Paul Giamatti is one of the great leading men in Hollywood. And while he doesn’t look like the person we generally think of as a movie star, that doesn’t change the fact that he is one.
Brad Pitt, on the other hand, looks like a leading man. Every budding star wants to be just like him. That way they’ll get the parts written for Brad Pitt. Very few come to Hollywood looking for Paul Giamatti roles.
Actors are reluctant to pursue a niche.
This sounds a lot like any other business. While many companies go after the Brad Pitt markets, smart firms chase the niche. Here’s the thing – with so many pursuing the obvious markets, there are a lot more opportunities for others to dominate the less obvious ones.
I’d bet on Paul Giamatti every single time.
