Is Hollywood Dead? A Changing Industry in Crisis

Justine Bateman’s op-ed in Fast Company argues that Hollywood is dead — or at least, it’s no longer the thriving, creative industry it once was. She points to the rise of content over art, the corporate takeover of filmmaking, and the growing influence of AI as signs that the golden age of Hollywood is behind us. While Bateman makes some strong points, it’s important to recognize that this shift is only part of the story.

The Golden Age: Where Talent Thrived

Bateman reflects on a time when Hollywood was a place for raw talent to flourish. Actors, directors, and writers had room to grow, with “gatekeepers” ensuring that only the best talent emerged. Movies were treated as art, and there was space for new voices. But as Hollywood evolved, the industry became more about mass appeal, profits, and brands — particularly with the rise of franchise films like Harry Potter and Marvel.

Hollywood’s Shift: From Movies to Brands

The success of massive franchises marked the beginning of a major shift in Hollywood. Movies turned into brand-driven products designed to attract loyal fanbases, with familiar names like Marvel and Star Wars dominating the box office. This change has made it harder for original films to succeed. The industry has become more about selling brands than telling stories.

The “Woke” Factor: Ideology Over Art

Bateman also criticizes Hollywood’s embrace of “wokeness,” arguing that the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion has led to films that prioritize political messages over storytelling. The fear of being “canceled” has made many filmmakers and studios overly cautious, leading to a culture of pandering. Bateman points to films like Anora and A Real Pain as examples of movies that still prioritize storytelling over ideology, but these voices are becoming rare.

AI and the Future: A New Era for Filmmaking?

One of the biggest threats Bateman sees is the rise of AI in filmmaking. With AI already capable of generating scripts, editing, and even creating digital actors, Hollywood is at risk of being replaced by algorithms. While AI can produce content, it can’t replace the human creativity needed to tell truly compelling stories. The future of filmmaking might not lie with Hollywood but with independent creators who are free from corporate and ideological constraints.

Is Hollywood Dead?

Hollywood is not completely dead, but it’s definitely in crisis. The industry has lost its way, focusing more on profits and political messaging than on creating quality films. However, if it can refocus on artistic integrity, embrace diversity of thought, and stop pandering to ideological trends, it might be able to reinvent itself. Until then, the future of filmmaking may lie outside Hollywood — in the hands of independent creators and AI-powered platforms.

In short, while Hollywood may be changing, it’s not beyond redemption. But it has a lot of work to do if it hopes to regain the magic it once had.