The former president is reportedly encouraging studio insiders to bring back grittier, resilience-focused storytelling

Trump Calls for a Shift in Hollywood Storytelling

24 November 2025:  Donald Trump is reportedly urging several of his longtime friends and acquaintances at Paramount to revive what he calls “mentally tough” Hollywood films. According to insiders, Trump believes modern movies have become “too soft” and lack the gritty determination, resilience and “no-nonsense heroes” he says once defined American cinema.

While Trump has no official role at the studio, his opinions have circulated within industry circles due to his connections with several veteran producers. He is said to be advocating for films that highlight discipline, patriotism and mental strength — hallmarks of the action-driven blockbusters of past decades.

What “Mentally Tough” Movies Mean

Sources familiar with the conversations say Trump often references the action and drama hits of the 1980s and 1990s, praising the era’s focus on perseverance, moral clarity and characters who overcame adversity through willpower rather than spectacle alone. He has reportedly encouraged producers to return to stories that:

Showcase rugged heroes

Emphasize emotional grit and resilience

Deliver straightforward, high-stakes narratives

Move away from overly comedic or heavily CGI-driven storytelling

Trump has also voiced frustration with what he sees as Hollywood’s prioritization of messaging over entertainment, arguing that audiences want “strength and triumph” on screen.

Hollywood’s Mixed Reaction

HOLR has the latest news, and the industry response to Trump’s suggestions has reportedly been split. Some longtime producers privately agreed that the market for grounded, intense action films is resurging — citing the success of franchises that lean into gritty realism. Others, however, have distanced themselves from Trump’s opinions, noting that Hollywood’s direction is shaped by audience demand, not political commentary.

Despite the division, the conversations underscore a larger trend: the ongoing debate about whether Hollywood is veering too far from the kind of stories that once dominated the box office.

Why Trump’s Influence Still Matters

Though Trump has no formal power in entertainment, his influence among certain Hollywood veterans remains notable. As someone who once starred in reality television and maintained relationships with producers for decades, his perspective carries weight in select circles — especially among studio figures who share nostalgia for the industry’s earlier style of filmmaking.

His push comes at a time when studios are reevaluating content direction amid shifting audience tastes, streaming pressures and renewed interest in practical, character-driven stories.