Major movie stars like Tom Hanks, Will Smith and Adam Sandler can no longer guarantee box office success with their names above the title.
Now, they have to compete with YouTube stars like Benny and Rafi, and for the next generation of movie fans the choice is clear.
Variety reports on a new survey that found American teenagers ages 13-18 prefer YouTube stars like the Fine Bros. to Johnny Depp, Seth Rogen and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The highest-ranking figures were Smosh, the online comedy team of Ian Andrew Hecox and Anthony Padilla, both 26.
Despite having minimal exposure in the mainstream media, another comedy duo, known as the Fine Bros., Benny and Rafi, finished a close second, followed by the Swedish videogamer who has the most subscribers on all of YouTube, Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg — otherwise known as PewDiePie. Interestingly, the highest-ranking non-YouTuber is Paul Walker, who tragically died in a car accident late in 2013.
The report adds that YouTube sensations were deemed “more engaging, extraordinary and relatable” than old-school movie stars.
One positive note for Hollywood’s brightest. The survey’s results showed that teens find both groups equal when it comes to sex appeal.
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