From Salon · Alex Galbraith · · 1m 40s
Ben Shapiro's comeback machine for canceled stars
Ben Shapiro's film 'Confession' gives disgraced actors a second chance in conservative cinema.
In brief
Ben Shapiro's film 'Confession' gives disgraced actors a second chance in conservative cinema. Ben Shapiro's upcoming film 'Confession' offers disgraced actors a mid-budget comeback in conservative cinema. Originally reported by Salon.
Ben Shapiro's comeback machine
Ben Shapiro, a right-wing political commentator, has built a comeback strategy for disgraced stars through The Daily Wire's films.
Failed screenwriter's past
Shapiro tried writing a script for ABC's Leonard Goldberg but his Harvard dramedy never got off the ground.
Shapiro's film failures
Shapiro's films like 'Lady Ballers' and 'Run Hide Fight: Infidels' were criticized as irredeemable and laughless.
Upcoming film 'Confession'
Shapiro's new film 'Confession' follows an academic in Moscow under Stalin who is questioned by a former student.
Star-studded cast
The film features James Franco, Rob Lowe, Brad Dourif, and Emile Hirsch, all former Oscar nominees or A-listers.
James Franco's comeback
Franco, once a megawatt star, saw his career falter after 2018 sexual misconduct allegations.
Emile Hirsch's fall
Hirsch, a Screen Actors Guild-nominated actor, had his career stalled after 2015 assault on a Paramount Pictures executive.
Rob Lowe's return
Lowe, known for 'The West Wing', has returned to acting after scandal-plagued days on Fox's '9-1-1'.
Brad Dourif's surprise
Dourif, who announced retirement in 2024, is making a comeback in Shapiro's film.
Conservative cinema revival
Shapiro's films offer disgraced actors a mid-budget springboard to revive careers in conservative cinema.
Why it works
The strategy leverages conservatives' belief that cancel culture has gone too far to attract actors who are not welcome in Hollywood.
The key point
Ben Shapiro's upcoming film 'Confession' offers disgraced actors a mid-budget comeback in conservative cinema.
