Denzel Washington Warned Michael B. Jordan That Overexposure Hurts Movie Stars: ‘Why Pay to See You on a Weekend if They See You All Week For Free?’

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/denzel-washington-michael-b-jordan-social-media-kills-movie-stars-1236415508/

29 comments

  1. >Jordan said in a New York Magazine cover story that he actively does not post much on social media or talk to the press about his personal life in order to “create a demand” for himself as a movie star. Given the money coming in for “Sinners,” it’s a strategy that appears to be working.

    >Jordan, who counts Denzel Washington as one of his biggest inspirations, shared with the magazine that Washington actually gave him career advice encouraging him to stay offline as to not risk being overexposed. Washington put things bluntly by asking Jordan: “Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they see you all week for free?”

    >Washington’s advice has remained a lynchpin for Jordan, who does not accounts on popular social media platforms like X or TikTok. Jordan does use Instagram, where he boasts 25 million followers, but rarely posts outside of press tours for his film projects.

  2. And he isn’t wrong either. Social media has killed the mystery of movie stars. And those stars who are constantly cast( Dwayne Johnson, Chris Pratt come to mind) give viewers fatigue.

  3. I believe Denzel said in the past that Sidney Poitier gave him the same advice. He’s just passing it down.

  4. I love this. I’ve been a big fan of Jordan since Fruitvale Station and I always find my admiration of him reignite each time I see him in a movie. Couldn’t really pinpoint why and I think this definitely answers that.

  5. I want a coogler directed flick with MJB, Denzel and tom cruise!

  7. First rule of show business, “Leave them wanting more.”

  9. I mean, I don’t watch movies to go see an actor. I will however avoid a movie with a bad actor.

  10. Michael Fasbender comes to mind. Incredible actor still, and he was heavily overexposed at one point where each films was just not great. Went quiet, I believe had a family, and now started showing up on several indie projects. Incredible in the Agency

  11. Well then they haven’t met my 16 yr old. She will drag me to anything he is in.

  12. It’s very true. That’s why Tom, Brad, and Leo still have an aura. They don’t put their lives out there on social media every day

  14. next level Denzel…
    Keep Michael B from taking his roles. 😉

  15. This is why social media is the death of the true movie star.

  16. No one ever hears or sees Robert Pattinson. Like at all.

    And he’s Batman.

    🤔

  17. This is how I feel about Ryan Reynolds. Used to love him. Now it’s just exhausting. Phone adds, Gin adds, Deadpool, Free Guy, Wrexham.

  18. Should give this advice to other actors too some really need to hear it.

  20. Because I’m paying to see the movie. You just so happen to be in it.

  21. I love that quote. It’s so true. Actors like Denzel don’t really do anything but movies. They don’t do a lot of interviews, they’re not out in the limelight. It makes them more mysterious and more exciting to see when they star in a movie. Leo is another good example of that.

  24. I’ve said this exact same thing to friends before – when u see a famous actor every 2 seconds doing interviews, social media, hot wings, etc – then u see them in a movie u dont see the character u just see the famous celebrity actor

    Then theres ppl like daniel day lewis and u never seen him ever in anything other than movies and u literally only see the character

  25. He’s not wrong. I never want to see Pedro pascal in anything for at least 20 years.

  28. Good. Movie stars are horrendous for the movie industry. The movie star should die.

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