Hollywood’s biggest stars use every pulpit possible to send a message to the masses.
- Save the planet
- Vote out Trump
- Defeat “Don’t Say Gay” legislation
- Black Lives Matter!
That’s just a small sample.
One subject is not often brought up at these times, even though it affects almost all stars in Hollywood.
Cancel Culture
Some celebs address this issue directly and others indirectly. Consider Ricky Gervais or Bryan Cranston.
However, members of the informal A-list keep mum about the topic. Scarlett Johansson was one of those who were directly affected by the harmful trend and quickly apologised rather than trying to fight back.
Other celebrities, such as Tom Hanks or George Clooney, Meryl Steep, Brad Pitt or Dwayne Johnson would prefer to steer clear of the subject entirely.
Enter Mark Wahlberg.
This is the promo circuit where the rapper and movie star has taken to. Father Stu. The fact-based drama casts him as the title character, a ne’er do well who turns his life around by embracing Christ.
Mel Gibson stars in the film, who was infamous for his off-screen actions that nearly ended his acting career. Gibson’s talent, and willingness to atone for his actions, allowed him back into show business.
In an open interview with Faithwire, Wahlberg spoke out about forgiveness and Cancel Culture.
“This movie has a very clear message that we are not going to give up on people,” he said. “We are not going to turn our backs on people because of mistakes that they’ve made. We are going to tell people and encourage people that nobody is beyond redemption and that we support you, we love you, we accept you for who you are.”
Cancel Culture shortens the path, as said by the actor.
“You cannot give up on people,” the A-lister continued. “And people are so quick to turn their backs on people. And negativity as a whole has just been amplified in a way that it’s really hard to remind people of the importance of loving and supporting people. People can do incredible things.”
Wahlberg has a good understanding of Cancel Culture. Wahlberg attacked and verbally abused other teenagers as a teenager. He was only in prison for a brief time and has since been released.
Hollywood right on Hollywood
Register today
He’s now an Oscar-nominated actor who bounces from popcorn films (the Transformers franchise) to awards-worthy dramas (The Fighter, Boogie Nights).
After he had sent out a gentle plea for peace in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020, the mob attempted to cancel his appointment.
That may explain why he’s speaking out now with such force. It could also be a direct tie to his faith. It was his faith that drove him to do it. Father StuHe even put some of his money into the movie.
That’s breaking Hollywood’s golden rule…never invest in your own movies.
Here’s the key takeaway.
Although A-list celebrities may not be able to move the needle in the climate change debate, or the mid-terms and other issues they talk about from pulpits, it is possible that some of them will. If enough of Hollywood’s elite speak out forcefully against Cancel Culture, though, it could make a difference.
Wahlberg took the first crucial step. Are his peers following his example?
[Cross-posted from Hollywood in Toto]
About Post Author
