Andrew Garfield faced criticism after expressing strong views about “billionaires” during a discussion about his latest film, “The Uprising,” at a screening in Los Angeles. In a video shared by The Movie Report, Garfield, alongside director Paul Greengrass, answered inquiries about the historical action drama focused on the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt in England. The film is set after the Black Death and explores the heavy taxation by King Richard II’s court, aimed at financing the Hundred Years’ War. This taxation leads the impoverished commoners to rise up.
An audience member asked Garfield, “What’s your dream takeaway for people in the audience when they go home? What are you hoping for?” Garfield replied, “First, I hope they come and see it. Secondly, I hope it’s galvanizing. I hope it creates an awakening, where people feel that their own struggles are echoed by these historical figures, and that they find it instructive.” He further added, “And I hope that if any billionaires watch it, they’re frightened.”
Garfield’s statements quickly drew backlash. Critics pointed out the actor’s significant wealth accumulated from his career. Rick Davis, associate pastor at Providence Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, commented negatively, expressing disappointment in Garfield’s perspective. Spencer Pratt, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, noted the irony of Garfield’s comments, given the financial backing he receives from wealthy individuals for his work. Pratt highlighted Garfield’s substantial earnings from roles, such as portraying billionaire Sam Altman in “Artificial.”
John William Sherrod, a columnist on Substack, criticized Garfield for appearing disconnected from the working-class struggle. Noam Blum, CTO at Tablet Magazine, remarked on the involvement of billionaires in the film’s production compared to the viewership.
Garfield’s filmography includes major hits like “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Neither Garfield nor Greengrass have responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Joshua Q. Nelson, the reporter for Fox News Digital, writes on cultural trends, education, and public policy. He has covered reparations developments, Department of Education updates, and immigration issues. Nelson joined Fox News Digital in 2019, is an alumnus of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and holds a Public Policy Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.