film critic and commentator Christian Toto joined Dan Proft to dissect the current state of Hollywood—its politics, its problems, and its persistent inability to read the room. From James Gunn’s politically charged rollout of the latest Superman film to Stephen Colbert’s diminishing influence, Toto painted a picture of an industry that continues to alienate a large swath of the American public.
Toto, host of the Hollywood in Toto podcast, was unequivocal in his assessment of the new Superman movie: disappointing, shallow, and narratively messy. Despite James Gunn’s pre-release comments suggesting an immigration-themed subtext, Toto said the film itself contained little overt political messaging. Instead, it suffered from weak pacing, forgettable villains, and overdone battle scenes. While lead actor David Corenswet was praised for his performance, Toto emphasized that the movie lacked cohesion and emotional weight. It was, he concluded, a film better suited for children than fans of classic superhero storytelling.
Gunn’s inflammatory comments ahead of the release—suggesting that critics of the film’s worldview could essentially “screw off”—may not have been reflected in the movie, but they still managed to sour anticipation. According to Toto, the move felt calculated, and ultimately self-defeating. Hollywood, he argued, keeps making the same mistake: promoting politically divisive talking points around major releases, only to wonder why audiences tune out.
The conversation then turned to Stephen Colbert, whose Late Show is reportedly on the chopping block due to financial concerns, despite being the top-rated program in the late-night lineup. Toto pointed to a recent interview between Colbert and former NIH director Francis Collins as symbolic of the show’s transformation—from smart satire to what Toto called “state-approved groupthink.” What used to be irreverent political comedy is now often perceived as predictable partisanship.
Proft and Toto agreed that Colbert’s shift from sharp comedic commentary to overt progressive messaging alienated much of his audience. The infamous “Vax-Scene” musical sketch, in which Colbert danced alongside people dressed as syringes, was cited as a turning point where the show’s satire gave way to propaganda. While Colbert continues to outdraw competitors like Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, Toto warned that the economics of late-night television—combined with rising competition from independent YouTube creators—may spell the end of the format altogether.
Toto also weighed in on the broader issue of Hollywood’s ongoing hostility toward conservative America. He cited actors like Rachel Zegler and Pedro Pascal, as well as director James Gunn and actor Jason Bateman, as examples of figures who continue to take public swipes at Trump supporters or conservative viewpoints—often without appearing to understand them. Toto lamented that few in the entertainment industry seem to grasp the connection between their rhetoric and the growing cultural divide between Hollywood and half the country.
“Hollywood doesn’t have to become conservative,” Toto said, “but it should at least try to understand the people it keeps talking down to.” He noted that entertainers like Bateman, despite their talent, come off as ill-informed when discussing issues or voters outside their cultural bubble.
As streaming platforms multiply and legacy formats like network late-night struggle to remain relevant, Toto believes the future belongs to those who can deliver smart, sharp entertainment without alienating half their potential audience. Creators like Tim Dillon and Ryan Long, who operate on low budgets and cultivate massive online followings, are proving that the appetite for alternative voices is stronger than ever.