The trend of models in movies has been gaining significant traction in Hollywood in recent years, as fashion and film industries continue to intersect more closely. This shift is not only influenced by the increasing visibility of models in mainstream media but also by the growing recognition that models bring a unique set of skills and appeal to films. Here are some key factors behind this trend and notable examples:

1. The Rise of Influencer Culture

• Social Media Impact: With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, models have become major influencers with massive followings. Their ability to create buzz around products, trends, and even films has made them a natural fit for the movie industry.
• Celebrity Crossover: Many models already have significant public profiles, making it easier for them to transition into acting. Their fan base provides an instant audience for their roles, offering studios built-in promotional tools.

2. Fashion-Industry Crossovers

• Models as Creative Figures: Fashion models are increasingly viewed as creative figures who can embody multiple personas. This aligns well with Hollywood’s love for versatile stars who can fit a range of characters. Models bring a different energy and presence to films, often adding a sense of glamour and style.
• Fashion Films and Biopics: The increasing number of fashion-related films—such as biopics about iconic designers, models, or the industry—has naturally integrated models into the film world. For example, models have starred in movies about the fashion industry or in roles that require a strong visual appeal.

3. The Push for Diversity in Hollywood

• Breaking Traditional Beauty Norms: Hollywood is slowly diversifying, with a focus on redefining beauty standards. Models from diverse backgrounds and body types are now being cast in mainstream films. This reflects the growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
• Models from Varied Backgrounds: Models who are not traditionally seen in Hollywood (like plus-size models, older models, or models with non-Western features) are becoming more common in film. This reflects a broader trend of inclusivity in movies and represents a shift in Hollywood towards representing a wider array of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

4. Models as Multi-Talented Creatives

• Natural Charisma: Models, especially top models who’ve spent years in front of cameras, bring a natural on-screen charisma. Their ability to command attention with minimal dialogue or emotional expression makes them excellent candidates for roles where visual appeal is as important as acting.
• Experience with the Camera: Models often have extensive experience in front of the camera, which makes the transition to acting smoother. They are comfortable with angles, lighting, and presence on screen, allowing them to focus on learning the craft of acting without needing to adjust to the visual demands of film.

5. Notable Examples of Models in Movies

• Cara Delevingne: The British model-turned-actress made waves with her role in Paper Towns (2015) and has since appeared in Suicide Squad (2016), Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017), and other films. Delevingne’s transition from model to actress has been well-received, and she’s known for her acting versatility.
• Gigi Hadid: Another model who has appeared in the film world is Gigi Hadid. Though she’s not yet a lead in major films, she’s had cameo roles and appears as herself in various television shows and films, reflecting the blending of the fashion world and Hollywood.
• Lupita Nyong’o (Fashion Icon): Although she started as an actress, her rise as a fashion icon shows how models and actresses often blur the lines in Hollywood today. Nyong’o’s work in films like 12 Years a Slave (2013) and Black Panther (2018) has earned her acclaim, and her status as a style icon has enhanced her public persona.
• Kendall Jenner: Another prominent model, Kendall Jenner, has also taken a small step into acting and reality television. Though her primary career is modeling, her foray into acting is indicative of the trend of models expanding their careers into Hollywood.
• Elsa Hosk: A former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Elsa Hosk, has explored acting and is seen as an emerging model-turned-actress.

6. Appeal to Younger Audiences

• Millennial and Gen Z Audiences: Models often have large followings among younger demographics, which is a valuable audience for Hollywood. By casting well-known models in films, studios can capture the attention of these younger viewers who are already fans of the models’ social media presence.
• Engagement through Social Media: Hollywood’s partnership with models allows movies to benefit from the massive social media presence that models often have. This drives viral marketing campaigns, as models promote their roles and share behind-the-scenes content to their millions of followers.

7. The Glamour Factor

• Physical Appeal: Let’s not overlook the fact that models bring undeniable physical presence and appeal to their roles. In many films, particularly those that emphasize beauty and luxury, having a model in the cast can help the production meet its aesthetic goals.
• Red Carpet Events: Models-turned-actors are often seen at high-profile red carpet events, adding an element of glamour and excitement. Their ability to influence fashion trends translates well in the world of film promotion, where their presence at premieres or events is valuable for publicity.

8. Training and Preparation

• Acting Schools and Workshops: While some models may naturally possess on-screen talent, many have taken acting classes or workshops to hone their craft. As the industry blurs the line between modeling and acting, more modeling agencies are partnering with acting schools to help prepare models for their potential transition into film.
• The Rise of the “Model-Actor” Hybrid: Many agencies are positioning their top models as multi-talented performers. These models receive training not only in posing and runway work but also in acting, preparing them for a career in both industries.

9. Models in the Age of Digital Content

• YouTube and Streaming Platforms: With the rise of digital streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, films and TV shows are catering to a more diverse and global audience. Many models have already gained fame through social media and YouTube, where they document their personal lives, share their creative endeavors, or participate in brand collaborations. This digital fame makes it easier for models to transition into film, as their audience is already digitally savvy and connected to multiple forms of entertainment.
• Influencer Films and Documentaries: Models-turned-actors have been featured in documentaries and influencer-centric films, such as The Social Dilemma or The September Issue, showcasing their lives behind the camera. These films allow the audience to connect with the models in a more personal and immersive way, enhancing their presence in both industries.

10. Models in Action and Blockbuster Films

• Action Films: In addition to being cast in drama and fashion-centric films, models are increasingly finding their place in action-packed blockbusters. Their physical training for runway work or their work in campaigns often prepares them for roles requiring athleticism, agility, and physicality. For example, models like Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss have been considered for action sequences in films, showcasing how the traditional “model” role is evolving.
• Big-budget Movies and Franchises: Hollywood franchises and blockbusters, such as the Fast & Furious or Marvel films, often seek out new faces to bring a fresh appeal to their ensemble casts. Models with strong media followings are seen as excellent candidates to join these films, ensuring buzz both before and after the release.

11. Fashion Campaigns and Film Tie-ins

• Movies as Marketing Platforms for Fashion Brands: Many top designers and brands use film as a platform to launch their campaigns, and often the models themselves are cast as the protagonists in these stories. The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and The Neon Demon (2016) are examples of movies that intertwine the fashion industry with their plots, with models in prominent roles.
• Cross-promotions Between Fashion Houses and Movies: Fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton have integrated their brand images into film marketing by collaborating with models-turned-actors. This creates a cyclical relationship where models promote their movie roles while also representing the latest fashion trends, creating an integrated promotional strategy that benefits both industries.

12. Female Empowerment and Models in Leading Roles

• Changing Female Representation: The growing prominence of models in film coincides with the wider movement toward female empowerment in Hollywood. Female models are taking on more leading roles and showing that they are more than just the stereotypical “pretty faces” on screen. Models-turned-actors like Charlize Theron and Gisele Bündchen have set the stage for future models to step into diverse and powerful roles, where they control the narrative and depict strong, complex characters.
• Portraying Real-Life Women: Models who have lived through their own struggles or who represent a certain ideology can bring authenticity to biographical roles. This is increasingly seen in movies based on real-life figures, where models can offer deeper, more nuanced portrayals due to their life experiences.

13. The Global Appeal of Models in Films

• International Stardom: Many models-turned-actors come from outside of Hollywood, contributing to the increasingly global nature of the film industry. Models from countries like Brazil, France, and Russia, such as Gisele Bündchen, Irina Shayk, and Barbara Palvin, have successfully transitioned into acting roles, broadening the appeal of Hollywood films to international audiences.
• Cultural Exchange: Hollywood’s embrace of international models enhances the diversity of stories told in film. For instance, models-turned-actors from different cultures can bring unique insights into characters and settings, offering audiences fresh perspectives on storytelling. This also helps Hollywood films reach broader, more diverse global markets, tapping into previously underserved audiences.

14. Impact of Models on Movie Aesthetics and Style

• Visual Storytelling: One of the most significant advantages of casting models in films is their inherent understanding of visual aesthetics. Models are often involved in high-fashion shoots, where composition, lighting, and style are key. These skills translate seamlessly into film, where visuals play a critical role in setting the tone and atmosphere.
• Fashion as a Storytelling Tool: Models-turned-actors bring a heightened sense of fashion to the screen, which often serves as more than just a backdrop. In films like The Great Gatsby (2013), fashion isn’t just part of the aesthetic—it becomes a tool for storytelling, marking character development and setting the mood of particular scenes.

15. Models in Independent Films and Niche Genres

• Indie Films as a Launchpad: While major Hollywood studios have embraced the trend of casting models in blockbuster roles, independent filmmakers are also tapping into this talent pool. The creative freedom of indie films allows for more experimentation, and models are often cast in unconventional roles, showcasing their acting abilities in more artistic or experimental genres.
• Art-house and Avant-Garde Cinema: Models who are interested in acting are increasingly taking roles in art-house films, which allows them to push the boundaries of their public personas and take on more challenging, avant-garde projects. This trend is particularly appealing for models who want to diversify their portfolios beyond mainstream commercial work.

16. The Long-Term Viability of Model-Actors

• Sustaining a Career Beyond Modeling: While the transition from modeling to acting may initially offer a burst of fame, many models-turned-actors aim for long-term careers in film. To achieve this, they must continually hone their acting skills, diversify their roles, and remain relevant as both performers and public figures. The success of models like Cindy Crawford (who starred in films like Fair Game) and Milla Jovovich (known for the Resident Evil franchise) shows that it is possible for models to establish lasting careers in Hollywood.
• Acting Agencies for Models: Many modeling agencies now provide acting training and facilitate the transition for their top models to act in films. These agencies offer guidance and structure to help models succeed beyond just posing in front of a camera, setting the foundation for a career as a serious actor.

17. The Future: Models as Multi-Platform Stars

• Cross-Media Personalities: The future may see models taking on roles in TV, digital series, and even video games. As the lines between different forms of entertainment blur, models will likely continue to break into multiple platforms, leveraging their popularity to build multi-faceted careers. They’ll be actors, fashion icons, influencers, and more, extending their reach across various industries and audiences.
• Model-Entrepreneurs: In addition to acting, many models are now becoming entrepreneurs—launching fashion lines, beauty products, and other ventures that tie into their personal brand. This diversification further increases their visibility and appeal, making them even more prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

18. Models-turned-Actors in the Spotlight: Iconic Figures and Pioneers

• The Groundbreakers: The evolution of models-turned-actors in Hollywood was catalyzed by a few iconic figures who crossed over from the fashion world to the film industry with major success. These pioneers set the stage for future generations of models looking to expand their careers into acting.
  • Catherine Deneuve, the French supermodel-turned-actress, paved the way for European models making a mark in cinema with her illustrious career in both art-house films and mainstream cinema.
  • Twiggy (Lesley Lawson), who became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1960s, transitioned into acting in the 1970s, solidifying herself as a star in both the fashion and film industries.
  • Claudia Schiffer, one of the most famous models of the 1990s, ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Love Actually and Zoolander.
  • Kirsty Hume, a British supermodel, also explored acting roles in films, demonstrating how the transition can work, even if not always in the spotlight.

These pioneering models-turned-actors helped make the transition more acceptable, showing that models could thrive as actors without compromising their fashion industry roots.

19. Rising Stars: Models Making Their Mark in Hollywood

• Today’s Talent: As Hollywood continues to embrace this trend, we see new faces breaking into the industry. Fresh faces like Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and Hailey Bieber have started dipping their toes into acting. With growing support from their fashion and social media followers, they bring new dimensions to the movies they star in.
• Models in High-Concept Roles: Today’s models don’t just take on supporting or fashion-centric roles; they’re increasingly being cast in high-concept projects. For example, Gigi Hadid‘s rumored future roles in spy thrillers and Kendall Jenner’s feature in sci-fi films could redefine the “model-actor” paradigm.
• More Diversity in Casting: Hollywood’s embrace of models of diverse backgrounds also contributes to a more inclusive entertainment industry. Models such as Paloma Elsesser and Winnie Harlow, who represent different body types and races, help broaden the spectrum of what it means to be a leading star in both fashion and film, pushing the industry toward a future where representation is key.

20. Models as Visionaries: Combining Fashion and Film

• Blurring the Lines Between Fashion and Film: Many top models have realized the potential of working within both industries simultaneously. Instead of merely acting, they are becoming visionaries and creators, helping to influence the design of films as much as they influence the design of runway collections.
  • Rihanna, although primarily a musician, started as a model and ventured into acting with roles in Ocean’s 8 (2018). More importantly, her role as a creative director and founder of Fenty has made her a force within fashion and film alike, showing how an entertainer can bridge the gap between art forms.
  • Cara Delevingne has been another model-turned-actress who has carved out a strong niche, starring in action films like Suicide Squad (2016) and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017). Beyond acting, she has built her own media empire, influencing both the fashion and film industries.
• Artistic Collaborations: Models-turned-actors often collaborate with directors, designers, and other creative minds in innovative ways. Their understanding of visual aesthetics allows them to play a vital role in creating both fashion-forward and cinematic experiences. They are not just seen as performers but as integral parts of the creative process in films, contributing to the design, style, and even direction of a project.

21. Social Media and Influence in Hollywood

• Influencers as Hollywood’s Newest Stars: With social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube rising in prominence, models-turned-actors now bring massive online followings with them into Hollywood. Their influence isn’t just limited to the fashion world—it extends to the film industry, where social media can drive box office success and audience engagement.
  • Instagram and Brand Power: Models like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are considered influencers with the power to impact entire industries. Their Instagram pages are curated to blend their personal lives with professional endeavors, often showcasing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from their film projects, which boosts both their acting and fashion careers.
  • Direct-to-Fan Engagement: By maintaining personal relationships with their followers, models turned actors can reach audiences directly. This direct engagement is invaluable for promoting upcoming films, as their followers are likely to watch a film featuring their favorite stars, thereby driving ticket sales and increasing viewership.

22. Celebrity Endorsements and Their Role in Film Careers

• Models in Brand Collaborations: Major brands are increasingly aware of the power that models-turned-actors hold, not only in the fashion realm but in mainstream media. Hollywood is no longer just about the movie role itself; it’s about how the actors’ off-screen personas contribute to their brands.
  • Models like Kendall Jenner have featured prominently in commercials, which often tie into their acting roles, creating a symbiotic relationship between their fashion endorsements and cinematic endeavors.
• Multi-Role Opportunities: Many models-turned-actors find themselves starring in films that are inherently commercial or tied to a brand’s messaging. This is especially true in blockbuster franchises or action films, where brand tie-ins (such as clothing or luxury product placements) become a vital part of the film’s success.

23. Film Genres Where Models Shine

• Romantic Comedies and Dramas: Models often find their place in romantic comedies and dramas, genres where physical presence and charm often play a significant role. Films like The Other Woman (2014) featured models-turned-actors like Kate Upton, showcasing the power of modeling in elevating the charm of the film.
• Sci-Fi and Fantasy Films: Sci-fi and fantasy genres offer models-turned-actors a chance to explore characters that blend beauty with action. Milla Jovovich, previously a model, solidified her role as a lead in the Resident Evil series, where her blend of physicality and beauty became a key selling point for the films.
• Period Dramas and Historical Fiction: Models are also increasingly sought after for roles in period dramas, where their ability to convey poise and elegance works in their favor. With the rise of series like The Crown, models have begun making waves in historical fiction as well, offering a fresh perspective on classic characters.

24. The Evolution of the “Model-Actor” Archetype

• Beyond the Surface: The modern-day model-turned-actor is no longer just about surface beauty. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, these figures are embracing deeper, more complex roles that challenge conventional ideas about beauty and acting.
• More Complex Characters: Models now seek out roles that challenge their acting ability, stepping into characters with rich backstories and nuanced personalities. This shift is seen as an important step forward for the entertainment industry, where the model-actor archetype has become a more integral part of storytelling, instead of simply being used for their image.

Conclusion: The Future of Models in Movies

• As Hollywood’s embrace of models-turned-actors continues, we are witnessing the rise of multi-talented figures who seamlessly weave between the realms of fashion and film. The trend shows no signs of slowing, and the industry’s ongoing push for diversity, inclusivity, and global appeal only increases the opportunities for models to thrive in both the fashion and cinematic worlds. With increasing demand for fresh faces, models-turned-actors will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entertainment—on screen and off.

Courtesy: Sachin Facts