Hillbilly Elegy Director Ron Howard ‘Surprised & Disappointed’ in JD Vance

Hillbilly Elegy Director Ron Howard 'Surprised & Disappointed' in JD Vance

As a filmmaker who has collaborated with numerous individuals throughout my career, I have always admired the unique perspectives and stories they bring to the table. However, the transformation of JD Vance from a seemingly apolitical author to a controversial political figure associated with divisive rhetoric has left me quite disheartened.


After adapting “Hillbilly Elegy” into a film in 2020, director Ron Howard appears to be distancing himself from the book’s author and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance. While the movie received some Oscar nominations, its reputation has become more complicated with Vance emerging as a highly divisive political figure. Howard collaborated closely with Vance to adapt his memoir published in 2016. However, he now regrets Vance’s recent association with Donald Trump as his running mate.

After exchanging words with vice-presidential candidate JD Vance earlier, Ron Howard expresses his dismay over the sudden shift towards Donald Trump in the politician’s stance. In an interview with Variety for his upcoming movie Eden, when asked about Vance, he said, “I found myself taken aback and worried by some of the campaign rhetoric.” Howard elaborated on his feelings about supporting Trump, as he had a past professional connection with Vance. He clarified that there was no chance he would vote for the ex-president, even if Vance ended up being Trump’s running mate.

I would never support Donald Trump as president again, regardless of who his running mate might be. Here’s the thing: we all need to exercise our right to vote, but let’s do so thoughtfully. Pay attention to what each candidate is saying and doing today – that’s what truly matters. Consider their current actions and character, then make a well-informed decision.

Ron Howard Says He Didn’t Talk Politics with Vance During Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy Director Ron Howard 'Surprised & Disappointed' in JD VanceHillbilly Elegy Director Ron Howard 'Surprised & Disappointed' in JD VanceHillbilly Elegy Director Ron Howard 'Surprised & Disappointed' in JD VanceHillbilly Elegy Director Ron Howard 'Surprised & Disappointed' in JD Vance

During an earlier conversation with Deadline, Ron Howard shared additional insights about his process in adapting Vance’s book. He mentioned that they didn’t delve deeply into political discussions while working on Hillbilly Elegy together. However, it appears that J.D. Vance has shown more interest in politics since their collaboration, a shift that was not evident during their work on the project. Howard elaborated by stating: “J.D. Vance did not seem politically engaged when we worked together on Hillbilly Elegy.

During our film production, politics weren’t discussed extensively as I was more intrigued by his backstory and survival narrative – these were our main areas of focus. However, the discussions we did have during that period have left me quite surprised and dismayed by some of the rhetoric I encounter now. People can change, and I believe this may be the case.

It appears that Ron Howard isn’t alone in expressing dissatisfaction towards JD Vance, as other individuals associated with Hillbilly Elegy have also voiced their disagreement. For instance, Glenn Close, who was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Vance’s grandmother “Mamaw” in the movie, took a dig at Vance’s comment about “childless cat ladies” on her Instagram page, sharing an image of her cat and writing, “Eve would have left a bleeding mouse head in the bed of anyone who criticized any kind of lady with a CAT.” Interestingly, Jennifer Aniston, who wasn’t part of Hillbilly Elegy, also expressed her disapproval of Vance’s controversial statements, stating, “I can hardly believe this is coming from a potential Vice President of the United States.

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2024-09-09 22:31