Reagan Movie Earns $10 Million
The newly released biopic "Reagan" has surprised many by earning nearly $10 million since its premiere, while garnering an impressive 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Directed by Sean McNamara and starring Dennis Quaid as the iconic 40th president, the film’s success wasn’t always certain, as it faced multiple setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Hollywood strikes delayed its production and release, pushing its debut back by several years.
Reflecting on the film’s delays, McNamara now sees them as fortuitous. “This film...was never intended to come out in an election year,” he told The Daily Wire. But with recent events like the assassination attempt on former President Trump and ongoing campus protests, McNamara believes the story of Reagan is more relevant than ever. The biopic traces Reagan’s life, from his early days in Hollywood to his pivotal role in politics, all through the eyes of a fictional KGB agent played by Jon Voight.
Beyond the production setbacks, the delay brought an unexpected opportunity: a special screening for the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan. Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier, who would have missed the film during its original premiere due to deployments, were able to attend the screening, meet McNamara and Voight, and reflect on the legacy of the man their ship honors. Captain Harry Evans III called it an "incredible Reagan moment," with crew members echoing the significance of learning more about the late president.
McNamara expressed his personal connection to the project, noting that he had cast his first vote for Reagan and described sharing the film with the sailors as a “profound experience.”
Voight, a vocal advocate of Reagan’s legacy, also weighed in, describing the late president as a hero who believed in the strength of the American spirit. He reflected on the heroes of the era—Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and Margaret Thatcher—and the courage they demonstrated in a time of global tension.
With its release coinciding with political upheaval, including the recent attempt on Trump’s life, Voight and McNamara both emphasized how the film’s themes resonate in today’s charged political climate.
Voight expressed his hope that Reagan will reignite a sense of patriotism in a country currently grappling with deep divisions. He called Reagan’s leadership an enduring reminder of the need for courage and unity, urging audiences to reflect not only on the past but on America’s future.
As Voight said, “Reagan’s legacy is a testament to the power of leadership and the need for each of us to rise above our differences and work together for a better future.” The story of Reagan, he added, goes beyond the individual—it speaks to the very soul of America at a time when such reflection is sorely needed.