Mark Ruffalo Fears for Disney's Future

In a bold move that's igniting conversation across Hollywood, Marvel star Mark Ruffalo has spoken out against Disney's controversial decision to preempt 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'—a move that critics say is bowing to pressure from the FCC and network affiliates. The actor, known for his role as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, took to Threads today to voice his concerns.

Ruffalo shared alarming news that Disney’s stock price has already taken a hit—down 7%—following the suspension of Kimmel’s beloved late-night show. He warned, "It's going to go down a lot further if they cancel his show. Disney does not want to be the ones that broke America." Indeed, financial analysts noted a drop in Disney's stock to as low as $112 per share, a significant decline from its average of $116.

Hollywood Reacts: Call for Boycott!

Ruffalo isn’t alone in his outrage. Fellow Marvel star Tatiana Maslany has also condemned the move, urging fans to boycott Disney by canceling subscriptions to platforms like Hulu and Disney+. Actor Pedro Pascal has thrown his support behind Kimmel, emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy and free speech.

Adding to the outcry, Dan Gilroy, writer of the acclaimed series 'Andor' and a recent Emmy winner, penned a fiery piece in Deadline criticizing the "venomous evil" of Disney's actions. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner also condemned the decision, deeming it a sign of weak leadership. The discontent has sparked protests outside Disney's Burbank lot, with writers and actors demanding accountability.

The Controversial Joke That Sparked Outrage

What led to this significant backlash? ABC indefinitely suspended Kimmel’s show following pressure from FCC chair Brendan Carr, who threatened action over a joke Kimmel made about President Trump. The joke referenced the tragic death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and accused the "MAGA gang" of trying to manipulate the narrative for political gain.

With Carr stating, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," it’s clear that tensions are running high. He warned that if networks like ABC didn’t act, there could be consequences for their operations. This situation is compounded by pressure from major affiliate conglomerates, like Nexstar, which pulled Kimmel’s show from the air, claiming they were making the decision unilaterally.

What’s Next for Disney and Kimmel?

Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest ABC affiliate owner, has indicated that the suspension won't lift until Kimmel apologizes to Kirk’s family and takes action to support right-leaning causes. For now, the late-night slot has been filled with a tribute to Kirk, leaving fans wondering when—if ever—Kimmel will return to the air.

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the stakes are high for Disney, Kimmel, and the broader implications for free speech in entertainment.