Whether you love him or hate him, it’s difficult to deny that Donald Trump is one of the most prominent figures in world politics today. The president has gained a lot of popularity among his domestic and international followers, especially since the beginning of this year when he started using social media more frequently.
However, many people were troubled by Trump’s recent tweets about international actor Robert Pattinson. The Hollywood star was born in London to an Iranian father and a Scottish mother, and he currently lives in Los Angeles.
The billionaire tweeted about Pattinson saying that his upcoming movie, Good Omens, based on the novel of the same name by Terry Pratchett and originally scheduled for release in 2019, will be buried at the box office. The tweet caused quite a stir, especially since the movie’s posterboy is none other than Pattinson.
The hashtag #BoycottGoodOmens was even trending on Twitter in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia as fans expressed their disappointment with the president’s comments about the movie.
Pattinson recently responded to the controversy, defending himself against Trump’s claims. The actor told Entertainment Tonight that he is aware of the controversy surrounding his role in Good Omens but feels that it is unfair to judge a book by its cover. He also noted that the story behind the film “is a much darker tale than the one that is being told by the president,” referring to the fact that he filmed sexual encounters with animals for a documentary called Species One.
“It is a fact that the movie will be very much tied to current affairs,” Pattinson said. “I think that it is very important that people see the film for what it is and not what they think it is, because it is the sort of thing that could very well happen. Whether or not the United States of America actually becomes like that, it is possible that some of the things that are happening in the world will prompt changes in society that mean that people are more willing to view things in a different way.”
What Is The Movie About?
The Good Omens movie is set in an alternate present-day world where chaos reigns. The population is plagued by the Black Plague and no one is safe from demonic attacks. Two angelic brothers, Jude (Pattinson) and Michael (Aidan Quinn), must fight to protect humanity from disaster. Along with a devil (David Tennant) and a robot (Robert Sheehan), the three help a townspeople find peace during this terrifying time.
Pattinson plays the role of the devil, an honor that he said he gladly accepted because it’s the kind of character he sees himself in. In fact, he said that he and director Terry Jones approached the role of the Devil with a “twisted sense of humor.”
“We are poking fun at ourselves and the genre of the film,” he said. “A lot of people have probably never heard of Terry Jones or Good Omens, so it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to something new and different.”
Why Is Trump Lobbying For This Film?
While the film itself may not have any political undertones, it is obvious that Trump is trying to lobby for the movie’s release. The president has had a public feud with Pratchett, whom he has referred to as “terrific,” and even promised during the campaign to name a city in Pratchett’s honor if he became president. Since taking office, Trump has continued to tweet about the legendary author, who still lives in the village of Aylesbury in England, often praising his works. In fact, the White House has even put out a statement in support of Pratchett. “He’s done a lot for civilization, and we’re certainly going to do everything we can to support his efforts,” it read.
As a self-proclaimed “world’s greatest living writer,” Pratchett’s influence is prevalent in every corner of Good Omens, from the name of the main character to specific references to his most famous creations. In fact, the HBO series, The Noogeyman, which is said to be loosely based on Pratchett’s work, contains several nods to his work. (For example, the episode “A Basketful of Curds” is a direct lifting of Pratchett’s classic short story, “The Sheep Look Up.”)
The author was so moved by the film’s trailer that he had to tweet about it. “I have never been lobbied for by a film before,” he tweeted. “Usually it’s the other way around. However, I am very much looking forward to seeing @TerryJonesFilm.”
How Is The Film Rated?
Even though Good Omens is based on a hugely popular book by Pratchett, the film-MA15+, it does contain some very mature content. The movie adaptation is rated 15+ because it features graphic torture and brutal animal killings. (For a list of the film’s technical specifications and the ratings of other movies like it, click here.)
According to the website, movietools.com, the book upon which the film is based is one of Pratchett’s most controversial works. (The author has previously said that if he ever writes a sequel to Good Omens, it will be titled, Worst Omens.)
The New York Times described the story behind the film as “an allegory about the dangers of political fanaticism,” adding that it “is as much a parable about celebrity as it is a cautionary tale about the perils of populism.”
What Do Other Celebrities Think About Trump And This Film?
Many Hollywood stars have spoken out against Trump and his comments about the movie. Rosanne Barr, one of the president’s most high-profile critics, said that she was boycotting the film, calling it “disgusting.”
“This movie is going to offend everyone,” she wrote. “I would not be surprised if they were refused entry into any country.”
Barr’s tweet drew a comparison to another famous ‘no’ Trump story. In 2013, Kevin Smith, the famous director of cult classics such as Clerks and Dogma, announced that he was halting the production of Tusk, a film he had recently completed, in order to protest what he perceived as Trump’s anti-Muslim views. “There is no possible way I can finish this film, in good conscience, given the politics of our current administration,” Smith said in a statement.
The news was met with rapturous applause from fans of the director, who had raised over $500,000 on Kickstarter to fund the movie. Several celebrities also joined Smith in condemning Trump’s politics in the wake of the Tusk cancellation. In fact, the hashtag #boycotttrump was even trending.
How Is The Film’s Release Date Moving?
Good Omens is currently set for a November 8 release date, but that could potentially change. Due to the ongoing feud between Pratchett and Trump, it is likely that the author’s stance on the matter will be reflected in the film. (He is the sort of character who could inspire a sequel or a spinoff.)
No details about when or whether the trailer will be released have been confirmed, but fans of the author who waited a long time for this film to be made will no doubt want to see it as soon as possible. Pratchett’s influence in the story is apparent, even if you haven’t read the book. The filmmakers took great care in making sure that every detail of the story is faithful to the author’s vision. (Take a look at the TV series, The Noogeyman, if you’re unfamiliar.)
It’s been a while since Pratchett wrote about the Devil and robots in equal measure. Will the film live up to these legacy-rich expectations? Only time will tell.