David Spade Critiques California’s Leadership Amid Hollywood’s Decline
In a recent podcast episode titled “fly over the wall,” David Spade expressed serious concerns about the state of the Hollywood industry, labeling it as “dying.” The 61-year-old actor, who co-hosts the show with Dana Carvey, reflects on the industry’s struggles, hinting at a desire to attribute the blame elsewhere.
“You know, I feel pretty old,” Spade lamented. “Back when we were filming ‘Just Shoot Me’ at the CBS Radford lot, I would see the likes of Jerry Seinfeld biking around. Those were good times.” He added a grim note regarding the current situation: “I just filed for bankruptcy. It’s a disaster in L.A., thanks to [LA Mayor] Karen Bass and [Gov.] Gavin Newsom.”
Carvey chimed in, agreeing with Spade’s assessment that “the Hollywood studio system is dying.” He believes urgent action is necessary to rejuvenate the industry. “We need to boost production, and that starts with better negotiations with trade unions and implementing tax-cut subsidies. We have to compete with places like Romania,” Carvey suggested.
Spade and Carvey aren’t alone in their worries about Hollywood. Notable figures such as Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson have been designated as special ambassadors for Hollywood by President Trump, aiming to restore the industry to its former glory.
In a May 2025 chat with Variety, Voight emphasized the urgency of bringing jobs back to California and praised Trump’s decision to enforce tariffs on overseas filming. “We’re at a crucial point where we really need support,” Voight stated. “The president has a genuine appreciation for Hollywood, and we don’t want to let it deteriorate like Detroit did.”
Voight also pointed out the intelligence present at each studio, mentioning that many are leveraging global incentives to relocate productions. “Hollywood needs to remain competitive,” he insisted. “This shouldn’t turn into a political issue. We’ve spoken with many people across the board, irrespective of their political affiliation. If there’s a solid plan to rejuvenate Hollywood, I’d back it. Working together, we can envision a brighter future.”
Voight reflected on his experiences, noting a slow decline in Hollywood over the years. “Having witnessed its golden age, the current situation feels pretty grim. Few films are being made here. Thankfully, we have a president who aims to bring Hollywood back to life.”
As of now, neither Newsom nor Bass’s offices have offered any feedback regarding these statements.
