Susan Sarandon’s political stance and her new film: A deep dive into the actress’s dual roles
Susan Sarandon, the Academy Award-winning actress, has recently made headlines not just for her acting prowess but also for her outspoken political views. At the New York premiere of “The Fabulous Four,” a summer comedy starring Sarandon alongside Sheryl Lee Ralph, Megan Mullally, and Bette Midler, Sarandon shared her thoughts on President Joe Biden’s reelection bid and her continued advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Susan Sarandon’s political journey
Sarandon’s political involvement has been a significant part of her public persona. Known for her early and vocal support of Bernie Sanders in 2016, Sarandon’s endorsement of Green Party candidate Jill Stein over Hillary Clinton was a notable moment in the 2016 election. Clinton later cited Sarandon’s endorsement as a blow to her campaign in key swing states.
In November 2023, Sarandon was dropped by United Talent Agency after speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York. Her comments at the rally, where she said that fearful Jewish Americans were “getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country,” sparked controversy and further solidified her position as a polarizing figure in Hollywood.
Sarandon’s call for Biden to step down
At the premiere, Sarandon did not hold back her opinions on the current political climate. When asked if President Biden should withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, she responded enthusiastically, “Yes, obviously there are a lot of people within the party who feel the same way.”
Sarandon cited the war in Gaza and the administration’s handling of it as significant factors jeopardizing Biden’s reelection chances. “For me, more than the state of the race, is the fact that I’m paying for a genocide, and for me that’s a very important issue,” she told Variety.
The Fabulous Four: A light-hearted escape
Despite the heavy political discussions, Sarandon was at the premiere to promote “The Fabulous Four,” a film she described as a celebration of friendships, women, and forgiveness. Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, the movie promises to be a light-hearted summer comedy, a stark contrast to the serious issues Sarandon often addresses.
“I always have fun,” Sarandon said of the film. “It celebrates friendships, and women and forgiveness—it’s also just silly. We had a good time. I don’t think we expected it to be a big social commentary. I’m also always looking for an opportunity to work with women. They usually don’t put more than two women in a film.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s perspective
On the red carpet, Sarandon was joined by her co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph, who offered a different take on the film and the current political environment. Ralph, a recent Emmy nominee, described “The Fabulous Four” as the summer movie audiences didn’t know they needed.
“We’re in full absolute chaos, and for me, this is the summer movie you didn’t know you needed. This is the one to bring you calm,” Ralph said. Reflecting on the political climate, she added, “If this were a scene in any political drama, people would have said that would never happen in this country, and we are not those people. That’s what they would have said. You could not script it.”
A reflective closure
As Sarandon continues to navigate her dual roles as an actress and a political advocate, her journey remains a compelling narrative. Her willingness to speak out on controversial issues, even at the cost of her career, highlights the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with professional responsibilities. Whether or not one agrees with her views, Sarandon’s story is a testament to the power of conviction and the impact of celebrity voices in political discourse.
For those interested in exploring more about “The Fabulous Four,” you can watch the trailer and find additional information here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/the-fabulous-four.