In news that has shaken the entertainment world, three of Hollywood’s most controversial personalities — Roseanne Barr, Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson — have announced their collaboration to create what will be the first “anti-woke” studio in the history of the film industry. This studio, which according to its creators aims to bring “authenticity and value” back to film and television culture, is set to challenge the norms of the modern industry, which, according to them, are being dominated by a progressive agenda that they have called “woke.”
The announcement of this partnership has sparked a polarized reaction, with fervent supporters applauding the initiative as a necessary response to what they see as Hollywood’s ideological “indoctrination,” and critics seeing it as a step backwards in terms of diversity and inclusion. However, beyond the divided opinions, the creation of this studio marks a key moment in the evolution of the industry, which has been embroiled in intense discussions about what is considered “politically correct” and how “woke” culture has influenced the production of films and series.
The idea of an “anti-woke” studio is not new, but the creation of a formal structure with this approach is a significant step. The term “woke,” which originally referred to social awareness of injustice and discrimination, has been reinterpreted and, in some circles, has acquired negative connotations. For many, “woke” now describes a culture that is perceived as excessively politically correct or moralistic, and is seen as limiting freedom of expression, especially in the media realm.
Barr, Wahlberg and Gibson have repeatedly expressed their discontent with what they see as an increasingly rigid Hollywood environment regarding what is and isn’t acceptable. In their new study, they seek to promote stories that are not limited by what they see as the “censorship” of contemporary thought and to defend the right of filmmakers to create content without the pressure of being too inclusive or politically correct.
The three founders of this studio have controversial backgrounds in Hollywood, which only adds more complexity to the nature of this project.
Roseanne Barr, the comedian and actress best known for her hit series Roseanne, has been a controversial figure for years due to her political views and comments on social media. After being fired from her own show in 2018 due to a racist tweet, Barr has remained steadfast in her beliefs and has been one of the leading voices critical of what she considers the “state of political correctness” in Hollywood. Now, Barr is looking to create a space where she can produce content without fear of repercussions for her opinions.
Mark Wahlberg, an actor and producer, has also been criticized in the past for several incidents, including a case of bullying in his youth, although he has publicly apologized on multiple occasions. Wahlberg has expressed his disillusionment with the social demands of the industry, especially regarding the restrictions he feels are placed on scripts and characters today. With this new studio, he hopes to be able to bring to life stories that focus on more traditional values without being attacked for it.
Mel Gibson, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors and directors, has been the subject of controversy due to his past comments and behavior, including anti-Semitic remarks he made in 2006 and the scandal that engulfed his personal life. Although he has enjoyed a successful career, his relationships with the Hollywood industry have been marked by the ups and downs of his private life. Gibson has been an outspoken advocate for artistic freedom and has criticized what he sees as excessive control of the “official narrative” within entertainment culture.
The stated goal of this “anti-woke” studio is to give power back to creators and artists to tell stories that focus on action, drama, and human emotions without worrying about demands for inclusion, diversity, and political correctness. According to its founders, the film and television industry has been too influenced by a “representation” approach that they believe limits creativity and free will.
“We want to be a haven for filmmakers and creators who feel like they have no voice in today’s industry,” Roseanne Barr said in a statement. “Hollywood has become a place where people can no longer express what they really think or feel because they fear being canceled or attacked. It’s time for us to bring authenticity back to entertainment.”
For his part, Mark Wahlberg said the studio’s mission is to create content that celebrates values like family, courage, and individuality without the restrictions of contemporary social norms. “Movies and TV shows are no longer just about telling good stories. Now you have to worry about meeting a checklist so you don’t offend anyone. That’s not what art should be,” he said.
Mel Gibson, for his part, said that the industry needs a radical change so that artists can express their creativity again without the pressure of having to comply with an agenda. “Freedom of expression is at stake. If we do not defend our right to tell our stories without being censored, then we are losing what makes cinema special,” Gibson said.
The news has generated a great deal of reaction in the film industry, with defenders applauding the effort to return art to its purest form, and detractors criticizing the studio’s concept. Critics argue that an “anti-woke” approach could result in regressive content that does not respect the social advances of recent decades, especially in terms of representation and social justice.
“Hollywood has already overcome many barriers and now has a real commitment to inclusion and diversity. What Barr, Wahlberg and Gibson are proposing is a step backwards, and the public will not settle for less in terms of representation and human rights,” said activist and director Ava DuVernay, who has been a staunch defender of diversity in the media, in an interview.
On the other hand, followers of the new founders of the studio believe that this is an opportunity to restore the original narrative of cinema, free of ideological restrictions. “It is time for cinema to be about quality stories again and not about meeting the expectations of a specific group,” argued one fan on social media.
Despite the polarized reactions, the announcement of this “anti-woke” studio is just the beginning of what promises to be a far-reaching project. With the backing of three such well-known and polarizing figures in the industry, it is possible that the new studio will have a significant impact on the way Hollywood perceives artistic freedom and representation in the media.
It remains to be seen whether this studio manages to attract more creators who wish to follow its approach or whether, on the contrary, it will become a curiosity within the film industry. What is certain is that the debate over politics in Hollywood will continue to be one of the hottest topics in the coming years.