Winona Ryder, the iconic actress known for her roles in films like Beetlejuice and Stranger Things, recently opened up about her concerns regarding the younger generation of actors she works with. In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, Ryder, now 52, expressed her disappointment, noting that many of her younger co-stars seem to lack a genuine interest in watching films.
Reflecting on her experiences on set, Ryder shared that she finds it challenging to connect with these younger actors, who often seem more focused on the time commitment rather than the art itself. “I don’t mean to sound so hopeless,” Ryder said, “There are a few that are just not interested in movies. Like, the first thing they say is, ‘How long is it?'”
The seasoned actress, who began her career at the age of 17 with the original Beetlejuice film, also discussed the impact of social media on the industry in a separate interview with Esquire. “I’ve gone from being the youngest person on set to being the oldest,” Ryder remarked. She admitted feeling out of touch with the current generation, humorously questioning, “Am I like vaudeville at this point? Like (elderly lady voice), ‘Hey, kids, turn down the music!'”
Despite her concerns, Ryder emphasized the richness of film history and the importance of younger actors appreciating and studying it. “I just think there was such an abundance: the history of film, the history of photography, it’s so rich, and there’s so much there, and I don’t mean we should go backwards, but I wish and I hope that the younger generation will study that,” she explained.
Ryder’s comments seem to echo sentiments shared by her Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown, who previously admitted to struggling with her attention span when it comes to watching movies. Brown told The Sun, “People come up to me and say, ‘You should definitely watch this movie, it would change your life.’ I’m like, ‘How long do I have to sit there for?’ Because my brain and I don’t even like sitting for my own movies.”
As Winona Ryder gears up for the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on September 6, 2024, her reflections highlight a growing divide between generations in the entertainment industry, raising questions about the future of film appreciation among young actors.