Clint Eastwood Defies Film Boycott Of Georgia (Because Of Course He Does)

In a brain twisting bit of irony, Hollywood icon and legend Clint Eastwood will defy other Hollywood actors’ (but let’s face it, none that even approach his stature in talent or reputation) attempted boycott of Georgia over recent pro-life legislation the state passed to make a film that will likely portray pro-lifers as less than sympathetic.

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I know. Wrap your head around it.

Eastwood, a filmmaker known for authenticity in his work, frankly had no better option than Georgia to make his film since its subject matter deals with the media frenzy accompanying the 1996 Olympic games bombing in Atlanta; a frenzy that helped point the finger at the wrong man, security guard Richard Jewell.

(Although I like to think Eastwood would have chosen Georgia for his film anyway because he shoots where he damn well wants to shoot. *spits tobacco*)

Clint Eastwood’s next film “Richard Jewell” is listed among the Georgia Film Commission’s projects set to shoot in the state this summer — despite the calls for a boycott of production in Georgia over the state’s new anti-abortion “heartbeat” law.

Previously titled “The Ballad of Richard Jewell,” the film tells the true story of a security guard who was falsely accused in the bombing that took place at Atlanta’s Centennial Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Paul Walter Hauser plays Jewell alongside a cast that includes Sam Rockwell, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde and Kathy Bates.

That cast is a little interesting as more than one of them have been known to speak out about political and policy issues on their respective social media accounts (ahem, *cough* Rockwell and Wilde).

But the actors aren’t alone. The Wrap notes Warner Bros., which will be releasing Eastwood’s film, is under the umbrella of WarnerMedia, who said in May they were watching (Big Brother-style I guess) the state and the movement of the Heartbeat Bill legislation and would “reconsider” filming in Georgia if law takes effect next year.

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We’ll give you a minute to roll your eyes.

“We operate and produce work in many states and within several countries at any given time and while that doesn’t mean we agree with every position taken by a state or country and their leaders, we do respect due process,” the company said in a statement. “We will watch the situation closely and if the new law holds we will reconsider Georgia as the home to any new productions. As is always the case, we will work closely with our production partners and talent to determine how and where to shoot any given project.”

My, how bravely non-committal.

There’s a lesson here for Hollywood types: hang with the Eastwoods, not the Milanos. You won’t have to make statements you have no intention of living up to or take stances you’ll have to walk back later because Eastwoods don’t bully and they don’t deal in intimidations and threats. They just get the job done.

And they don’t feel compelled to explain themselves to the Milanos of the world.

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