Donald Trump has selected film stars Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight for a special new role focused on revitalizing the film industry.
In an initiative to rejuvenate Hollywood, Donald Trump has appointed Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight as 'Special Ambassadors' to the industry, Daily Mail reported.
Through his announcement on Truth Social, Trump revealed his intention to address the difficulties the Los Angeles film industry has encountered, from job losses to potent international competition. He described Hollywood as "a great but very troubled place," suggesting significant issues that need addressing.
The appointed trio, recognized for their enduring careers and their public endorsements of Trump, will aim to spearhead this revitalization. Their advocacy for Trump has been notably visible during his political career; for instance, Voight's views were rewarded with the National Medal of Arts during Trump's first term.
Trump expressed immense confidence in their commitment and insights, claiming that these celebrities would act as his "eyes and ears" in Hollywood. He anticipates that their influence will help restore the industry's competitiveness and prestige.
The Hollywood film sector has faced significant setbacks, including a troubling decrease in annual box office revenues and challenges like COVID-19 and industry-wide strikes. Data shows that last year's box office revenue declined to $8.7 billion, marking a 3% drop from the previous year.
Moreover, the exodus of film productions from California, driven by high living costs and better incentives elsewhere, has compounded these issues. Trump's assignment of special ambassadors aims to counteract these trends by reinvigorating Hollywood's historical prominence and business success.
Trump's announcement emphasized his anticipation for a renewed "Golden Age of Hollywood," mirroring the country's broader themes of renewal and America-first policies. He stated, "They will serve as Special Envoys to me to bring Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!"
Gibson, Stallone, and Voight have all interacted with Trump throughout their careers, offering endorsements and public support that closely align them with his political and social agendas. This has culminated in their new roles as bridges between the current administration and Hollywood.
These appointments come just days ahead of Trump's planned inauguration, setting a tone for his upcoming term that emphasizes both cultural and economic revival. It's a strategic move that suggests Trump values the soft power of celebrities in achieving his political and economic goals.
Trump's call for a revitalized Hollywood became all the more poignant when Gibson delivered a critical jab towards Vice President Kamala Harris before the election. Giving voice to his contentious opinions, Gibson sharply criticized Harris, as seen in his controversial video release.
Gibson's comments stirred significant controversy in the past, notably regarding antisemitic remarks, for which he expressed regret and shame. Yet, his influence in Hollywood remains undiminished, suggesting that Trump's confidence in his reformative promise may not be misplaced.
As these Hollywood heavyweights take on their roles as special envoys, their celebrity influence and personal insights are expected to play a critical role in overcoming the industry's adversities. Trump's directive is bold, linking his administration's policies directly to the industry's future successes or failures.
The special roles of these ambassadors, focused primarily on business restoration and cultural influence, also highlight Trump's ongoing strategy of leveraging well-known personalities to advance his visions for America's economic sectors.
With Hollywood serving as a linchpin in American culture, the implications of this initiative, if successful, could resonate beyond financial revival, marking a significant cultural shift in an industry often seen as a bellwether for societal trends and values.
