Just days before his expected return to the White House, Trump took to his platform on Truth Social to announce his choice of ambassadors. He praised the trio’s talent and declared them Hollywood’s new saviors, tasked with restoring its former glory. According to Trump, these “very talented people” will act as his “eyes and ears” in the industry, suggesting changes to bolster Hollywood’s status on the global stage.
The newly appointed ambassadors are expected to address the challenges Hollywood has faced in retaining its domestic and global market share. Trump’s message was clear and optimistic, stating, “It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!”
Controversy and Criticism: The Exclusion of Tom Cruise
While the initiative has been met with a mixture of sarcasm and support online, the exclusion of Tom Cruise from the ambassadorial lineup has not gone unnoticed. Cruise, renowned for his dedication and ability to draw massive audiences, particularly during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, was a notable absentee. His efforts, most significantly with the blockbuster success of “Top Gun: Maverick,” have been instrumental in bringing audiences back to theaters.
The decision to overlook Cruise has led to a flurry of online commentary. Chief Mackenzie Bock highlighted on social media, “Tom Cruise was doing all the hard work during covid to get people back to the cinemas.” This sentiment was echoed widely, suggesting that Cruise might have been a more fitting choice to lead such a Hollywood revival.
The Fallout of Political Allegiances
The selection of Stallone, Gibson, and Voight, all known for their political leanings and public support for Trump, has added another layer to the discourse surrounding the future of Hollywood. Each actor’s endorsement of Trump has been both celebrated and criticized, depending on one’s political stance.
Sylvester Stallone’s recent public alignment with Trump at the America First Policy Gala and his subsequent introduction of Trump as “a mythical character” and “the second George Washington,” has particularly drawn ire and disappointment from fans. Social media users have expressed dismay, with one stating, “What the hell @TheSlyStallone.. you have three daughters. How can you support someone who shows nothing but contempt and disrespect towards women?!”
As Hollywood stands at a crossroads, the effectiveness of Trump’s “Golden Age” plan remains to be seen. Will the involvement of these veteran actors lead to a resurgence of the industry, or will it deepen the existing divides within Hollywood and its audience?
The conversation around this development is likely to intensify as Trump resumes office and begins implementing his vision for Hollywood. The industry, renowned for both its creative prowess and its capacity for controversy, waits to see if this new chapter will indeed herald a return to its golden age, or if it will be remembered as a missed opportunity to harness the full potential of its brightest stars, like Tom Cruise.