Kim Kardashian’s trajectory from reality TV maven to business mogul has been nothing short of meteoric.

From her humble beginnings as Paris Hilton’s stylist to her current status as a billionaire entrepreneur, Kardashian has solidified her presence in popular culture with a global brand that spans television, fashion, and social media.

Now, the 43-year-old icon, whose rise to fame was catalysed by a 2007 sex tape with singer Ray J, is setting her sights on a new frontier: Hollywood.

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Despite her limited acting experience, Kardashian is determined to transition from reality TV royalty to bona fide movie star, with two major film deals in the works and a Hulu legal drama from renowned producer Ryan Murphy on the horizon.

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 10: Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and Kim Kardashian attend 2019 E! People’s Choice Awards – Arrivals at The Barker Hanger on November 10, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Big challenge

Kardashian’s leap into the world of cinema presents a formidable challenge.

With only a handful of narrative TV appearances and film cameos to her credit, including a role in “American Horror Story: Delicate” and voicing a character in “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” the prospect of assuming the mantle of Hollywood legends like Elizabeth Taylor may seem daunting.

However, despite the skepticism surrounding her acting chops, Hollywood studios are willing to take a gamble on Kardashian’s star power.

Recently, she secured two lucrative deals for original films – an untitled thriller with Amazon MGM Studios and a comedy titled “The Fifth Wheel” with Netflix.

These partnerships underscore a shift in perception regarding Kardashian’s potential beyond the realm of reality television.

“Studios are more open to working with Kim Kardashian now because she’s evolving beyond reality TV,” remarked Pilaar Terry, Managing Partner and COO of POV Agency.

“She’s shown she’s not just about fame. Studios see her as more than just a celebrity. She’s got this diverse appeal that they want to tap into because she’s proven to move the needle on everything from engagement to sales.”

Instagram following

The allure of Kardashian’s vast fanbase, boasting 364 million Instagram followers, is a driving force behind the studios’ willingness to invest in her cinematic ventures. Much like Taylor Swift’s ability to draw her devoted “Swifties” to theaters, Kardashian’s name recognition holds immense value in today’s entertainment landscape.

“If you look at it from name recognition around the world, Kim is a bigger star than Taylor Swift,” asserted a top agent. “Netflix, Amazon, Ryan Murphy, or whoever are trying to utilise that fact to create popular content.”

Despite the inherent challenges, Kardashian’s pivot to film mirrors a trend seen among entertainers seeking to expand their horizons. “She’s diversifying her portfolio,” noted Randi Matthews, CEO and founder of Multi-Hyphen Media.

“It’s just like when singers make the transition into acting. She wants to challenge herself. She wants to do something that she hasn’t done before.