Alex Bruno
In what can only be described as a monumental victory for conservative cinema, Hollywood veteran Dennis Quaid has inked a $100 million deal with Paramount Pictures to produce a new non-woke film, riding high off the incredible success of his latest box office juggernaut, Reagan. The biopic on former President Ronald Reagan not only shattered expectations by grossing $1 billion in its first week, but it also proved that audiences are more than willing to embrace films that steer clear of the so-called “woke agenda.”
Dennis Quaid, now being hailed as the de facto champion of traditional values in Tinseltown, seems to have tapped into a vein of audience discontent with Hollywood’s recent penchant for pushing progressive ideologies. Quaid’s portrayal of Reagan struck a chord with audiences, not just for his embodiment of the iconic president, but also for the film’s unapologetic rejection of political correctness.
Speaking at a press conference about his new deal with Paramount, Quaid joked, “I guess all you have to do to get people into theaters is tell a story about someone who loved America without making them apologize for it.”
He added, “In all seriousness, I think people are tired of movies that feel more like lectures than entertainment. They want to see heroes who reflect their values, not ones that bend to whatever trendy ideology Hollywood is pushing this week.”
The success of Reagan can’t be understated. It arrived in theaters as a breath of fresh air for viewers who felt alienated by mainstream media’s obsession with inclusivity and diversity. Sure, the film was accused of being a little too nostalgic for a simpler time—when Hollywood stars just delivered their lines instead of making political statements—but that’s exactly why it worked.
Viewers flocked to theaters in droves, with packed auditoriums stretching from Texas to Alabama, and even the notoriously liberal coastal cities saw record-breaking turnouts. The word of mouth was electric, and not surprisingly, social media was ablaze with hashtags like #MakeMoviesGreatAgain and #ReaganRevolution2. Fans of the film called it “a cinematic masterpiece that doesn’t bow down to the woke mob” and “the kind of movie we need right now.”
Critics, meanwhile, were left scratching their heads. Some couldn’t figure out how such a straightforward biopic, devoid of the typical social commentary, could generate a billion dollars in ticket sales. “It’s like the audience just wants to watch a good movie without being lectured to,” said one bewildered reviewer. Others pointed out the obvious: people were desperate for a film that didn’t have an agenda.
With the overwhelming success of Reagan, Paramount wasted no time in securing Quaid for what is sure to be another anti-woke hit. The $100 million deal will see Quaid star in and produce a new film reportedly titled Old Glory, which promises to delve even deeper into themes of American exceptionalism, patriotism, and—most importantly—freedom from woke narratives.
Insiders close to the project have suggested that Old Glory will tell the story of a decorated war hero (played by Quaid, of course) who defends a small-town community from a group of overzealous progressive activists determined to cancel their Fourth of July parade. The script, written by a screenwriter who requested anonymity, is being described as “Gran Torino meets Rambo, with a dash of apple pie.”
While the plot may sound ludicrous to some, Quaid remains unfazed. “People are craving this stuff,” he said. “They want stories that remind them of what makes America great—family, faith, and freedom. Not everything needs to be turned into a lecture about identity politics.”
Paramount executives are reportedly betting big on Old Glory as their tentpole release for 2025, and industry insiders are already predicting that it could follow in Reagan’s footsteps, smashing box office records and resonating with the same underserved audience that Quaid has now won over.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hollywood success story without some controversy. Almost as soon as the deal was announced, social media lit up with critics denouncing Paramount for catering to what some have dubbed “the anti-woke crowd.”
Twitter was flooded with outraged posts from activists, journalists, and a smattering of celebrities. One well-known actor (who shall remain nameless but rhymes with “Clooney”) tweeted: “Hollywood is supposed to be a beacon of progress, not a mouthpiece for regressive narratives. Shame on Paramount for aligning with Quaid’s divisive rhetoric.”
Quaid, in true form, shrugged off the criticism. “I’m used to it by now,” he said with a smile. “The louder they get, the more I know we’re doing something right. If they want to boycott the movie, that’s fine by me—there are plenty of real Americans who will fill those seats.”
Paramount, meanwhile, released a statement defending their decision to back Quaid. “We believe in the power of storytelling and in providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. Dennis Quaid’s vision for Old Glory is one that resonates with millions of people who feel underserved by mainstream Hollywood.”
Quaid’s success, both with Reagan and this new deal, has left many wondering if a larger trend is emerging in Hollywood. With big studios like Paramount now willing to invest significant sums of money into films that explicitly reject progressive narratives, it’s possible that Quaid could be at the forefront of a new wave of conservative filmmaking.
And while the critics may grumble and groan, the box office numbers don’t lie. As Quaid himself put it, “The audience is always right. They’ve spoken loud and clear, and what they want is more movies that reflect their values. I’m just here to give them what they’re asking for.”
Whether Old Glory becomes the next Reagan remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Dennis Quaid is showing no signs of slowing down. With a $100 million deal in his pocket and a newfound role as the champion of anti-woke cinema, the Hollywood establishment might just have to reckon with the fact that traditional values are back in vogue—at least on the big screen.
