Minister Condemns Theater Chain for Screening ‘Propaganda’ Video
Minister calls out national theater chain – Rev. Chuck Currie, a United Church of Christ minister based in Portland, Oregon, has sparked a public debate by criticizing Regal Theaters for airing a promotional video that he claims promotes the U.S. Department of War and aligns with the MAGA movement. The controversy centers on the display of a 90-second ad before showings of Steven Spielberg’s film Disclosure Day, which Currie argues serves as a political tool rather than a neutral piece of entertainment.
The dispute began when Currie and his family attended a Sunday evening screening at a Regal theater. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the video, which touts the Department of War’s vision of national strength and military dominance. Currie expressed his disapproval in a letter sent to Regal Theaters, later shared on social media. He described the video as a “propaganda piece promoting Trump and the MAGA agenda,” emphasizing its role in shaping public perception through cinematic imagery and political messaging.
Propaganda in the Preshow
Currie’s reaction highlights a growing concern about the increasing politicization of media spaces. In his letter, he noted that the video’s presence disrupted the viewing experience, calling it “like being at a movie theater in Russia or North Korea.” He argued that democracies should prioritize neutrality in their entertainment venues, stating, “Democracies do not do this.” The ad features dramatic music, a fist-pumping War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and a voiceover from President Donald Trump, who declares, “If you attack the United States of America, we will hunt you down.”
“It was like we were at a movie theater in Russia or North Korea,” Currie wrote. “Democracies do not do this.”
The same video was shown during the White House’s $60 million UFC Freedom 250 event, which featured live combat matches and patriotic programming. Its inclusion in both the military promotion and the UFC exhibition has raised questions about its purpose and the extent of its political reach. Currie contends that the video’s content is not just about the Department of War but also serves as a subtle endorsement of Trump’s policies and rhetoric, particularly his emphasis on military power and national pride.
A Chain’s Response and Public Outcry
Regal Entertainment, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, operates nearly 5,400 screens across 41 states, making it one of the largest theater chains in the U.S. The company, which has been a key partner in major events like the UFC Freedom 250, initially did not respond to USA TODAY’s inquiry. However, the minister’s complaint has drawn significant attention, with social media users sharing their own experiences of the video’s impact.
On Facebook, one user recounted seeing the ad before a film at the Mary Pickford Theater in Cathedral City, California. They noted that the theater’s management had quickly removed the video after receiving backlash, suggesting a willingness to address the issue. Julie Bravo, president and chief marketing officer of Evolved Multi-entertainment Management, which operates the Mary Pickford among other California venues, stated that the video was shown “in error” and “not approved for our preshow programming.” She explained, “As soon as we became aware of the issue, we took steps to have it removed.” Bravo emphasized the importance of maintaining a space where audiences can enjoy entertainment free from political bias, asserting that “political advertising is not something we intend to present on our screens.”
“We firmly believe that our guests come to the movies to enjoy entertainment and an escape from the issues and divisions of everyday life,” Bravo said. “Political advertising is not something we intend to present on our screens.”
Currie’s posts have generated hundreds of thousands of comments across platforms, with many users echoing his sentiment. Some shared personal stories of encountering the video in their local theaters, while others voiced support for his call to action. The minister’s campaign has effectively turned the pre-show ad into a symbol of broader tensions between political messaging and public expectations of impartiality in entertainment venues.
Currie’s Demand for Change
As a former director of the Center for Peace and Spirituality at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, Currie brings a background in advocating for nonpartisan values. In his letter, he accused Regal of “immediately stop showing” the video, which he labeled as “a propaganda video. Nothing more, nothing less.” He also pointed out that while the chain regularly features military career promotions, this particular ad diverges by framing the Department of War as a central actor in shaping national identity.
Currie highlighted the audience’s reaction, stating that the video “was loudly booed” by viewers. This response underscores the divide between those who see the ad as a patriotic effort and others who view it as an overreach into political advocacy. He further criticized the video for its alignment with Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his approach to Iran, and for promoting white Christian nationalism through the involvement of Secretary Hegseth.
“Currie called the theater chain’s decision to show the video ‘an endorsement of Donald Trump, his failed war in Iran and the white Christian nationalism advocated by Secretary Hegseth.’”
The Pentagon’s press office did not respond to USA TODAY’s inquiries in time for the article’s publication, leaving the video’s intent and context to be interpreted by the public. Currie remains hopeful that Regal will address the issue, citing the widespread reaction to his posts as evidence of the growing demand for change. “Many have left comments, letting me know that they experienced the exact same thing in their theater this past week,” he said. “It would be a mistake for Regal and other theaters not to respond.”
As the debate continues, the incident raises critical questions about the role of commercial theaters in amplifying political messages. While some argue that such ads are a natural part of promotional efforts, others see them as a tool for ideological influence. Currie’s challenge to Regal Theaters may mark a turning point in how audiences perceive the balance between entertainment and advocacy in the theater experience.
