Roseanne Barr, Mark Wahlberg, and Mel Gibson—three figures with histories marked by controversy and polarizing opinions—are teaming up to create what they describe as Hollywood’s first major “anti-woke” film studio. Their mission? To push back against what they view as the overwhelming influence of political correctness in the entertainment industry and establish a platform where controversial, politically incorrect, and traditional narratives can thrive.

This ambitious project is still without an official name, but the trio of stars have already painted a bold vision for the studio. They describe it as a “safe haven” for filmmakers, writers, and actors who feel stifled by the increasing pressure from mainstream Hollywood to conform to politically correct ideals. According to Barr, Wahlberg, and Gibson, the Hollywood landscape has become one where certain voices and perspectives—particularly conservative or independent viewpoints—are marginalized in favor of progressive, ideologically-driven content.

In a fiery press conference announcing the venture, Roseanne Barr was unapologetic in her criticism of the current state of the industry. She expressed frustration with what she perceives as Hollywood’s growing obsession with political correctness, which she believes has created an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. “We are tired of being told what we can or cannot say, what we can or cannot think,” Barr stated. She painted a grim picture of an industry where speaking out of step with progressive ideals could result in blacklisting, lost roles, and public shaming.

Hollywood, according to Barr, has become a place where artists must toe the line, avoiding controversial topics in order to safeguard their careers. The new studio, Barr promised, will be different. “We are not going to avoid controversial topics,” she declared. “We are going to give artists the freedom to express themselves without fear of being canceled.” For Barr’s supporters, her statement resonated deeply. Many feel that Hollywood has become an echo chamber, dominated by a singular ideological perspective that systematically shuts out alternative viewpoints.

However, critics of the studio’s plans are quick to question whether Barr, Wahlberg, and Gibson are truly advocating for free speech, or if they are simply attempting to push their own political agenda under the guise of artistic freedom. The term “anti-woke” has become a rallying cry for many, but it’s also a term that can be easily weaponized for political purposes. Some critics argue that the studio’s approach could contribute to further ideological division in the industry rather than fostering genuine artistic diversity.

This move by Barr, Wahlberg, and Gibson is not just about free speech—it’s part of a broader backlash against Hollywood’s increasing focus on progressive values and social justice issues. In recent years, numerous figures in the entertainment industry have voiced concerns that Hollywood is prioritizing political messaging over artistic vision. For many, the term “anti-woke” encapsulates this growing dissatisfaction with what they see as a Hollywood that has become overly sanitized, formulaic, and beholden to ideological checklists.

“Hollywood used to be about telling great stories,” Mark Wahlberg remarked in a statement about the studio. “Now it’s about telling stories that pass the ‘woke’ test. That’s not art. That’s propaganda.” Wahlberg’s criticism reflects the frustration that many feel about the modern entertainment industry, where political correctness sometimes seems to trump creative freedom. Barr, Wahlberg, and Gibson claim that their new studio will reject this formulaic approach to storytelling, instead focusing on creating films that offer a broader spectrum of ideas and opinions, unconstrained by the ideological pressures of mainstream Hollywood.

But the question remains: will audiences embrace this shift, or will it be dismissed as a political stunt that fails to resonate with the wider public? Supporters of the studio argue that Hollywood needs an alternative to the increasingly progressive trends that dominate the industry. They believe the studio will offer a much-needed space for artists and filmmakers who feel their voices are being suppressed by Hollywood’s ideological orthodoxy. “For years, we’ve been told that Hollywood has no room for anything outside the progressive agenda. It’s about time someone stood up and created an alternative,” one conservative commentator on social media remarked.

Critics, however, see things differently. They argue that the new studio is no different from the very phenomenon it claims to oppose. In their view, the anti-woke studio is simply another form of ideological storytelling, one that will push its own conservative agenda under the guise of free speech. Some fear that the explicitly anti-woke nature of the studio will limit its appeal, alienating mainstream audiences and making it difficult to secure the financing and talent needed to create commercially successful films.

Industry insiders are similarly skeptical, questioning whether this conservative-driven model can thrive in a market that has become more diverse and progressive in recent years. Hollywood, they argue, is not just shaped by politics but also by broader societal trends, and as audiences have become more diverse, so too have their tastes and expectations. If the anti-woke studio’s output is too politically charged or narrowly focused, it may struggle to capture the attention of general moviegoers. On the other hand, if the studio taps into an underserved market of conservative-leaning audiences who feel alienated by mainstream Hollywood, it could find a dedicated fanbase eager for content that reflects their values.

Ultimately, the success or failure of the studio will depend on whether it can strike the right balance between artistic freedom and political messaging. If the studio can produce high-quality films that appeal to a wide range of viewers—without pandering to a specific ideological agenda—it could carve out a niche for itself in the entertainment industry. But if it becomes too focused on promoting a political agenda, it risks alienating a broad swath of potential viewers and falling into the same ideological trap it criticizes.

For Barr, Wahlberg, and Gibson, this venture is about more than just business—it’s about reshaping their legacies and asserting their independence from an industry they feel has increasingly sidelined them. Roseanne Barr’s career suffered a massive blow after a scandal in 2018, which led to her firing from the hit sitcom Roseanne. Since then, Barr has become a vocal critic of Hollywood’s progressive leanings, and this studio represents a way for her to reassert her influence and carve out a space for herself in an industry that once rejected her.

Mark Wahlberg, despite his success in blockbuster films like Transformers and The Fighter, has expressed frustration with Hollywood’s growing political nature. He has hinted in interviews that he feels out of place in the industry’s increasingly progressive culture. This studio could give Wahlberg a platform to create the kind of entertainment he wants to see, without the pressures of conforming to progressive ideologies.

Mel Gibson, meanwhile, has spent years battling the fallout from past controversies, but he has managed to maintain a dedicated following, particularly among conservative audiences who see him as a symbol of resilience against Hollywood’s so-called cancel culture. The studio represents a chance for Gibson to rebuild his career on his own terms, while offering a home for like-minded filmmakers and artists.

For all three stars, this studio is more than just a business venture—it’s a declaration of independence from an industry they believe has turned its back on them. Whether they can turn that rebellious spirit into lasting success remains to be seen. If the studio succeeds, it could shift the balance of power in Hollywood, offering an alternative to mainstream studios and providing a platform for artists who feel constrained by the dominant cultural norms. If it fails, it may serve as proof that Hollywood’s current direction is not just ideologically driven, but reflective of what audiences truly want.

The coming years will tell whether this new studio can disrupt Hollywood or whether it will simply add fuel to the ongoing culture wars. One thing is certain: the battle for Hollywood’s soul is far from over, and this new studio is only the latest skirmish in a larger ideological struggle that shows no signs of slowing down.