Former US President Donald Trump has surprised many by naming Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight as “Special Ambassadors” to Hollywood.
Their mission? To revitalise the film industry and recover business lost to international competition.
THE NEW HOLLYWOOD AMBASSADORS
In a dramatic announcement on Truth Social, Trump declared: “It is my honour to appoint Jon Voight, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood.
“They will be my eyes and ears, working to restore Hollywood to its Golden Age. We’ll make Hollywood bigger, better, and stronger than ever before!”
Trump’s announcement arrives as Hollywood grapples with significant challenges, according to Sky News.
HOLLYWOOD AND THE WILDFIRES
Wildfires recently destroyed parts of Southern Los Angeles, causing damage estimated at R4.7 trillion.
Meanwhile, the domestic box office struggled in 2024, earning R167.6 billion, down 3.3% from the previous year.
The impact of the 2023 actors’ and writers’ strikes continues to ripple through the industry. Interestingly, the three appointees appeared caught off guard, according BBC.
HOLLYWOOD AMBASSADORS REACT
Mel Gibson admitted, “I got the tweet at the same time as everyone else. It was a surprise, but I’ll rise to the occasion.
Does the role come with an ambassador’s residence?” Stallone and Voight have yet to comment publicly, though both are staunch Trump supporters, according to E News.
Stallone introduced Trump at a Mar-a-Lago gala in November. He described him as “the second George Washington.”
Voight, meanwhile, has consistently praised Trump, saying last year, “He’s a man of integrity who loves his country.”
SETBACKS IN THE FILM INDUSTRY
Hollywood has faced several setbacks in recent years.
The pandemic-era slump in box office revenue and increased competition from international markets have left the industry struggling.
Once thriving, Hollywood now faces steep challenges in retaining its global dominance.
South African film enthusiasts may find parallels in their entertainment industry.
Many local productions are underfunded, with filmmakers often battling to secure international recognition.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
A revitalised Hollywood could potentially create opportunities for collaborative projects with South African talent.
Despite Hollywood’s woes, the ambassadors are busy. Stallone stars in Paramount+’s hit series Tulsa King and co-wrote an upcoming action film, Working Man.
Gibson’s Flight Risk debuts this month, while Voight appears in Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis.
Gibson, once sidelined for controversial remarks, has made a comeback, directing the Oscar-winning Hacksaw Ridge in 2016.
MIXED REACTIONS
His role in this initiative may spark interest, as South Africans often admire stories of redemption. Trump’s plan to revitalise Hollywood may bring mixed reactions.
His Hollywood ambassadors have substantial industry experience, but their controversial reputations could complicate their mission.
Many wonder if their influence will be enough to restore Hollywood’s glittering reputation.
HOLLYWOOD’S FORMER GLORY
In the coming months, South Africans will watch this story unfold, curious to see if Trump’s chosen trio can deliver on their bold mandate.
Will Hollywood reclaim its former glory? Or will these ambassadors encounter more drama than they bargained for? Only time will tell.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT DONALD TRUMP’S CHOICE OF SYLVESTER STALLONE, MEL GIBSON, AND JON VOIGHT AS HOLLYWOOD AMBASSADORS?
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