Additional Coverage:
- Andrew Garfield faces backlash after telling billionaires to be ‘scared’ of his new movie (foxnews.com)
At a recent Los Angeles screening of the historical drama “The Uprising,” actor Andrew Garfield stirred controversy with his remarks about billionaires. The film, directed by Paul Greengrass, centers on the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt in England, a rebellion sparked by oppressive taxation following the Black Death.
During a Q&A session captured by The Movie Report, Garfield was asked what he hoped audiences would take away from the film. He expressed a desire for the movie to inspire and awaken viewers, connecting the struggles of the past to present-day challenges. He also added pointedly, “And I hope that if any billionaires watch it, they’re scared sh–less.”
Garfield’s comment quickly drew criticism on social media, with some pointing out the actor’s own financial success. Spencer Pratt, former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, highlighted the irony, noting that wealthy producers fund Garfield’s projects and that Garfield recently earned millions portraying billionaire Sam Altman in the film “Artificial.”
Others echoed this sentiment, with critics calling the remarks hypocritical given the extensive involvement of affluent individuals in the film industry. John William Sherrod, a Substack columnist, called Garfield’s portrayal of a working-class character “cosplaying,” while Tablet Magazine’s CTO pointed out the disconnect between the film’s message and its billionaire backers.
Andrew Garfield, known for his roles in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” has yet to respond to the backlash. Director Paul Greengrass also did not comment when approached for a response.