Actor Andrew Garfield has faced online criticism after stating at a film screening that he hopes billionaires would be "scared sh--less" by his new movie, "The Uprising." The film, directed by Paul Greengrass, depicts England's 1381 Peasants' Revolt, which was sparked by heavy taxation imposed by King Richard II's court.
During a question-and-answer session at a Los Angeles screening, Garfield was asked about his desired takeaway from the film. He responded, "First I hope they come and see it, first thing. Secondly, I hope it's galvanizing. I hope there's some awakening that people feel … that we all feel like our own struggles are being reflected in the struggles of these characters from a distant time and place and that it could be directive. And I hope that if any billionaires watch it, they're scared sh--less."
Garfield's remarks prompted swift backlash on social media platforms, with critics pointing to his own accumulated wealth and involvement in blockbuster films. Spencer Pratt, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, questioned the irony, writing, "You mean…like the billionaires who greenlight your movies and stroke all your multi-million dollar paychecks? Or they good? Ironically, Garfield just got paid like $5M for playing billionaire Sam Altman in Artificial."
Other commentators echoed similar sentiments. Rick Davis, an associate pastor, suggested the film sounded like "socialist garbage." Substack columnist John William Sherrod posted, "Hilarious that world-famous, multi, multi millionaire Andrew Garfield is cosplaying as a put upon member of the working class." Noam Blum, chief technology officer at Tablet Magazine, commented, "More billionaires were involved in making this than will probably ever watch it."
Garfield's acting career includes roles in major films such as "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Hacksaw Ridge," and "The Amazing Spider-Man." Representatives for Garfield and Greengrass did not immediately respond to requests for comment.