The Academy Award-winning filmmaker expressed his thoughts on "The F—ing News" podcast about Trump's return to the presidency, stating: "I think it's horrific, I think it's horrifying."
"I see a shift away from all things decent," Cameron explained. "America loses its meaning if it abandons what it has traditionally represented. It turns into an empty concept, and I believe they are emptying it quickly for their own gain."
James Cameron to Get New Zealand Citizenship After Trump's ... (Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com)
Although Cameron visits the United States often, he lives mainly in New Zealand. He has been shooting and developing the "Avatar" series there for over ten years.
Considering that "we are all in this together globally," Cameron said he's not certain "if I feel any safer here."
"But I definitely feel like I don't have to see it on the front page every day. And it's just disgusting," Cameron continued. "There's something pleasant about New Zealand news outlets — at least they'll place it on page three. I simply don't want to view that guy's face anymore on the front page of the newspaper. It's unavoidable there, it resembles watching a vehicle collision repeatedly."
James Cameron Calls Donald Trump's Re-Election 'Horrifying' (Source: www.rollingstone.com)
Regarding his soon-to-be New Zealand citizenship, Cameron explained it "means a lot" and "it's something I've worked for, something I've had to give up things for."
"If you're going to move your family somewhere new, you must invest, you must participate, you must earn standing," the filmmaker said. "I just think you must earn your right to live in a place... There's a natural respect and a requirement for respect [here]. Everyone has this kind of equal status as people. And I appreciate that – that's what I wanted my children to experience."
Cameron is finishing post-production on the third "Avatar" film, titled "Avatar: Fire and Ash." The movie will be released on December 19 from Disney and 20th Century Studios. He has two additional "Avatar" sequels planned, portions of which have already been filmed.
Why Ellen DeGeneres Permanently Moved to England After Trump's 2024 Victory: A Pursuit of Peace Amid Political Turmoil
When one of America's most beloved entertainers packs up her life and crosses the Atlantic after a presidential election, it sends shockwaves through the cultural landscape. Ellen DeGeneres, the queen of daytime television for nearly two decades, has done exactly that – and she's not mincing words about why.
"Everything here is just better," DeGeneres recently declared about her new life in England's picturesque Cotswolds region. But this isn't just another celebrity real estate move. This is a watershed moment that exposes the deep fractures running through American society.
The Day That Changed Everything
DeGeneres has confirmed what many suspected: she and wife Portia de Rossi made the decision to permanently relocate to England the day after Donald Trump's 2024 election victory. It wasn't a gradual decision or a business opportunity – it was a direct response to the political climate in America.
The couple, who had been considering a part-time move to the UK, accelerated their timeline dramatically. Within weeks of the election results, they were house-hunting in one of England's most exclusive regions, eventually settling in a property that represents more than just a change of address – it's a statement about where they see America heading.
A Celebrity Exodus or Something Deeper?
DeGeneres isn't alone in her transatlantic flight. Hollywood has witnessed what some are calling an unprecedented celebrity exodus following Trump's return to the White House. From America Ferrera to Sharon Stone, high-profile figures are either relocating or seriously considering it.
But Ellen's move carries particular weight. This is a woman who built her career on bringing joy and positivity to American living rooms. Her decision to leave suggests something profound about the state of the nation she's leaving behind.
"America can still be scary for people to be who they are," DeGeneres stated, highlighting concerns about potential rollbacks in LGBTQ+ rights. The couple has even discussed getting remarried in England as insurance against potential changes to gay marriage recognition in the US.
The Real Cost of Political Polarization
What makes Ellen's move particularly striking is how it illuminates the human cost of America's political divide. This isn't about partisan politics – it's about people feeling unsafe, unwelcome, or unable to live authentically in their own country.
DeGeneres spoke about the constant stress of American political life, the divisiveness, and the uncertainty about basic rights. In contrast, she describes England as offering not just geographical distance, but emotional refuge. "Everything here is just better" isn't just about Sunday roasts and countryside views – it's about peace of mind.
Life on the Other Side
The Cotswolds, where Ellen and Portia have settled, represents everything that seems absent from American discourse right now: civility, tradition, and a gentler pace of life. It's a region known for its rolling hills, stone cottages, and notably, its discretion – perfect for someone seeking to step away from the American spotlight.
But even paradise has its challenges. DeGeneres has been candid about the practical difficulties of their new life, from dealing with constant property maintenance to navigating British bureaucracy. Yet these mundane struggles pale in comparison to what she describes as the relief of escaping American political turmoil.
The Uncomfortable Truth
Ellen's exodus forces an uncomfortable question: What does it say about America when its most successful entertainers feel compelled to leave for their own well-being? When people who've achieved the American Dream decide that dream has become a nightmare?
Critics argue that wealthy celebrities fleeing to English estates isn't exactly the same as ordinary Americans grappling with political uncertainty. They have the luxury of choice that most don't. But perhaps that's exactly the point – if those with resources and options are choosing to leave, what does that signal about the direction of the country?
The Ripple Effect
DeGeneres's move isn't just personal – it's cultural. For nearly 20 years, her show was appointment television for millions of Americans. Her message of kindness and acceptance helped shape public opinion on LGBTQ+ issues and countless other social topics. Her departure leaves a void in American media and sends a message to her fans about what's possible and necessary.
The timing is particularly poignant. At 66, Ellen could have simply retired and faded from public view. Instead, she's chosen to make her relocation a public statement about American politics and society.
Beyond the Headlines
While the media focuses on the celebrity angle, Ellen's story taps into something millions of Americans are feeling: exhaustion with the constant political battle, concern about the future, and a longing for the kind of stability and civility that seems increasingly elusive in American public life.
Her move to England isn't just about Trump – it's about a broader cultural shift that has made many Americans feel like strangers in their own country. Whether you agree with her politics or not, the fact remains: when prominent Americans start voting with their feet, it's worth asking what we're doing wrong.
The Question That Remains
As Ellen settles into her new life among the rolling English hills, surrounded by centuries-old stone walls and a political culture markedly different from the one she left behind, the rest of America is left to grapple with a difficult truth: she's not the first high-profile figure to leave, and she likely won't be the last.
The real question isn't whether celebrities have the right to relocate based on political preferences – of course they do. The question is whether America is becoming the kind of place that drives away the very people who once saw it as the land of endless possibility.
Ellen DeGeneres found her answer in the Cotswolds. The rest of America is still searching for theirs.
Trans actress Hunter Schafer furious as new passport lists her as 'male' after Trump's executive order
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Transgender performer Hunter Schafer is discussing the "wake-up call" she encountered following Donald Trump's January inauguration. The 26-year-old actor, recognized for performances in 'Euphoria' and 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes', recently uploaded an eight-minute video to her social accounts. This video detailed the apparent consequences of the President's gender-related executive order, according to The Express.
When assuming leadership, Trump promptly signed an order acknowledging just two genders and establishing a person's sex as male or female determined by birth assignment - effectively removing legal safeguards for transgender people. Due to this new regulation, Schafer indicated her replacement passport now identifies her as "male" rather than "female."
Schafer Describes 'Tough Reality Check' After Viewing New Passport Gender Designation
Euphoria''s Hunter Schafer 'Shocked' Her New Passport Has ... (Source: people.com)
Schafer explained that thieves stole her passport in Barcelona, necessitating a replacement document. Despite completing the application in her usual manner, when the new passport arrived, it designated her sex as "male."
In her social media update, Schafer stated, "I seldom post anymore but I received quite a tough reality check today and believed it was vital to share with those who might be listening."
She added, "I believe most people recall that during Trump's first presidential day, he authorized an executive order establishing just two genders, male and female determined at birth."
"Because of this action, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has suspended passport applications seeking gender marker alterations or renewals or new requests with gender indicators differing from an applicant's birth-assigned gender," the actor pointed out.
Previously, American citizens could indicate their gender for passports and opt for an "X" designation, available for non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming persons.
"My first thought about this, since our president talks extensively, was that I needed to see proof before believing it, and today I witnessed that proof on my new passport," noted the 'Cuckoo' performer.
Hunter Schafer attends the 'Kinds Of Kindness' Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2024, in Cannes, France (Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
"Male, so...," divulged Schafer, then musing, "For clarity, my gender identifiers first changed during my teenage years when I initially received my driver's license, and every passport afterward has shown female. This has never created issues before."
After explaining her need for a replacement passport, the 'Kinds of Kindness' performer mentioned she marked "female" on her application form. Yet, she felt shock when her newly issued passport arrived with her gender designation altered to "male."
"This makes me think that the offices handling passports and similar documents must now verify original certificates," Schafer explained, then added, "I'm not certain what exactly changed in the processing procedures, but this represents the first occurrence since I modified my gender marker."
She commented dejectedly, "It's been almost ten years now, and I strongly suspect this directly results from the leadership currently governing our country."
Schafer States Her Video Aims Not to 'Spread Fear' or 'Gain Sympathy'
Hunter Schafer reveals that her new passport now lists her sex as male instead of female, following Trump’s instatement:
“I’m not making this post to fear-monger, or to create drama, or receive consolation, I don’t need it. But I do think it’s worth posting to sort of note the… pic.twitter.com/C9DDJEtf4u
Later in her recording, Hunter Schafer emphasized that her purpose for sharing the video was not to "spread fear, generate controversy, or receive sympathy" but instead to highlight the transgender community's current circumstances under the present administration.
She also expressed worry for individuals who don't match the description of a "well-known transgender woman who is white and slim and meets current beauty expectations."
"I feel somewhat frightened by how these policies gradually take effect because events simply start occurring, similar to what we've observed in historical increases of authoritarian control and everything this new leadership somewhat embodies," Schafer expressed.
The 26-year-old continued, "Much discussion happens, then actual changes begin, and we gradually accept our new conditions."
President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
"And I simply feel compelled to communicate that these aren't just statements, this reflects reality happening now, and nobody, regardless of their situation - no matter their wealth, race, appearance or other factors - remains unaffected. This represents our actual situation," Schafer emphasized about current developments.
She explained that although she hasn't used her new identification yet, she expects to "explain myself to immigration officers and that entire process much more frequently than I'd prefer, or is actually needed" once she begins traveling again.
"I also want to mention that I honestly don't care that they marked an M on my passport," stated the 'Euphoria' star, then clarifying, "It truly changes nothing about my identity or transgender status. Still, it creates additional obstacles in daily life."
Hunter Schafer arrives at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California (Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
"And thinking about other transgender women experiencing similar situations, or other transgender individuals, the challenges multiply when considering all the difficulties this introduces into actual daily circumstances," the performer noted.
"Transgender individuals are magnificent. Our existence will continue forever. My transgender identity remains permanent. A symbol on official documents cannot alter that fact. This leadership deserves criticism," Schafer expressed, before ending with, "I lack specific solutions for this situation, but I believed sharing this information was essential. This situation exists in reality."
When Hollywood Dreams Die with the Dreamers: Michael Madsen's Unfinished Second Act
They say lightning doesn't strike twice, but in Hollywood, tragedy has a way of finding its mark with surgical precision. Michael Madsen's sudden death at 67 wasn't just the loss of an actor—it was the brutal interruption of a story that was supposed to have a different ending.
"Really looking forward to this next chapter in his life," his representatives said. Past tense. Because cardiac arrest doesn't read scripts, and hearts don't wait for perfect timing.
When Dreams Collide with Reality
Michael Madsen, known for roles in 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Kill ... (Source: abc7ny.com)
Madsen embodied the gritty soul of '90s cinema. Mr. Blonde's razor dance in Reservoir Dogs. The coffin-bound vengeance in Kill Bill. He was Hollywood's go-to guy for controlled menace, the actor who could make silence more terrifying than screams.
But here's the thing about being typecast as the bad guy: eventually, you start wondering if there's anything else left in you. Madsen spent his final years trying to answer that question.
The industry that made him a star had largely moved on. The phone calls became fewer. The roles smaller. The budgets tighter. Yet according to those closest to him, he was energized about what came next. New projects. Fresh starts. The kind of reinvention that Hollywood loves to celebrate—when it works.
The Unforgiving Mathematics of Aging in Hollywood
For every Robert Downey Jr. comeback story, there are dozens of Michael Madsens—talented actors whose names once commanded respect, now fighting for scraps in an industry obsessed with youth. The math is brutal: for every year you age, the roles available to you shrink exponentially.
Madsen wasn't just battling for parts; he was battling for relevance. In recent years, he'd taken on smaller independent films, direct-to-video projects, anything to keep working. Not because he needed the money (though that probably helped), but because working meant existing. In Hollywood, the moment you stop working is the moment you start disappearing.
The Weight of Unfinished Business
What haunts us most about sudden death isn't just what was lost—it's what was never given the chance to be. Madsen's representatives painting a picture of an actor "looking forward" suggests a man who still had stories to tell, characters to explore, perhaps even demons to exorcise through his craft.
The cruel irony is that death doesn't care about your plans. It doesn't care that you finally found the perfect script, the right director, the role that would remind everyone why you mattered. It doesn't care that you were ready to prove the doubters wrong.
Madsen's death at his Malibu home Thursday morning wasn't just the end of a life—it was the abrupt cancellation of a comeback that existed only in potential.
The Fragile Mythology of Second Acts
Michael Madsen, Frequent Quentin Tarantino Collaborator, Dies (Source: www.thewrap.com)
F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote that there are no second acts in American lives, but Hollywood built its entire mythology on proving him wrong. The comeback story is our favorite fairy tale: the fallen star who rises again, often better than before.
Except the mathematics are against you. For every Phoenix rising from the ashes, there are countless actors who never get their second act. They die with their potential unrealized, their comebacks unwritten, their "next chapters" unread.
Madsen represents something more troubling than just another celebrity death. He represents the thousands of aging actors who are slowly being erased from an industry that values novelty over craft, youth over experience, trending over timeless.
The Dreams That Die with the Dreamers
When Michael Madsen's heart stopped beating Thursday morning, it didn't just end a life—it ended possibilities. The roles he might have taken. The performances he might have given. The younger actors he might have mentored. The stories he might have told.
His death forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: in Hollywood, dreams have expiration dates. Not because they lose their power, but because the dreamers who carry them are mortal. And mortality, unlike movie magic, can't be edited in post-production.
The industry will move on. It always does. New faces will fill the spaces left by the old. But something irreplaceable was lost when Madsen's story ended mid-sentence, his reinvention incomplete, his next chapter forever unwritten.
In the end, that might be the most honest thing about Hollywood: it's not the dreams that are fragile—it's the people who dream them. And when those people are gone, their unrealized potential becomes our collective loss, a reminder that second acts, no matter how well-planned, are never guaranteed.
The show, as they say, must go on. But it will go on a little quieter now, a little less dangerous, a little less real. Because men like Michael Madsen—flawed, complex, irreplaceable—don't come around twice.
