Staff Reports
Hollywood’s recent tendency to inject politics into movies has increasingly alienated audiences craving pure entertainment. Once a place to escape into timeless fairy tales and thrilling adventures, the silver screen now often feels like a platform for unsolicited political lectures. Disney’s latest stumbles perfectly illustrate this shift—turning what should have been blockbuster hits into box office disappointments.
Take the new “Snow White” remake. With a beloved story and Disney’s classic charm, it had all the ingredients for success. But star Rachel Zegler’s outspoken activism overshadowed the film, turning fans away. Instead of drawing audiences in, the lead’s political posturing made the movie feel like a chore, driving potential viewers to stay home and rewatch timeless cartoons on Disney+ rather than endure a preachy experience.
Then, Disney’s attempt to reboot “Tron” stumbled with Jared Leto in the lead, whose own political forays may have distracted from the film’s appeal. Opening night attendance was so sparse it bordered on embarrassing, sending a clear message that viewers aren’t interested when entertainment feels secondary to ideology. Even the biggest franchises aren’t immune. Pedro Pascal’s starring role as Reed Richards in the “Fantastic 4” reboot failed to impress, overshadowed by his visible political activism.
The irony is stark in an America that leans center-right and consistently supports entertainment that focuses on storytelling rather than pushing an agenda. Yet Hollywood seems trapped in a cycle of wokeness that turns away the very audience it should be delighting. The “No Kings” protest appearance by Pascal served only to deepen the divide between Hollywood elites and everyday viewers seeking an escape, not a political statement.
Ultimately, Hollywood’s political bent risks squeezing entertainment out of its own movies. Audiences want to be enthralled, not lectured. If filmmakers continue to mix activism with artistry, moviegoers may vote with their wallets—opting for classic favorites, books, or original tales untouched by modern outrage. For now, the magic that once made Disney and other studios household names lies in entertaining, not educating.
