A Hollywood backlash over political views is still affecting one Oscar-winning actor’s career. Susan Sarandon opens up about how she has recently lost movie roles because of her support for Palestine.
At the Venice Film Festival, the 79-year-old discussed the fallout while promoting The Echo Chamber. Sarandon was asked whether Hollywood’s narrative around the Gaza conflict is changing. As quoted by Variety, she replied, “I think that the narrative has completely changed in terms of the historical relevance of Palestine and the ties of Zionists with America and our politics. That has been a major revelation for people. How much money the United States gives to Israel, nobody really understood that.”
The Nonnas star added, “I’ve still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still. But that’s the power structure. I think within the people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome.”
She further explained, “There has been a change in terms of the general public, but there are still positions in my industry that are held by Zionists who have not relaxed their feelings towards me. But I found my family, I found my people, and I’m OK.”
Sarandon was dropped by UTA in 2023 after comments at a pro-Palestinian rally. She later said she felt Hollywood had shunned her for calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Susan Sarandon stars in The Echo Chamber amid ongoing Hollywood backlash
The Echo Chamber gives Susan Sarandon an important role in Andrea Pallaro’s new drama even though she’s a supporting character. The movie also stars Luca Marinelli and Alicia Vikander and was shot across Italy and Belgium.
The story follows Leo and Anne as their relationship becomes tangled with care, dependence, desire, and control. Sarandon plays Ava, a famous singer who enters Leo’s world. The film uses Bernardo Bertolucci’s final screenplay, written with Ilaria Bernardini and Ludovica Rampoldi.
Susan Sarandon also praised Pallaoro for casting her despite industry pressure. She said, “I thank Andrea for that, because he doesn’t listen to the warnings.”
The Echo Chamber premiered in competition at Venice on September 6 and is scheduled for an Italian theatrical release on September 10.
