John Leguizamo Tells Trump and ICE Supporters ‘Don’t Watch My Movies’

Actor John Leguizamo told millions of Americans not to come see his movies if they support President Trump and ICE. In a seven-second Instagram video that has since gone viral, he said, “If you follow ICE, unfollow me. Don’t come to my shows, don’t watch my movies.” Should a large percentage of Trump supporters follow his demands, it could lead to an epic box office disaster.

Ice Age ‘Sid the Sloth’ actor John Leguizamo demands people who support ICE unfollow him and stop watching his movies.

“If you follow ICE, unfollow me. Don’t come to my shows, don’t watch my movies.” pic.twitter.com/UDltAKe2W1

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 28, 2026

Leguizamo is next set to appear as Eumaeus in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey—what is widely regarded as one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026. Now, Universal Studios is faced with the decision of how to handle the outspoken actor’s demands.

While he may not be alone in his opinions, Leguizamo has gone a step further than his peers, and that may be a problem.

A Call to Action

Hollywood talent speaking out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is nothing unusual in the current political climate. At the Sundance Film Festival, Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde sported “ICE Out” pins and called the government agency an “unbelievably criminal organization.” Notably, while they voiced their support for the protestors, the actresses did not make any demands of their potential audience.

Olivia Wilde speaking with the Associated Press – Associated Press, YouTube

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Leguizamo has taken things a step further with his call to action—or inaction, if moviegoers are to skip his movies. The video echoes Snow White actress Rachel Zegler’s remarks after the 2024 presidential election when she voiced hope that Trump supporters and Trump himself would “never know peace.” Her movie went on to become a major box office disappointment, leading many analysts to wonder if her political takes were a factor.

Whether or not a single actor’s social media posts can sink a film is a matter of conjecture. However, as studios continue to seek mass appeal, even going so far as to cast talent based on the number of their Instagram followers, it’s likely a growing concern. The difficulty for Universal will be addressing the issue without drawing more attention to it. Rather than ideology, the studio’s concern will be managing access and optics.

Consequences

While Leguizamo is part of a large ensemble cast in The Odyssey, with major stars like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson, he would likely have had increased visibility in the lead-up to the film’s release. The actor and comedian hasn’t headlined a tentpole film in decades, and may now be best known for his voice acting in the Ice Age franchise.

John Leguizamo being interviewed on the Club Random podcast – YouTube, Club Random

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However, Universal will likely attempt to distance itself from Leguizamo and downplay his involvement in The Odyssey by limiting his access to the press. Late-night talk show appearances and red carpet interviews may not only remind Trump supporters that he told them not to see the movie, but give him an opportunity to repeat it.

Nolan’s epic is already receiving some unwanted attention for its racially diverse cast, which may be at odds with the story’s historical setting, and the casting of trans actor Elliot Page in an unspecified role. But with the film reportedly already in post-production, any major changes would be extremely costly. It will fall to Universal’s press and marketing departments to handle any needed damage control.

The Choice Faced by Audiences

Movies and movie theaters have traditionally been events and places for unifying experiences. At least, that’s what the industry would like audiences to believe. Leguizamo demanding that those who support Trump or ICE not see his movies creates division and forces potential ticket-buyers to make a choice where otherwise going to see the new Christopher Nolan movie would have been a given.

Scene from Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey – Universal Pictures, YouTube

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Whether these John Leguizamo ICE remarks materially affect the box office remains to be seen. But in an industry increasingly obsessed with avoiding friction, even the perception that a film carries political baggage can be a liability. Universal’s challenge now is not just selling a Christopher Nolan epic, but ensuring that one actor’s off-screen activism doesn’t become part of the pitch.

Will these John Leguizamo remarks about ICE keep you out of the theater? Let us know in the comments!

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