Hollywood’s Reckoning: The Potential Impact of New Tariffs on the Film Industry
As the film industry eyes a rebound post-pandemic, a new threat looms large: tariffs. Fresh from his return to office, President Donald Trump is shifting focus to movies, claiming a desire to rescue the American film industry from an imminent demise. His proposal? A staggering 100% tariff on films produced abroad. While the intentions may be noble, the potential repercussions for Hollywood could be severe.
Understanding the Tariff Proposal
In his first hundred days, Trump’s administration has sought to diminish foreign imports across various sectors. The specifics of his film tariff plan remain unclear—will it target only specific countries like South Korea or India, known for their successful films in the U.S., or will it cast a wider net affecting all foreign productions, including U.S. films that leverage tax incentives in overseas locales? The enforcement of such tariffs adds another layer of complexity, potentially challenging the very foundation of global filmmaking.
Films in the Crosshairs
As Hollywood scrambles to interpret these bold claims, a plethora of American productions filmed abroad could soon find themselves in jeopardy. Here’s a look at some notable films that might face the brunt of these tariffs:
1. Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning
The next installment in the beloved action franchise, "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning," has employed diverse international locations for filming, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Malta, and South Africa. As the film gears up for its upcoming release on May 23, 2025, it stands at the precipice of becoming a victim of Trump’s proposed tariffs, potentially impacting its box office performance and subsequent home video sales.
2. Ballerina: From the World of John Wick
Spin-offs seem to be the flavor of the season, and "Ballerina" from the "John Wick" universe is no exception. Filmed primarily in the Czech Republic, its scheduled premiere on June 6, 2025, could be thwarted if the tariffs come into play. The broader ramifications for franchises like "John Wick," which are known for shooting across various global locales, could also hinder their future developments.
3. F1
This adrenaline-fueled film about the elite world of Formula 1, starring Brad Pitt, has an expansive shooting schedule that spans multiple countries like Hungary, Italy, and Japan. Set to release on June 27, 2025, "F1" may face challenges, particularly as its production involves collaborations between U.S. studio Warner Bros. and Apple Original Films. The fallout from enforcement of the tariffs could complicate matters further.
4. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel’s "Fantastic Four: First Steps" is another contender potentially caught in the tariff crossfire. Primarily filmed in the UK at Pinewood Studios, this superhero film is slated for release on July 25, 2025. While the imminent release may shield it from immediate repercussions, the broader implications for future Marvel projects remain unknown.
5. Wicked: For Good
Universal Pictures’ ambitious adaptation of "Wicked" was captured primarily in the UK at Sky Studios Elstree. Set for release on November 21, 2025, the film could become emblematic of a wider trend, exposing how tariffs could hamper the creative ambitions of studios striving to tell diverse stories from international locations.
6. Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron has made New Zealand his cinematic sanctuary, filming the anticipated installment "Avatar: Fire and Ash" almost entirely there. With the film releasing on December 19, 2025, it stands to lose its sheen if tariffs against foreign productions come into effect. As Cameron expands the "Avatar" franchise, his unique production methods may need re-evaluating.
7. Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel’s "Avengers: Doomsday" begins filming in London and will be part of their 2026 slate. It stands on a precarious edge as the World Trade Organization currently upholds a moratorium on tariffs for digital goods until 2026. However, uncertainty looms concerning what restrictions could manifest once that period lapses, adding more hurdles to Marvel’s ambitious schedule.
8. Masters of the Universe
As He-Man returns to the big screen, the reboot by Amazon MGM may navigate a chaotic landscape thanks to Trump’s tariffs. With filming set in London, "Masters of the Universe" may face its own set of challenges if the legalities surrounding the tariffs remain hazy by its June 5, 2026, release date.
9. The Odyssey
Known for his ambitious endeavors, Christopher Nolan is set to adapt "The Odyssey," with filming locations across Greece, Morocco, and the UK. With a target release of July 17, 2026, Nolan’s project could symbolize how newly enforced tariffs might impact the artistic vision of filmmakers committed to global storytelling.
10. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Set to introduce a fresh chapter in the DC Universe, "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" is another film caught in the web of uncertainty. Filming in London, its release on June 26, 2026, may be affected if the tariff situation deepens, further complicating the emergence of a new superhero narrative.
The Ripple Effect
Should these tariffs materialize, the implications could extend beyond mere box office figures to encompass job losses, hindered production schedules, and stifled creativity. Local economies benefiting from film tourism might also suffer, as studios reconsider their international projects.
With Hollywood’s future resting on such precarious terms, it remains to be seen how this evolving scenario will ultimately shape a film industry that has always thrived on cross-border collaboration and storytelling in an increasingly interconnected world.
