Hollywood finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating studio takeovers, fierce culture wars, and the rise of generative AI. Now, the industry faces a new potential disruptor: the prospect of an interventionist US presidency under Donald Trump, who appears determined to exert influence and extract value from the entertainment world.
The Presidential Influence on Paramount and Beyond
Trump's interest in film is long-standing, with numerous cameos in his pre-political career. His most striking recent move involved securing a promise for a fourth 'Rush Hour' movie from the new owners of Paramount Pictures. The studio was recently acquired by David Ellison, son of Larry Ellison, a key Trump ally.
This intervention is part of a broader pattern. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, helped fund Paramount's effort to block Netflix's proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Trump himself has suggested he might influence US regulators to prevent the deal. Looming over all this is the threat of unspecified tariffs on the film industry, ostensibly to keep production in the US but also potentially a tool to keep studio executives "nervous and pliable."
2026's Cinematic Slate: A Retreat from 'Wokeness'?
The tangible results of this pressure may be seen in the films slated for 2026. The promised 'Rush Hour 4' would mark the controversial comeback of director Brett Ratner, who hasn't helmed a feature since 2017 allegations of sexual misconduct. Ratner is also releasing a documentary about Melania Trump this year.
Other high-profile projects include a Michael Jackson biopic, described by the singer's daughter as "sugar-coated" and pandering to a segment of fans. Meanwhile, Emerald Fennell's adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' has braved social media storms over casting that might have sunk it in a pre-Trump era.
Major studios seem to be treading carefully. After criticism of 2025's 'Superman' for its immigrant themes, DC is focusing on less contentious characters like Supergirl and Clayface. Disney, stung by the 'Snow White' backlash, will test the waters with its 2026 lineup, including 'Hoppers', 'Toy Story 5', and a live-action 'Moana', alongside Marvel and Star Wars entries.
Pushback and Satire: The Industry Responds
Is there any counter-movement? A film titled 'Young Washington' comes from faith-based Angel Studios, behind 'Sound of Freedom'. 'The Bride!', a remake of 'Bride of Frankenstein', promises radical social change. 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' might take aim at Trump, despite editor Anna Wintour's dealings with him.
As in 2025, many will look to the creators of 'South Park' for the sharpest satire. Their 2026 film, 'Whitney Springs', about a Black slave re-enactor discovering his white girlfriend's family owned his ancestors, seems designed to provocatively stir the cultural pot.
The full impact of Trump's political and cultural influence on Hollywood's 2026 output remains to be seen. However, the upcoming slate reveals an industry consciously navigating a landscape where political pressure and audience backlash are powerful forces shaping the stories told on screen.
