Livingston City Commission Suspends Daily Wire’s 'Pawn Shop' Filming Over Safety and Political Backlash
The Livingston City Commission in Montana has temporarily suspended filming permits for 'Pawn Shop,' a new action film produced by Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire and Dallas Sonnier’s Bonfire Legend. The halt follows a special meeting on October 4, where commissioners unanimously voted to pause the permit pending a legal review. Residents and local businesses cited concerns over unannounced stunts, including pyrotechnics and blank gunfire, as well as the film’s pro-ICE narrative, which appears to dramatize the fatal shooting of Renée Good in Minneapolis. The production, which was scheduled to run through October 10, has faced daily complaints from locals, including the Livingston Food Resource Center, which reported that armed security guards blocked access for clients. While the city had approved the permit with only 12 days' notice, officials noted they were unaware of the film's political content until protests began. The production is not under an IATSE contract, though it holds a conditional start with SAG-AFTRA.
Key points
- The Livingston City Commission unanimously voted to temporarily suspend the filming permit for 'Pawn Shop' on October 4, 2026.
- The suspension is pending a legal review by the city attorney, with a decision expected by October 5.
- Locals complained about unannounced pyrotechnics, blank gunfire, and staged car crashes that disrupted daily life and safety.
- The Livingston Food Resource Center reported a 17% drop in attendance due to road closures and armed security guards blocking access.
- The film's script, obtained by The Bulwark, depicts a pro-ICE narrative that fictionalizes the January 2026 killing of activist Renée Good as an accidental, justified act by federal agents.
- The production is a joint effort between Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend, with a cast including Danny Trejo, Harvey Keitel, and Henry Thomas.
Background
This incident follows the release of 'Run Hide Fight: Infidels,' a 2026 Daily Wire film that faced criticism for Islamophobic propaganda and on-set safety issues, including an accident involving actor Jonathan Majors. The current controversy highlights ongoing tensions between right-wing media productions and local communities in Montana, where the Daily Wire has previously faced protests over labor and safety conditions.
How outlets are covering it
The A.V. Club emphasizes the film's 'jingoistically incompetent' script and its 'far-right revisionism,' highlighting the backlash from locals and the disruption of the food bank. Deadline focuses on the procedural aspects of the permit suspension and the lack of IATSE contract, noting the previous labor disputes on 'Run Hide Fight: Infidels.' Variety highlights the impact on the Livingston Food Resource Center, citing a 17% drop in attendance, and the city commission's decision to seek legal advice. The Los Angeles Times focuses on the casting of Danny Trejo, noting his previous support for immigrant communities, and the script's parallels to the killing of Renée Good. All sources agree on the temporary suspension of filming and the concerns raised by locals, but differ in their emphasis on the political nature of the film versus the practical safety and community impact.
Why it matters
The suspension of 'Pawn Shop' in Livingston, Montana, highlights the growing friction between right-wing media productions and local communities, particularly when films are perceived as politically motivated propaganda. The incident raises questions about the responsibilities of film productions to local residents and the potential for political content to disrupt community services, such as food banks. It also underscores the ongoing debates over labor practices and safety in the film industry, particularly for productions not under union contracts.
What to watch
The Livingston City Commission is expected to make a decision on the film's permit by October 5, 2026, following a legal review by the city attorney. The decision could lead to the permanent revocation of the permit or the resumption of filming with stricter conditions. The Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend have not yet responded to requests for comment, and the future of the production remains uncertain. The incident may also lead to further scrutiny of the film's political content and its impact on local communities.
- The Daily Wire's new ICE propaganda film temporarily shut down in Montana A.V. Club
- Daily Wire Filming Temporarily Suspended In Montana After Special City Meeting Deadline
- Daily Wire’s Pro-ICE Film ‘Pawn Shop’ Production Temporarily Suspended Variety
- Danny Trejo’s Daily Wire ICE movie suspends production after locals raise concerns Los Angeles Times
- Unhinged MAGA Movie Production Shut Down After Backlash The Daily Beast
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