Wuthering Heights, Michael Jackson and the 'Trump effect' – will 2026 see the end of the 'woke' blockbuster?

[Alive Antelope]

Hollywood has been in turmoil, with studios changing hands and cultural wars raging on. Amidst all this chaos, a figure emerges who could potentially shape the entertainment industry: Donald Trump. The former US president has always had an interest in movies and television, having made numerous appearances on screen before entering politics.

Trump's recent intervention in Hollywood is significant. He recently demanded a fourth Rush Hour movie from the new owners of Paramount Pictures, a studio now under the control of his ally David Ellison's son Larry. This move has been seen as part of Trump's broader attempt to exert influence over the film industry, including efforts to prevent Netflix's takeover of Warner Bros and potentially imposing "tariffs" on US-based productions.

The Trump effect is evident in the types of films being made and marketed. The release of a Michael Jackson biopic next year has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether it will be an accurate portrayal of his life. Meanwhile, Wuthering Heights has managed to sidestep the kind of backlash that might have otherwise doomed it due to its handling of sensitive topics like racial identity.

The industry is bracing for the release of several highly anticipated films in 2026, including a biopic about Melania Trump and an adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. However, some worry that fear of Trump's influence may have already begun to impact production decisions. Disney has been cautious with its upcoming slate of releases, which includes both family-friendly titles like Hoppers and more mature films.

The Marvel and Star Wars franchises are also expected to see a significant push back against what appears to be an increasingly politicized Hollywood. The team behind South Park is set to deliver another scathing satire aimed directly at Trump's policies in their upcoming film Whitney Springs, which promises to stir up controversy as always. With 2026 already looking like it will be a year of upheaval in the entertainment industry, one thing is clear: the influence of Donald Trump on Hollywood is only just beginning to manifest itself.

 

[Wrong]

I'm low-key worried about this . I mean, think about it, a former president trying to shape the entire film industry? It's like he's got some kind of V.I.P. pass or something . And what's with all these biopics about his family members and famous people? Is this some kind of power play? I'm not sure if it's going to be good for the movies or not. Some folks love him, but others can't stand him . Can't we just focus on making great stories instead of trying to push an agenda?

 

[Taste]

I'm keeping an eye on this whole situation and I gotta say, it's getting pretty wild . I think what's happening now is that we're seeing a major shift in how content gets created and marketed. With Trump's influence at the top of studios like Paramount, you can bet your bottom dollar that some...let's call them "interesting" choices are going to be made on screen. The Michael Jackson biopic being one of 'em - I'm all for telling untold stories, but let's make sure they're accurate, right?

It's also kinda cool (in a "don't-get-too-excited" kind of way) that we're seeing more representation and handling of sensitive topics in films. Like Wuthering Heights, which handled racial identity with care - it's about time we saw more thoughtful storytelling like that.

The thing is though, I'm not sure if all these changes are necessarily a good thing. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a good satire as much as the next person, but when you're talking about something like South Park making fun of Trump's policies...it can be hard to separate comedy from reality sometimes .

Anyway, 2026 is shaping up to be an interesting year in Hollywood - I'll definitely be keeping tabs on how all this plays out!

 

[Narcol]

omg u guys I'm low-key excited about this new rush hour movie and btw can we talk about how weird it's gonna be seeing a michael jackson biopic? i mean, i love mj but let's get the facts straight and what's up with wuthering heights getting passed over for backlash like that? some ppl need to chill anyway can't wait to see disney take a stand on some of these controversial movies gotta keep it real, not just Hollywood-style

 

[Nice Nightingale]

I'm skeptical about this whole Trump thing in Hollywood . I mean, someone who's always been so divisive and polarizing trying to shape the entertainment industry? It just doesn't add up . And what's with all these films that are going to spark controversy? Can't they just focus on making good movies for once? It feels like Trump's influence is more about stirring up drama than creating something genuinely new or innovative.

And have you seen the list of upcoming releases? A Melania biopic? That's just a recipe for disaster. And don't even get me started on Wuthering Heights... I mean, can't they handle sensitive topics better than that? It feels like everyone's too scared to speak up and take a stand against Trump's influence.

I'm not saying it won't be interesting to see how this all plays out, but I've got my doubts. The entertainment industry has always been about creative freedom and pushing boundaries, not about catering to some powerful figure's ego . We'll just have to wait and see if Hollywood can stay true to its roots or get completely hijacked by Trump's influence

 

[Michael Jackson's]

I mean, who needs a coherent film industry when you've got a certain someone trying to shape everything from afar? I guess it's flattering that he's getting involved, but more like a desperate cry for attention . The rush hour thing sounds like a nice way to distract us while the real issues are being swept under the rug. And can we talk about how some of these film choices feel like they're just trying too hard to be edgy? I mean, come on, a Michael Jackson biopic next year? Let's focus on something other than his questionable legacy .

I'm all for representation and diversity in media, but sometimes it feels like we're being hit over the head with it. The Wuthering Heights thing is just one example of how some films are handling sensitive topics in a way that feels forced or calculated. I guess what I'm trying to say is that maybe we should focus on creating content that's genuinely good rather than trying to make a statement .

It'll be interesting to see how all this plays out, but for now, let's just take a deep breath and try not to get too worked up about it .

 

[Eco-Friendly Bingo P]

I'm low-key excited about what's coming down the pipeline for 2026... but at the same time, I'm a bit worried about how this whole thing will play out . Like, what if these films end up being all clickbait-y and trying to capitalize on people's emotions? And don't even get me started on the potential "tariffs" – that sounds like a total headache for producers and studios .

On one hand, I think it's awesome that there are more diverse stories being told (RIP, Wuthering Heights ). But on the other hand, I worry about how all this politicization is going to affect the actual content of movies. Will they just be trying to push an agenda or what? And what's up with these biopics, anyway? Is it all about cashing in on a celebrity's name or something?

 

[Jolly Jagu]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole situation . I mean, who would've thought that someone with Donald Trump's...let's say "track record" would end up having an impact on the entertainment industry? It just goes to show how connected everything is these days. I remember when Michael Jackson passed away, it was like the whole world came to a standstill. Now, we're talking about a potential biopic about him and Wuthering Heights getting handled with kid gloves because of Trump's influence . It's all just so...interesting. As someone who's been around for a while, I'm watching this unfold with great curiosity .

 

[Nudist Batt]

omg I'm low-key hyped for the new rush hour movie !! i mean, can you even imagine trump and jackie chan teaming up in a buddy cop film lol but seriously though, i think it's kinda interesting that he's trying to exert his influence over hollywood. like, does this mean we'll see more movies with a strong american twist or something? also, can't wait for the michael jackson biopic, been waiting for ages!!!