Emma Thompson and Michael Caine don’t think much of the newest generation of actors, calling the means by which studios cast performers who “really can’t act” a “disaster.”
“We’re casting actors who have big [social media] followings so the studios can use their followings to sell their movie,” Thompson said, according to The Telegraph.
“The actors are becoming attached in the sort of business way to their social media profiles, and I think that’s a disaster,” she added.
Thompson and Michael Caine were speaking at a royal reception for British Academy Award winners, hosted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at St James’ Palace.
“These days they just say, ‘I’m going to be an actor because I want to be rich and famous.’ And then they do a little part on television and everyone knows who they are. They can’t really act,” Caine said. I knew I wasn’t going to be rich, I knew I wasn’t going to be famous, I knew I wasn’t going to be a movie star, I just wanted to be a good actor, that’s all.”
Cain also thinks people get famous too early these days.
“They’re very young now. I was 30 before I became well known. I’ve watched it ruin people. By the time they’re 30, they’re through,” he said.