Musicians Acting in the Film Industry: An Unstoppable Hollywood Trend

Musicians have been taking their chances on the big screen for as long as we can remember. Tupac, Janet Jackson, Prince, Queen Latifah, Ice T, Ice Cube, Will Smith, and even Mark Wahlberg. While it is nothing new, it has been turning into a very unattractive trend in Hollywood with not so well-thought out choices. It's spreading as fast as this decade's fetish for comic book film adaptations and has now become a rule of thumb to cast a rapper or singer in Hollywood's "Profit Checklist".

"The Pink Panther" remake had Beyonce, Ashanti was in "Resident Evil: Extinction", and strangely enough, Xzibit was in "The X-Files: I Want To Believe". In addition, Britney Spears had auditioned for the role of John McClaine's daughter in "Live Free or Die Hard" while Justin Timberlake was being considered for Justin Long's role. It's a blessing that neither of those came to pass, but that's not to say that "Live Free or Die Hard" is exactly blessed as a good film. According to the latest in Entertainment news, Common plays a rebel soldier in "Terminator Salvation" and Ludacris is playing a role that was written for a fat old white cop in the film adaptation of "Max Payne". Now perhaps Common and Ludacris can act, I haven't seen either of their films yet, but all acting aside, it's very obvious why Hollywood has pushed this "trend" into overdrive over the past few years. On a quick note, I will admit though, I have heard some good things about Common's acting in "American Gangster".

Hollywood used to be about making good movies and making a whole lot of money from them. Now, they are just about making a whole lot of money, period. Hence, all the remakes, sequels, comic book films, and video game movies. They have a checklist that they follow and two things on that checklist are PG-13 and a cast member that could appeal to younger audiences in addition (i.e. a music artist). With the rate Hollywood's going with this now, I'm surprised that they didn't cast the Cash Money Millionaires as the evil vampires in "Lost Boys 2".

This is not to say all musicians made terrible transitions into the acting business. The past is filled with many artists who proved to be watchable on the big screen and didn't play themselves in every role like the rest. Tupac, Queen Latifah, Will Smith (although he has had his share of flops), Ice Cube, and most amazingly, Mos Def -- I could watch "Sixteen Blocks" and not for one second am I reminded that this guy is a rapper (and I love rap, as long as it's before 2001). That's the talent and beauty that they possess. If Hollywood repeats decisions like what I just mentioned, then there's no need to worry.

However, at this rate, if things keep going the way they are now, then this is how I foresee the future: Jay-Z will play a gangster villain in the new "RoboCop", Beyonce or Rihanna will play victims in the "Friday the 13th" remake, and Lil' Wayne will be in "Aliens vs. Predator 3". Speaking of aliens, since Sigourney recently announced her newfound interest in "Alien 5", perhaps Rihanna could play Winona Ryder's role from the last film? With that new haircut she's got, who would tell the difference?

So here's a toast... to the very bright future of Hollywood. FADE OUT.