Andrew Garfield sparked fierce online debate after telling billionaires they should be “scared sh–less” during a Thursday Los Angeles screening for his upcoming historical drama, “The Uprising,” according to reporting from Fox News Digital. The remarks immediately drew accusations of hypocrisy from critics who pointed to the actor’s multi-million-dollar Hollywood fortune.
The Los Angeles Screening and Film Premise
The controversy unfolded Thursday evening when Garfield and director Paul Greengrass answered audience questions about “The Uprising,” a historical action drama depicting England’s 1381 Peasants’ Revolt. According to source reports, the film takes place in the aftermath of the Black Death, focusing on how heavy taxes imposed by King Richard II’s court to fund the Hundred Years’ War drove impoverished commoners to rebel.
When an audience member asked what he hoped viewers would take away from the picture, Garfield replied that he wanted the project to be galvanizing. According to The Movie Report footage cited by outlets, the actor said he hopes audiences feel their own struggles reflected in the characters before adding, “And I hope that if any billionaires watch it, they’re scared sh–less.” Garfield stars as a fictional lead character named Ploughman, while actor Cosmo Jarvis portrays historical rebel leader Wat Tyler, according to the source material.
Social Media Backlash Over Hollywood Wealth
Garfield’s anti-billionaire comments quickly ricocheted across X, where commentators highlighted the financial gap between the star’s rhetoric and his blockbuster salary history. According to Fox News Digital, critics noted the substantial wealth Garfield has amassed starring in major films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” and both “Amazing Spider-Man” movies.
Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt questioned the irony of the statements on X, writing, according to the sources: “You mean…like the billionaires who greenlight your movies and stroke all your multi-million dollar paychecks? Or they good?” Pratt also pointed to Garfield’s recent casting, noting, “Ironically, Garfield just got paid like $5M for playing billionaire Sam Altman in Artificial.” Substack columnist John William Sherrod similarly posted, “Hilarious that world-famous, multi, multi millionaire Andrew Garfield is cosplaying as a put upon member of the working class.” Tablet Magazine chief technology officer Noam Blum added on X that “More billionaires were involved in making this than will probably ever watch it.”
Political Objections and Ideological Criticism
Beyond personal wealth, the project drew skepticism over its political messaging from conservative commentators. According to Fox News Digital, Rick Davis, an associate pastor at Providence Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, voiced dismay regarding the direction of the project. “When I first heard they were making a period film about Wat Tyler, I was pretty excited. But the more Andrew Garfield talks, the more it sounds like it’s just going to be socialist garbage,” Davis said.
Neither Garfield nor director Paul Greengrass responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the backlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What movie was Andrew Garfield discussing when he made the comments?
Garfield was discussing his upcoming historical action drama, “The Uprising,” which depicts the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt in England, according to Fox News Digital.
Who directed “The Uprising”?
The film is directed by Paul Greengrass, as reported by the sources.
What specific role does Garfield play in the film?
Garfield plays a fictional lead character named Ploughman, while actor Cosmo Jarvis portrays historical rebel leader Wat Tyler, according to the source material.
Did Garfield or Greengrass respond to the criticism?
No, neither Garfield nor Greengrass responded to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Did you know? Paul Greengrass is known for kinetic docudramas like “United 93” and the Jason Bourne films.
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