Reflections on the State of Hollywood

In the latest episodes of *Stranger Things*, Will Byers gathers his loved ones for what seems to be a crucial moment—preparing for a showdown with Vecna, a horrifying monster. Yet, instead of facing this imminent danger, Will makes a personal revelation: he comes out as gay. This could be one of the most underwhelming moments in television history, perhaps even rivaling that infamous dream sequence from *Dallas*. Will’s serious four-minute monologue about his attractions, followed by support from friends, feels a bit forced, especially for a narrative set in the 1980s. One can’t help but think a more genuine reaction would have been shock or disgust.

Moments like this have become commonplace in Hollywood, where storylines bend to fit contemporary ideologies. We’ve seen everything from a Black Cleopatra to a same-sex kiss in the *Toy Story* spin-off. Even the robots in *Transformers* are now identifying with pronouns, trying to articulate their own complexities.

Rob Schneider recently spoke about how conservative voices are being silenced, claiming there’s corruption lurking in the industry’s heart. Authentic storytelling should be the aim, and while films might create fanciful worlds, the internal logic must resonate for audiences to stay engaged. Look at the new Netflix series “Ripley,” where male roles are filled by non-binary female actors—it’s a scenario where viewers are expected to suspend disbelief, which can feel degrading.

The backlash is evident. The *Stranger Things* episode centered on Will’s coming out is currently rated the lowest on IMDb. Disney’s recent live-action *Snow White*, which also leaned heavily on diversity themes, has reportedly cost the studio over $115 million without making a significant impact. Even *Marvels*, featuring an all-women cast, stumbled badly, becoming a major flop, and HBO had to scrap its big-budget *Batgirl* project due to unfavorable test screenings.

While studios might preach their supposed virtues, the financial realities tell another story. Disney’s debt could reach $35.3 billion by the end of 2025, and Warner Bros. Discovery isn’t far behind at $33.5 billion. Meanwhile, box office attendance continues to dwindle, with annual revenues struggling to surpass $9 billion. In today’s landscape, as production costs escalate, the industry’s future appears grim.

So many viewers would rather be entertained than lectured. If they wanted to hear a sermon, they’d likely attend church. I foresee a point where, if the trend continues, we might find studio properties transformed into luxury condos rather than the cinematic experiences they used to offer. You can’t perpetually insult your audience and expect them to stay loyal.

Under the influence of the so-called “woke” movement, those with conservative views have not only been sidelined but actively punished. The creative industry is supposed to be a tapestry of free thought, yet it seems to prioritize conformity. It’s hardly a secret that many don’t want their children to absorb ideologies masked as entertainment.

The public doesn’t buy the narrative pushed by a select few elites who consider their ideas—often regarded as social justice—that while espousing environmental concerns, lead lives that are far from humble.

On a positive note, Americans are shifting away from the mainstream studios, embracing an explosion of alternative media. Independent streaming platforms, podcasts, and creator-owned networks are on the rise. Viewers are seeking authentic narratives over contrived messages. While conventional studios work on creating “safe spaces” for writers, new avenues are forming, driven by genuine storytelling.

Hollywood once had the power to unite audiences, but with its current trajectory, it seems to be creating more divides. What was once the Dream Factory has shifted towards indoctrination, and audiences are reacting accordingly.

To revive art, a return to universal themes is essential. We must remember that the purpose of entertainment is not to assume the role of gatekeepers of ideology. Without a shift, the landscape could become one dotted with “For Sale” signs on studio gates.