Ashton Kutcher was once one of the most recognizable faces on TV and film, thanks to his breakout role on That ’70s Show and several big-screen appearances. However, his Hollywood presence has dwindled in recent years. Here are some of the reasons why Kutcher’s movie offers have become few and far between.
#1. He Started as a Small Screen Sensation
Kutcher’s fame skyrocketed with his role as Michael Kelso on That ’70s Show (1998-2006). His goofy portrayal won over audiences, and he later expanded his television success by co-creating Punk’d on MTV in 2003. While he made a name for himself on TV, his success in transitioning to film was less consistent.
#2. Mixed Reception of His Movies
While Kutcher had some early box office hits, like Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000) and Just Married (2003), these movies received poor reviews. He attempted to branch out with more serious roles, such as in The Butterfly Effect (2004), but critics remained unimpressed. Many of his films failed to break a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making him less of a draw for Hollywood studios.
#3. Typecast in Comedic Roles
Kutcher has had commercial success with romantic comedies like What Happens in Vegas (2008) and No Strings Attached (2011). However, audiences and critics generally preferred him in light-hearted roles, casting doubt on his ability to carry more serious or complex characters, such as his portrayal of Steve Jobs in Jobs (2013), which was widely panned.
#4. Underwhelming Return to TV
Kutcher’s 2011 return to television, replacing Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men, was initially met with excitement. However, the ratings quickly declined, and the show never regained its former glory. His attempt to relaunch his TV career through the Netflix series The Ranch in 2016 also struggled, receiving middling reviews, and was marred by the controversy surrounding co-star Danny Masterson.
#5. #MeToo Controversy on The Ranch
Kutcher’s Netflix series The Ranch was hit with a scandal when Danny Masterson, his co-star from That ’70s Show, was accused of sexual assault. Masterson was fired from the show, but the association with such a controversy impacted the show’s reputation and Kutcher’s return to TV comedy.
#6. Successful Venture Capitalist
Despite a cooling in his acting career, Kutcher has found significant success as a venture capitalist. He has invested in tech companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Spotify, turning a $50 million investment into over $250 million. This lucrative second career has shifted his focus away from acting, giving him less incentive to chase movie roles.
#7. Philanthropy Focus
Kutcher is also heavily involved in philanthropy, particularly with his organization Thorn, which fights child trafficking and exploitation. His work in this area has garnered respect and attention, but it has also kept him busy outside of the entertainment world.
#8. Social Media Missteps
Kutcher has faced backlash for several tone-deaf social media posts, including an ill-informed tweet defending Penn State coach Joe Paterno in 2011 and a misguided attempt to ask questions about workplace behavior during the #MeToo movement. These gaffes have caused public relations issues and may have made studios cautious about hiring him.
#9. Overshadowed by His Personal Life
Kutcher’s high-profile relationships, first with Demi Moore and now with his That ’70s Show co-star Mila Kunis, have often made more headlines than his professional work. His marriage to Moore, their social media presence, and subsequent divorce often eclipsed his career achievements, while his current relationship with Kunis continues to attract tabloid attention.
#10. Connections to Controversial Figures
Kutcher’s ties to Rabbi Yehuda Berg, a controversial figure in the Kabbalah movement who faced accusations of sexual misconduct, also generated negative press. While Kutcher played no direct role in the controversy, his association with Berg has fueled speculation and criticism.
#11. Airbnb Controversy
Kutcher’s involvement in Airbnb, a company criticized for contributing to housing shortages in cities worldwide, led to protests during some of his public appearances. His connection to this controversial business has caused him to receive negative press unrelated to his acting career.
#12. Walking Away from Major Gigs
Kutcher has a history of walking away from successful projects, which may have soured his reputation in the industry. He left That ’70s Show after its seventh season to focus on films, and he briefly quit Punk’d after just two seasons. Producers may now view him as unreliable for long-term projects.
#13. Critics Haven’t Been Kind
Despite his popularity with fans, critics have not always embraced Kutcher’s performances, with many labeling him as a “bad actor.” His charm and likeability on-screen aren’t enough to cover his lack of depth in more challenging roles, making it difficult for him to land serious or critically acclaimed parts.
#14. 2013’s Jobs Failure
Kutcher’s portrayal of Steve Jobs in Jobs (2013) was heavily criticized, and the film failed to meet expectations both commercially and critically. This high-profile flop may have deterred studios from casting him in similar biographical or dramatic roles.
#15. The Flop of Annie (2014)
Kutcher’s supporting role in the 2014 Annie revival didn’t help his big-screen comeback. The film underperformed at the box office and received mostly negative reviews, further stalling his momentum in Hollywood.
#16. Struggles with Consistency
Kutcher’s track record on the big screen is inconsistent, with some minor hits overshadowed by a string of forgettable or poorly received films. This lack of consistent box office success likely made him a less desirable choice for leading roles in major productions.
#17. Limited Range
Though beloved for his comedic roles, Kutcher has struggled to showcase a wide acting range. His attempts at more serious roles haven’t been well received, which has limited the types of characters he is cast for, narrowing his opportunities in Hollywood.
#18. Overshadowed by Success in Tech
As his success in the tech industry continues to grow, Kutcher’s fame has shifted away from acting. His venture capital endeavors have become so prominent that they have overshadowed his film and television work, making him more known as a businessman than a movie star.
#19. Struggling to Evolve His Career
Unlike other actors who’ve managed to transition into more mature roles, Kutcher’s career has remained somewhat stuck. Despite attempts to branch out, such as his work in dramas and biopics, he’s been unable to shake his typecasting as a comedic or goofy character.
#20. Still Making Headlines for the Wrong Reasons
Kutcher’s off-screen controversies and social media missteps have continued to follow him. From bad tweets to awkward public comments, his misjudgments in the public eye have likely affected his bankability as a leading man in Hollywood’s more high-stakes projects.
Despite all this, Kutcher has found great success in areas outside of acting, and his focus on business and philanthropy might mean he’s content with stepping away from the limelight—at least for now.
