his age, highlighted Powell’s charisma and spoke highly of Zendaya, calling her talent “exceptional.” These comments landed at a moment when all three actors are among the most talked‑about performers in Hollywood, with each leading high‑profile films or major franchise projects in recent years.

Fans and industry observers on social platforms soon jumped into discussion threads after Clooney’s remarks, with many dissecting what it means for the concept of a ‘movie star’ today. Some agree with Clooney that the scene has splintered, with streaming platforms and franchise‑driven content diluting the influence of individual actors as box office draws. Others argued that while the traditional model may have changed, performers like Chalamet and Zendaya still command attention and can help drive a film’s success.

Chalamet in particular has been a ubiquitous presence in film this year, hosting Saturday Night Live multiple times and starring in critically acclaimed projects like Marty Suprem, performances that have only underscored his prominence among contemporary audiences. Powell has likewise gained traction through charismatic roles in action and comedy projects, while Zendaya’s global brand continues to resonate across both film and television audiences.

Clooney’s perspective touches on a broader debate about how Hollywood defines stardom in an era dominated by franchises, social media and ever‑expanding content libraries. His own career, spanning dramas, comedies and blockbuster hits, illustrates the model he describes, one in which a studio’s long‑term investment in an actor was once central to their success.