Actor Andrew Garfield is facing criticism on social media platform X after stating he hopes his new film, "The Uprising," will make billionaires "scared." The comments were made Thursday during a film screening in Los Angeles.
Garfield and director Paul Greengrass were discussing the historical action drama, which is set in 1381 England during the Peasants' Revolt. The film's plot centers on the aftermath of the Black Death and the heavy taxes imposed by King Richard II's court to fund the Hundred Years' War, which pushed commoners to a breaking point.
When asked what he hoped audiences would take away from the film, Garfield responded, "First I hope they come and see it... 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."
He then added, "And I hope that if any billionaires watch it, they're scared sh--less."
Garfield's remarks quickly drew backlash, with critics pointing to his own significant wealth as an actor. Spencer Pratt, a former candidate for mayor in Los Angeles, 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."
Substack columnist John William Sherrod commented, "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, also posted, "More billionaires were involved in making this than will probably ever watch it."
Garfield, who plays a fictional character named Ploughman in "The Uprising" while Cosmo Jarvis portrays historical rebel leader Wat Tyler, has starred 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.
![Movie screen displaying a poster for "The Uprising" starring Andrew Garfield, with text "The Q&A will begin shortly."]( "The Uprising" movie poster)