Dean Cain: “Hollywood is dead”

The former Superman actor believes the film industry is moving beyond the “woke” era, discusses why many filmmakers are leaving California, and shares his thoughts on the future.

Decades after playing Superman, Dean Cain still holds that the character embodies American values. As the lead in ABC’s beloved series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” he made superheroes accessible to countless viewers.

Interestingly, Cain’s path to Hollywood was almost accidental. Initially, he had aspirations to play professional football and even signed with the Buffalo Bills in 1988. However, a severe knee injury cut short his NFL dreams before the season could begin.

In the last ten years, Cain has become a prominent conservative voice, often vocal in his critique of Hollywood and the entertainment industry’s trends.

He has, for instance, expressed his support for law enforcement amid leftist opposition to police practices.

Cain feels that Hollywood is “in a sense dead.” He reflects, “Back when I started, we had just three networks. My father was a director, and I grew up immersed in the industry. He told me, ‘You can choose to be a TV actor or a movie actor.’ The landscape has shifted dramatically since then.”

He adds, “There was a time when succeeding on television could launch you into film, think George Clooney or Johnny Depp, but that’s changed. Now we see different pathways to success.” He refers to figures like the Kardashians, noting how fame can sometimes stem from unrelated public personas.

Cain reveals that he’s distanced himself from Hollywood, stating, “I left three years ago. California has felt like it’s been in decline. The last film I worked on there was one I wrote, produced, and directed myself.” He points out that filming has shifted to places like Alabama and Texas, suggesting that Hollywood is lagging behind.

“Thanks to advances in technology, creating independent films has become feasible,” he notes. “And while many platforms continue to evolve, I believe we’re moving past this ‘woke’ era and will look back on it as a mistake.”

For Cain, the essence of Superman lies in the values of small-town America. He remarks, “Superman was meant to symbolize hope and morality fostered by wholesome upbringing. The character stands out for embodying traditional values.” He adds that other adaptations of Superman failed to capture this essence, opting instead for different cultural interpretations.

On a personal level, Cain has relocated to Nevada. He shares that the decision was influenced largely by politics and California’s stringent regulations and taxes, which he found untenable.

“People often see the appealing side of Nevada—no state income tax and lower costs. It’s been a great change for me.” He appreciates that the state has become a new hub for entertainment, filled with various opportunities.

Cain also expressed confidence in Nevada’s leadership under Governor Joe Lombardo, stating, “I think he’s done a commendable job.” While he’s been approached to run for political office, he maintains, “I’m not keen on being a politician. I believe in citizen politicians over career ones.”

In closing, he adds, “If someone feels called to serve the community, that’s commendable. Unfortunately, many enter politics seeking personal gain rather than true public service.”