Tinseltown experts predict a "political shift" due to Trump's Hollywood advisors.

Last week, President Trump appointed Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as 'special envoys'.

Tinseltown experts predict a "political shift" due to Trump's Hollywood advisors.
Tinseltown experts predict a "political shift" due to Trump's Hollywood advisors.

The appointment of Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as "special envoys" to Hollywood by President Donald Trump has sparked doubts about their responsibilities as the industry grapples with its current challenges.

President Trump announced Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood, California on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.

"As Special Envoys, they will bring Hollywood back to its former glory by attracting more business from foreign countries."

Side by side photos of Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight
President Donald Trump announced Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as "special envoys" to Hollywood last week. (Getty Images)

These three talented individuals will serve as my eyes and ears, and I will accomplish what they suggest. The era of Hollywood will once again flourish, like the United States of America during its golden age.

The specific actions of Stallone, Gibson, and Voight are yet to be determined, but there are some rumors.

The specific duties of the special ambassadors are unclear, but their goal is to either reduce excessive film production or persuade China, the second-largest film market in the world, to increase its quota of imported Hollywood films. However, without clear instructions, it remains uncertain how Voight, Gibson, and Stallone will fulfill their roles as Trump's representatives in Hollywood.

Jason Cherubini, an executive in residence at Loyola University, Maryland and co-founder of Dawn’s Light Media, stated that the idea of bringing back cooperation between Hollywood and the more conservative or right side of the current administration is symbolic, rather than official government employees with specific powers.

Side by side photos of Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight
Stallone, Gibson, and Voight's duties have not been specified, but experts like Jason Cherubini think it will be "more symbolic." (Getty Images)

He continued, "Because you've seen so much of the entertainment industry on the left, the support of the Democratic Party, of [former Vice President Kamala] Harris. And in this last election, seeing a little bit more of a shift that it was OK to announce or talk about being on the right or center right. I think this is, if anything, Trump trying to push a little bit of support and continue that growth of the media industry and establishment not being solely to the left, but at least if not for further right, at least center right.

At the November America First Policy Institute Gala, Stallone referred to Trump as the "second George Washington" while introducing him to the audience.

"I think it's a lot more symbolic in the idea of trying to bring back or bring in a cooperation between Hollywood and the more conservative or right side of the current administration." — Jason Cherubini, executive in residence at Loyola University, Maryland and co-founder of Dawn’s Light Media

"George Washington, while defending his country, did not realize that he would alter the course of history. However, without him, the world would be vastly different. Today, we have a second George Washington to celebrate!"

Achilles PR's Doug Eldridge acknowledged that Hollywood politics are likely to undergo changes.

President-elect Trump and Sylvester Stallone
President-elect Donald Trump greeted Sylvester Stallone onstage at the America First Policy Institute Gala held at Mar-a-Lago in November. (Joe Raedle)

"Hollywood's political shift has been gradual, with the last two prominent conservatives being Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Since then, the industry has leaned heavily liberal, with Obama's endorsement during his presidency being a notable example. While this realignment may not have been immediate, it seems like the beginning of a dimmer switch."

Scott Hamm Duenas, a film expert and producer-actor, foresees a possibility of opposing political viewpoints colliding.

WATCH: TRUMP’S HOLLYWOOD ADVISORS SIGNAL POLITICAL SHIFT, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

Trump’s Hollywood advisors signal political shift, according to experts

The presence of conservative leaders in Hollywood who are also major stars could lead to significant conflict. Since Trump's election in 2016, Hollywood, Trump, and Trump supporters have been incompatible, like oil and water. I believe it would be necessary to persuade many influential individuals to consider taking these individuals and their ambassadorship more seriously, as stated by the speaker.

Stallone, Gibson, and Voight's roles will result in a change in the types of stories being produced, predicts Cherubini.

Trump and the RNC announce a $76 million fundraising haul in April
Trump and many members of Hollywood have clashed since his first term. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)

"The impact will result in increased support for various types of productions, including those with unique content or themes, beyond the major studio system. This is not limited to studio executives but also involves household name actors."

Some of the biggest studio leaders in Hollywood, such as Marvel's Kevin Feige and Disney's Bob Iger, were not chosen for the position, indicating that it is not a complete shift in the studio system, but rather an increased awareness of other filmmakers who may be making faith-based productions outside of the mainstream.

Hollywood has not fully embraced this area in the media industry, and the "Money Plane" producer believes it needs additional support and encouragement for filmmakers and projects of this type.

The success of any changes or suggestions presented by Hamm Duenas will depend on how they are presented and where the funding comes from.

Bob Iger and Kevin Feige posing together
Cherubini said Hollywood big wigs like Disney's Bob Iger and Marvel's Kevin Feige not being chosen as envoys signals attempts to highlight "filmmakers who may be making outside [films] of the mainstream." (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

If they approach the situation with a non-aggressive demeanor and focus on developing a plan to promote traditional storytelling themes, such as patriotism and resilience, which are commonly associated with their work, I believe it could be successful, especially if this type of programming resonates with the audience.

"Hollywood will shift its content without hesitation if the type of contest equates to clicks, streams, and butts in seats, but it wouldn't alter its core values or diminish its commitment to telling progressive stories and giving a platform to issues they deeply believe in and feel deserve to be heard, according to Duenas."

An expert discusses the possibility of Trump's Hollywood representatives reviving film production in California.

Expert weighs in on whether Trump’s Hollywood envoys could bring production back to California

In 2023, "Sound of Freedom," a Christian-themed film produced by Angel Studios, became a box office hit, earning around $250 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. It was a blockbuster alongside "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer," and starred Jim Caviezel, who played real-life anti-child-trafficking activist Tim Ballard in "The Passion of the Christ."

Gibson acknowledged that he was taken aback by his appointment as an emissary but was prepared to undertake his undefined responsibilities.

Jim Caviezel plays Tim Ballard in 'The Sound of Freedom'
"Sound of Freedom," produced by Angel Studios, was a box office hit in 2023. (Angel Studios/ 'The Sound of Freedom')

"Gibson stated to Planet Chronicle Digital, "I received the tweet at the same time as everyone else and was equally surprised. Despite this, I feel compelled to respond. As a citizen, it is my duty to offer any assistance and knowledge I can. Would the position come with an Ambassador's residence?""

The involvement of ambassadors could potentially cause tension among heavy hitters in the industry, such as studios, producers, actors, directors, and writers. This could exacerbate existing divisions within Hollywood, which is known for its liberal stance and does not want to receive lectures on business practices from conservatives.

Voight expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating that he has witnessed a "gradual decline" of Hollywood during his nearly seven-decade career.

"He stated that he is old enough to have experienced the Golden Age of Hollywood and witnessed its decline. Currently, the film industry is in a poor state, with few films being produced here. However, he expressed optimism that with the incoming President's efforts to restore Hollywood to its former glory, they can overcome their current challenges."

Jon Voight and President Donald Trump
Voight has said he's seen a "slow deterioration" of Hollywood over his career and looks forward to working with Trump in his position as envoy. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

"Despite the devastating fires we've faced and the resulting low spirits, we remain resilient. We will support one another and rebuild. Thank you to all those who have aided us during this difficult time."

The "Midnight Cowboy" star's statement about "few films" being made in Los Angeles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, writers and actors strikes in 2023, and the fires that destroyed large parts of the city has been a recurring issue.

"At the end of the day, the industry is all about making a profit. If that type of contest equates to clicks, streams, and butts in seats, Hollywood will shift its content without hesitation." — Sam Hamm Duenas, film expert and producer-actor

"Will there be a change in production location?" Eldridge inquired. "Initially, yes, but this is mainly due to the destruction caused by the Los Angeles fires. If the Writers Guild strike causes production to be delayed for a year, it is uncertain when Hollywood will return to normal operations based on the images we've seen on TV over the past week."

The outsourcing of production won't be caused by the fires themselves; several years ago, states like Georgia and Texas began giving significant tax incentives to filmmakers in order to move production to their states. California might be home to Hollywood, but it's also home to one of the most prohibitive (and arguably, punitive) tax structures in the entire country. We had already seen the beginning of a slow migration of production out of California; I think these fires will only serve to fast-track that creative exodus.

The Griffith Park brush fire that broke out Monday
The fires that hit Los Angeles in early January were another blow to Hollywood's production business, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the writers' and actors' strikes of 2023. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Cherubini stated that the envoys may not prioritize maintaining production in California, and instead, the state must concentrate on its own interests.

"If there is a switch at the state level government, it may result in something happening there. However, even at the state level, I believe it's a decision about collaborating with major studios versus independent films or mini-studios on what can be accomplished within California versus what is more efficient, cheaper, or easier to do in other locations."

Duenas stated that although they could push for bringing production back to California, it might not garner much credit as the trend is already moving in that direction for 2025. Plans for tax incentives are already underway to lure more production back from other states and countries, which would greatly benefit California and the numerous individuals who rely on this industry for their livelihoods in the Golden State.

Hollywood actors, including Stallone, Gibson, and Voight, are uncertain about how their roles will be received by the public.

Jon Voight Donald Trump awards
Some experts feel the Hollywood envoys will be divisive. (Alex Wroblewski)

According to Hamm Duenas, regardless of how their ideas are presented, they will generate mixed reactions. Some stars may back their initiatives, others may remain neutral, and the majority, in his opinion, will oppose them.

"Cherubini stated that there will always be polarized extremes, with individuals firmly opposing the actions of the administration on one side and those firmly opposing the actions of the other side."

Cherubini believes that any increase in production, particularly those that remain within the United States, would be beneficial, even in the face of potential disagreements.

Kevin Costner in Horizon
Kevin Costner filmed the first two parts of his "Horizon" film series in Utah, one of many productions moving out of California. (Warner Bros.)

Many individuals, excluding the polarized extremes, will be content with any initiative that revives productions and increases their number in the United States. While most projects move from California to other states, there has been a significant increase in productions relocating abroad without any necessity.

"The financial and legal implications of what you can do in other places at different price points are significant. If more of that can be brought stateside or back to California, I believe a lot of people will not only be okay with it but will also support it."

by Elizabeth Stanton

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