A$AP Rocky, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga are among music industry A-listers who have attempted to make the transition from fame to film stardom. Despite their massive social media followings, most of these stars have struggled to connect with audiences on the big screen.
According to box office analyst Jeff Bock, a music star can bring awareness but not loyalty. Fans escape through the persona they know in music, rather than watching them act in a movie. This makes it difficult for musicians to fully reinvent themselves and make the transition to film stardom.
A24 and Apple Studios’ decision to keep box office results for “Highest 2 Lowest” opaque is seen as a red flag. The distributor typically reports grosses even when a movie only unspools in a handful of theaters. This move suggests that the studio may be hesitant to acknowledge the film’s poor performance.
However, some music industry luminaries have successfully transitioned to acting. Director Bradley Cooper cast Lady Gaga in “A Star Is Born,” which earned her an Oscar nomination and $440 million worldwide. Jon Chu also had success with Ariana Grande’s supporting role in “Wicked.”
The key to crossover success lies in finding a film that plays to the artist’s strengths, rather than trying to recreate their persona on screen. Justin Timberlake’s supporting role in “The Social Network” is often cited as an example of how lightning can be captured.
Despite these successes, most music industry A-listers continue to struggle with their transition to film stardom. As movie fans pay a premium for concert tickets and are more selective about the movies they attend, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for musicians to make a successful crossover.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/singers-struggle-box-office-movies-asap-rocky-taylor-swift-1236494970