Andrew Garfield Criticized for Remarks on Billionaires at Film Screening

Andrew Garfield faced criticism on social media platform X following his comments about billionaires while discussing The Uprising. This occurred during a Los Angeles film screening for his new movie on Thursday. The Movie Report uploaded a video featuring Garfield and director Paul Greengrass answering questions about the film.

The historical action drama, The Uprising, depicts England’s 1381 Peasants’ Revolt. Set after the Black Death, the film shows how King Richard II’s court imposed heavy taxes to fund the Hundred Years’ War, pushing impoverished commoners to the brink.

An audience member asked Garfield what he hoped people would take away from the movie. Garfield responded, Well, first I hope they come and see it, first thing. Secondly, I hope it’s galvanizing. I hope there’s some awakening that people feel … that we all feel like our own struggles are being reflected in the struggles of these characters from a distant time and place and that it could be directive. He added, And I hope that if any billionaires watch it, they’re scared sh–less.

Garfield’s remarks quickly drew backlash, with critics pointing out the wealth he has amassed over his career. Rick Davis, an associate pastor at Providence Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, expressed disappointment in Garfield’s comments, referring to the film as socialist garbage. Garfield portrays a fictional character named Ploughman, while Cosmo Jarvis plays the historical rebel leader Wat Tyler.

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt highlighted perceived irony in Garfield’s statement, noting the role of billionaires in the film industry. Pratt remarked, You mean…like the billionaires who greenlight your movies and stroke all your multi-million dollar paychecks? Or they good? He also mentioned Garfield’s $5 million paycheck for portraying billionaire Sam Altman in Artificial.

Commentary on social media included Substack columnist John William Sherrod, who noted Garfield’s wealth, and Noam Blum, chief technology officer at Tablet Magazine, who commented on the involvement of billionaires in the film’s production.

Garfield, recognized for his roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Hacksaw Ridge, and The Amazing Spider-Man, has not responded to requests for comment by Fox News Digital.

Joshua Q. Nelson, a reporter for Fox News Digital, covers cultural trends, education, and public policy. Joining Fox News Digital in 2019, he has reported on reparations across the U.S., the Department of Education, and immigration issues. Nelson can be contacted through his email and social media platforms.