Coffee for Closers!

Alec Baldwin, famous for probably the most iconic quote about coffee ever in a movie, is stepping in to help workers in the coffee industry. It’s a bit ironic, considering his past—he once had a public spat with Starbucks employees, reportedly claiming that one barista had, well, an “attitude problem.” Now, he’s not only acting but also producing a film aimed at shedding light on issues faced by coffee shop workers.

Last week, Baldwin showed up for a movie screening and fundraiser called “Barista vs Billionaire”, hosted at the Eleanor Bunin Munro Film Center in Lincoln Center.

The film, directed by Marc Mori, focuses on the Starbucks Workers United initiative, portraying what he describes as a “generational uprising of working-class Millennials and Gen Zers” striving for union rights within the Starbucks framework.

Meanwhile, Starbucks has seen ongoing strikes that have expanded to over 30 locations nationwide. Recently, a store in Albany, New York, faced shutdowns, and the new mayor of New York City, Zoran Mamdani, has been vocal about boycotting the chain.

Mori highlighted Baldwin’s involvement in the project, noting that he has contributed by narrating sample reels and giving feedback on early cuts. Ironically, a decade ago, Baldwin found himself at the center of controversy after tweeting about a barista’s attitude at a Starbucks store in Manhattan. At that time, he described a barista named “Jay” as having a serious attitude, but it turns out that maybe no one by that name worked there—suggesting it was likely a case of mistaken identity with someone named “Jovan.”

In a sort of echo of his past behavior, back in 2011, a barista told the Post that Baldwin was “rude, disrespectful and arrogant.” It’s kind of funny how things come full circle, right?

Despite the past, Baldwin seems to have embraced this new role, connecting with the documentary’s mission. Mori mentioned that he has known Baldwin for around 35 years and remarked on his immediate interest when first approached about the project earlier this year. Baldwin also made an appearance at the Buffalo International Film Festival and has actively participated in discussions around the film.

The documentary highlights the everyday struggles of Starbucks employees, so it’s interesting to see Baldwin now aligning himself with their fight for rights. Can people really change, or is it just a shift in perspective? Regardless, Baldwin is certainly involved in a cause that’s making headlines.

It’s all rather fascinating, wouldn’t you say? Here’s a star who once made a dramatic declaration about coffee on screen, now trying to lend a hand with real-life coffee workers. Perhaps there’s hope for more understanding moving forward.