at this point, is there an actor who opens movies anymore? Without the story being a brand name, so don't say RDJ or something. If there was just a regular drama starring ___________, could it make $100 million?
I would have said Bradley Cooper after American Sniper, but as we've seen from his next few movies, that was sold on concept and subject matter.
When was the last time you thought "I'm gonna go see that __________ movie?" Will Smith's Concussion will probably flop and I don't think Focus broke the bank.
Dicaprio?
Focus made $158 million against $50 million so it made money, Smith is still a bankable star because he's a draw overseas. Both Focus and After Earth made money from mostly the foreign box office
Tom Cruise is still a draw with the right movies. MI5 made certified bank.
Di'Caprio can still open a movie big. We'll see how The Revanent does..
Scarlett Johansen's Lucy movie made $400 million worldwide WITHOUT being based on any existing property, so I'd say we could throw her in..
Denzel's last four movies grossed over 100 Million each against fairly "minor" budgets (the biggest was Safe House which was budgeted at $85 Million and grossed $200 Million) so he hasn't suffered a fall off