Actor says today’s films lack originality but hints at revisiting a fan favorite

A Blunt Take on Today’s Hollywood

December 7, 2025: John Cusack isn’t holding back when it comes to his feelings about the current state of Hollywood. The veteran actor recently shared that, in his view, most movies being made today “suck,” criticizing what he sees as a lack of originality, risk-taking, and meaningful storytelling. However, despite his frustrations, Cusack revealed there is one film from his own catalog he would seriously consider revisiting for a sequel.

“Too Much Recycling, Not Enough Soul”

Cusack’s criticism centers on Hollywood’s dependence on franchises, reboots, and algorithm-driven storytelling. According to the actor, modern films often feel engineered rather than inspired, prioritizing safe formulas over creativity.

He suggested that the industry has become overly cautious, leaving little room for the kind of eccentric, character-driven projects that defined much of his early career.

HOLR has the latest news on how Cusack’s comments echo a broader sentiment shared by many longtime actors and filmmakers.

The One Sequel He’d Say Yes To

Despite his criticism, Cusack admitted there is one exception: Grosse Pointe Blank. The 1997 cult classic—where Cusack played a conflicted hitman returning home for a high school reunion—remains one of his most beloved roles.

Cusack hinted that the story’s themes of aging, identity, and unresolved pasts could actually resonate even more strongly today. Unlike many sequels he’s turned down, this one, he suggests, could evolve naturally rather than exist purely for nostalgia.

Why Grosse Pointe Blank Still Works

Fans have long praised Grosse Pointe Blank for its sharp dialogue, dark humor, and emotional depth. Cusack believes those elements are exactly what’s missing from many contemporary films—and why the movie still feels relevant nearly three decades later.

Revisiting the character older, wiser, and more conflicted could offer something rare: a sequel driven by character growth rather than spectacle.

Cusack’s Complicated Relationship With Hollywood

Over the past several years, Cusack has taken a step back from mainstream studio projects, choosing instead to focus on selective film roles, independent work, and personal passions. His distance from the industry has only made him more candid about its shortcomings.

HOLR notes that Cusack’s honesty reflects a wider shift among veteran actors who feel increasingly disconnected from how films are developed and marketed today.

Fans React to the Possibility

News of Cusack potentially revisiting Grosse Pointe Blank quickly sparked excitement among longtime fans. Many took to social media expressing support for the idea, emphasizing that the film’s tone and intelligence feel especially rare in today’s blockbuster-heavy landscape.

Others agreed with Cusack’s critique, praising him for saying what many viewers quietly feel.

Not a Blanket Rejection—But a High Bar

While Cusack was blunt in his assessment of modern movies, his comments weren’t entirely dismissive. Instead, they underscored a desire for better storytelling, stronger characters, and films made with intention rather than obligation.

If a sequel to Grosse Pointe Blank were ever to happen, Cusack made it clear it would need to meet those standards—or not happen at all.

A Veteran Voice Still Being Heard

John Cusack’s remarks serve as a reminder that experience brings perspective. While Hollywood continues to evolve, voices like his challenge the industry to remember what made films resonate in the first place.

HOLR will keep tracking whether Cusack’s rare openness to a sequel becomes more than just talk—and whether Hollywood is ready to meet the bar he’s set.