The Powers That Be: Daily
Trump’s Hollywood Shadow & A WBD Defenestration Postponed
Apr 16, 2025
Kim Masters, a seasoned journalist at The Hollywood Reporter, joins the discussion to unravel the intricate ties between Donald Trump and Hollywood executives. She explores the rising anxieties surrounding Trump's influence in the industry, particularly regarding his relationship with studio heads. The conversation also dives into the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery's co-heads, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, and whether their recent success with the ‘Minecraft’ movie can save them from impending ousting.
21:58
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's influence in Hollywood showcases a troubling trend where executives are forced to negotiate for financial settlements to avoid backlash.
- The uncertain future of Warner Bros. co-heads reflects the tension between creative vision and the demand for profitability in a shifting landscape.
Deep dives
Trump's Influence on Hollywood
Donald Trump is exerting considerable influence over Hollywood, leveraging his association with prominent media organizations to extract financial settlements. Recently, he successfully pressured Amazon into paying $40 million for a Melania Trump documentary, raising questions about similar tactics he might use with Paramount's Sherry Redstone, amidst ongoing scrutiny over merger deals. Industry insiders speculate that Trump could demand cash or some form of content in exchange for easing regulatory hurdles. This transactional approach reveals a concerning trend where studios are compelled to negotiate with Trump to mitigate potential fallout from their portrayals of him, particularly through established outlets like CBS's 60 Minutes.
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