Controversy Surrounds Limited Screenings of ‘Reagan’ Film in New York Theaters

Several theaters in New York City and the broader metropolitan area have not screened the film “Reagan,” a biopic centered on the conservative icon and 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. This has sparked allegations of censorship from Republicans, who attribute the limited showings to liberal bias.

John McLaughlin, a Republican pollster who worked with Reagan’s campaign, suggested that the restricted distribution might stem from concern that the film could sway support towards Republican figures like Donald Trump. “Ronald Reagan was one of the most successful presidents in history. They’re trying to censor his success,” McLaughlin stated.

The film stars Dennis Quaid as Reagan, with the supporting cast including Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, and Mena Suvari. Released shortly before Labor Day, the movie has faced significant challenges in securing widespread theater screenings, particularly in urban areas known for liberal political leanings.

State Conservative Party chairman Gerard Kassar remarked on the irony of the situation, given Reagan’s history as an actor before his political career and noted the scarcity of screenings even on his Brooklyn grounds. “It’s a presidential year. It’s liberal bias. It’s anti-conservative bias,” Kassar commented.

Reagan, famously known as “the Gipper,” gained his nickname from his role in the 1940 film “Knute Rockne, All American,” where he portrayed football player George Gipp. The film’s director, Sean McNamara, alongside others involved in the production, faced obstacles promoting the film on social media platforms due to concerns over its politically-charged content.

Craig Shirley, a Reagan biographer involved with the movie, noted that while the film performed well in suburban and rural areas, it may have faced “woke resistance” in locations such as New York City.

U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) echoed sentiments that political factors limited the movie’s distribution. She drew parallels between Reagan’s and Trump’s political campaigns, both emphasizing aspects like national security and economic prosperity. “I’m sure many theaters in liberal New York did not show the movie because history is repeating itself,” she conveyed.

Richie Fay, an executive from Showbiz Direct, the film’s distributor, explained that the decision to show “Reagan” ultimately rested with individual theaters. “We made the picture available in all areas of the country irrespective of political persuasion,” Fay stated. “In a free market environment, movie theatres have the ability to play a particular movie or not,” he added.