How important are stars to UK and US film producers?

How important are stars to UK and US film producers?

Though film stars aren't as important in the modern film industry as they were 50 years ago, there are still certain actors that are seen as important. Using Christine Gledhill’s Star Theory we can break down stars defining points to; capital value, construct, cultural value and deviance. The theory divides the stars characteristics and real life character.
Leonard DiCaprio is indispensable the films studios he works with and the films he makes. DiCaprio has a huge capital value. At a young age he was seen doing commercial and minor roles in television, this then escalated to small budget films until 1993 where he had his debut in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape playing a mentally challenged teenager. After that he started getting bigger roles like The Titanic which spotted him as a generational heartthrob. Because he has big capital value, if DiCaprio stars in a film, that film gets a certain security for the producers as audiences will go just for the reason he is in it.
DiCaprio constructs himself as a very friendly, wholesome character. He is seen as being close to people he has worked with in the past such like Toby Maguire and Kate Winslet, this to audiences makes them like the actor more as it humanizes them. Leonardo is also very passionate with environmental and humanitarian causes and is seen twitting about many causes about climate change and poaching. in 2010 he contributed $1,000,000 to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Showing his passion for such causes widens his fan base and so this also contributes to the security of a film me would be cast in.
DiCaprio doesn't seem to deviate from the law at all, nor does there seem to be a dangerous side to him. The only thing that seems to be wild about him is his love life. DiCaprio seems to be a very private man who has condoned past girlfriends of talking about their relationship to anyone. To some fans/audiences DiCaprio is seen as rather boring with no huge scandals tarnishing his name however other audiences like the idea of him being very pure. To film producers he is one of the most reliable actors around, never having to pause productions of films to sort out court cases or clearing his name.
DiCaprio was born a Roman Catholic and dabbled in both Judaism and Buddhism, however, he does not identify himself as religious or atheist. DiCaprio is also a huge democrat and backed Obama immensely in the 2008 elections, these all contribute to his cultural value and help solidify his fan base. Not only does he gain followers from his support for causes but his fans will also support the causes and follow in his footsteps.
Stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio are important to western film producers as they attract the audiences more than the actual stories most of the time plus Leonardo does give the films financial security as he has a huge fan base who will go to his films just because he is in it.