There is some truth that if you remove franchise movies from the mix, there are few movie actors/performers whose name alone can "open" a movie. However, there is also truth that including a recognized or valued performer can "add to" a movie by getting it some attention and press it may not receive otherwise. Recognizable names who bring a sort of persona or goodwill to a project can work wonders.

Some say that one of the reasons that In the Heights and West Side Story failed was that there were no charismatic / "now" stars attached, the talented casts notwithstanding. For all the criticism of Natalie Wood or Audrey Hepburn these days for the Sixties versions of West Side Story and My Fair Lady, respectively, they added stardust and charm and recognizable box office names to the proceedings, and audiences flocked to both films. Stars are still a thing, but they are more value-add than the days when, say, John Wayne's name enough could jet propel a movie .