A group of wealthy Hollywood celebrities and activists have launched a video campaign to mark America’s 250th anniversary. The campaign encourages opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration. The nearly 10-minute film, featured on Variety, includes appearances by numerous celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ted Danson, and Judd Apatow.
Throughout the video, these celebrities recite lessons from Timothy Snyder’s 2017 book, “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.” At the outset, Snyder alerts viewers that the upcoming midterm elections represent a critical juncture for the nation. He suggests that this period could lead to either positive changes or further decline.
“Today, the Republic is 250 years old,” Snyder states. “Although it seems strange, this book has been present alongside the Republic for the past decade. I wrote it in November 2016.”
Snyder further adds, “As I look ahead to the coming November, I see a turning point for our Republic, a time when things could go very well or become disastrous.”
Celebrities, reading from the book’s guidance on avoiding tyranny, recited phrases like “Do not obey in advance,” delivered by Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Holland Taylor. Another key line, “Beware of the one-party state,” was voiced by Isabel Allende and Lisa Rinna.
Mark Ruffalo, who is recognized for his role in Marvel’s “Avengers” films, shared why he participated in the video. Ruffalo, a known critic of the Trump administration, spoke with Variety about his motivations.
Billy Bob Thornton, questioning celebrity activism, stated, “I don’t know anything about politics.”
Ruffalo expressed hopes that after the current period, there would be a shift from a government focused on wealth and power. He envisions a focus on the interests and dreams of children and young people. “Keep America moving toward its promise and not the errors of its past,” Ruffalo told Variety.
Actor Sarah Jessica Parker and Ted Danson also participated in the campaign, appearing with Ruffalo in a video pushing against what they described as tyranny. Speaking during the segment, Ruffalo advocated for closing the wealth gap, respecting the planet, and leaving behind the “colonial mindset of land theft and materialism.” He urged embracing Indigenous perspectives and respecting all things as interconnected and deserving of care.
Snyder shared his views on Substack, writing, “To celebrate a rebellion means acknowledging that from imperfection, new things arise. We hold on, find each other, and not only dream but strive to build a better America. This 250th anniversary is significant because it is ours.” He directly criticized the current celebratory events, stating that leaders today embody threats to liberty.
In his commentary, Snyder pointed out issues like arbitrary rule, disregard for the law, excessive wealth accumulation, and corruption in governance. Snyder listed the campaign’s participants to underscore the breadth of support for the video’s message. Among those involved are Isabel Allende, Judd Apatow, Margaret Atwood, Joan Baez, Sophia Bush, Misha Collins, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Tony Goldwyn, Eric Holder, and many others.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for a reaction but did not receive an immediate answer. Madison Colombo, a writer for Fox News Digital’s Flash, Media, and Culture team, provided coverage on breaking news and trending topics. She has an award-winning background in broadcast and digital journalism.