The biopic "Reagan" is returning to theaters with a re-release that includes a notable line from the 40th U.S. President that was absent from its initial showing.
Director Sean McNamara stated that the phrase "make America great again" was removed from the film's original 2024 release because it was "in the middle of a divisive election season." He explained the decision was made to avoid the moment being misinterpreted as political campaigning.
"But in this special year of celebration, we are putting back in the phrase which has been uttered by presidents of both parties and which was used as Reagan’s campaign slogan in 1980 and which he repeated in the speech just before he was shot," McNamara told Fox News Digital. The line appears in a scene where Dennis Quaid, portraying Reagan, delivers a speech to the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO.
In the restored clip, Reagan says, "You and your forebearers helped build this nation. Now help us rebuild it. And together, we will make America great again."
Ronald Reagan first used the slogan during his 1980 presidential campaign. The phrase was later adopted by President Donald Trump for his subsequent campaigns. The "MAGA" acronym, referencing Trump's slogan, is widely used by his supporters.
The special edition of "Reagan," featuring an additional 10 minutes of footage, is slated for theatrical release on September 25, coinciding with the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Limited screenings are scheduled for July 4 in over a dozen cities.
The added scenes are said to include interactions between Reagan and his wife, Nancy, in the Oval Office, a segment depicting Reagan with his father, Jack, and moments at the Reagans' California ranch, Rancho del Cielo.
The 2024 film received mixed reviews, with critics generally giving it low marks while audiences provided a highly positive score on Rotten Tomatoes. The documentary "Making Reagan," currently streaming on Fox Nation, offers behind-the-scenes insights into the biopic's production, featuring interviews and archival footage.