Andrew Garfield's 'Scared Billionaires' Remark Sparks Backlash Amid 'The Uprising' Release

Key points

• Andrew Garfield stated at a Q&A that he hopes billionaires watching 'The Uprising' will be 'scared shitless.'
• The film, directed by Paul Greengrass, is based on the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England and centers on a rebellion against King Richard II.
• Garfield described the film as a 'Rorschach Test' that could resonate with people of different political alignments, including far-right groups.
• Backlash emerged from online commentators and figures like Spencer Pratt, who noted the irony of Garfield criticizing billionaires while earning multi-million dollar paychecks.
• Garfield has not issued a public response to the controversy, though he has praised director Paul Greengrass and described the filming experience as 'miserable' but worthwhile.

Background

The Uprising, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Andrew Garfield, has been the subject of prior marketing confusion regarding its connection to the Robin Hood legend. The film, which premiered at the DGA in West Hollywood, has been described as a historical drama about the 1381 Peasants' Revolt. Garfield has previously mentioned doing most of his own stunts for the film and has not yet seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day or Tom Holland's The Odyssey. The current controversy follows a Los Angeles screening where Garfield's remarks about billionaires drew immediate scrutiny.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes Garfield's intent for the film to be 'galvanizing' and a warning to the wealthy, while also noting his comments about the film's potential to resonate with diverse political groups. Page Six highlights the backlash, including criticism from Spencer Pratt, and Garfield's description of the filming process as 'miserable' but ultimately positive. The Telegraph did not provide accessible content for this story. The outlets differ in their focus: THR centers on the actor's stated intentions and the film's themes, while Page Six focuses on the controversy and the irony of the situation.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Hollywood between artistic expression and the financial realities of the industry. It also underscores the potential for historical dramas to be interpreted through modern political lenses, as Garfield himself noted. The backlash may impact public perception of the film and its message, though it has not yet affected the film's release schedule or box office performance.

What to watch

The Uprising is scheduled to hit theaters on September 10, 2026. Garfield has not indicated whether he will address the backlash further. The film's reception and box office performance will likely be influenced by the ongoing debate surrounding Garfield's remarks.