Zachary Levi could have said, “I told you so.”
The “Shazam!” actor recently endorsed Donald Trump for president, but he didn’t dunk on his political enemies last night following Trump’s dramatic victory. Levi made an exception for hard-Left Hollywood journalist Roger Friedman.
The Showbiz 411 founder publicly attacked Levi on X, saying the only good news from Trump’s victory was that Levi wouldn’t be allowed back into Hollywood, Inc. again. Once again, a journalist acknowledges the new Hollywood Blacklist.
The actor shared a snarky reply that spoke volumes.
Oh, it’s all gravy, Roger! My goal has always been to leave it at some point anyway, and build a better system that actually values and compensates the artists more than enriching far too many executives that, by and large, compromise the creative integrity of the art whilst taking the lion share of the proceeds, which they don’t deserve. In addition, I plan on creating a studio that protects and promotes certified organic, human-made content, while mainstream Hollywood continues to replace all of its workforce with AI, simply to maximize their dwindling profits. Enjoy reporting on the sidelines of the Hollywood apocalypse!
It won’t be easy to compete with, let alone replace Hollywood. That movement unofficially starts with Trump’s victory.
In a way, it’s already begun.
A New Hollywood Beckons
Entrepreneur and actor @markwahlberg joined Indy CEO and Editor @RalstonReports at #Indyfest 2024 to discuss film trivia, his move to Las Vegas and his desire for a film tax credit expansion in the Silver State.
Watch it here: https://t.co/zdNJpNIv2W
— Nevada Independent (@TheNVIndy) October 31, 2024
Actor Mark Wahlberg is in talks to create a movie studio in Las Vegas. The Christian superstar can make movies that embrace faith and family without fear of professional fallout.
The Daily Wire just scored the biggest documentary hit in a decade with “Am I Racist?” The platform did so without any help from Hollywood, the corporate media or film critics. It’s only a small part of the company’s entertainment plans.
Songs like Jon Kahn’s “Fighter” rocked the music charts weeks ago, defying music industry protocols.
SDG Releasing, a new distribution company forged outside Hollywood, helped bring “Racist?” and Dinesh D’Souza’s “Vindicating Trump” to theaters nationwide. More will follow.
Trump Media, which got a sizable boost from the former and future president’s victory last night, offers another way for stars to get creative.
YouTube creators like Tim Dillon, Ryan Long and Theo Von draw millions of views at a much cheaper price point than typical Hollywood fare. They don’t play by the rules, either.
Hollywood was already in deep trouble before Trump’s victory.
Productions have been fleeing L.A. for some time. Dueling 2023 strikes left the industry reeling. Box office receipts are down from 2023, and dramatically so since 2019. The semi-annual TV Critics Association Winter 2025 Press Tour just got canceled.
What better time for a new, freedom-friendly Hollywood to rise up?
Trump, Hollywood and the Waning Celebrity Endorsement
Star after star endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, but their collective appeal didn’t sway enough voters to matter. Meanwhile, a few stars recognized a better path forward. Take it away, Chris Pratt.
“It’s OK to take a moment to lick your wounds when you lose. Heck, go ahead and cry in the mirror. But if we become too paralyzed by defeat or too pompous in victory, allegiance to our ‘team’ can blind us to the fact that we are fellow countrymen,” he continued. “How do we become a nation of honorable winners and graceful losers? It starts with remembering no matter who wins or loses, there are still going to be people who need help in this country. Find them. Be of service.”
He’ll fit in well with both the old and new Hollywood. (Of course, the legacy media found fault with Pratt’s inclusive approach)
It wasn’t just Levi who took a courageous stand and defied the Hollywood groupthink. Dennis Quaid and Drea de Matteo endorsed Trump, ignoring the new Hollywood Blacklist. That’s a political move, but it also suggests stars are willing to embrace their free speech rights knowing it could threaten their career prospects.
They chose freedom over fear. That’s where a new Hollywood could shine.
‘Sopranos’ Star Drea de Matteo on Joining OnlyFans, Coming Out as a MAGA Supporter and Why She Believes ‘Half of Hollywood Is Voting for Trump’ https://t.co/Ce5Eu99zqG
— Variety (@Variety) November 2, 2024
Creating a new Hollywood, as piecemeal as what’s happening now might be, won’t be easy. The risks are everywhere. The costs may be prohibitive.
It still has to start somewhere.
Let’s give Gina Carano the last word. The former MMA star got fired for her cultural views by Disney, and she’s now staring down the Mouse House in a court of law.
She celebrated Trump’s victory and Levi’s call to creative arms.
Proud of you. When we spoke I think you knew this was coming and…. you followed through.
You set yourself free and what an impact you’ve made.
A free artist is the best kind of artist. Doesn’t make it easy but it makes it pure. You’re going to do great things.— Gina Carano
(@ginacarano) November 6, 2024
Editor’s Note: It’s a brutal time to be an independent journalist, but it’s never been more necessary given the sorry state of the corporate press. If you’re enjoying Hollywood in Toto, I hope you’ll consider leaving a coin (or two) in our Tip Jar.
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