At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, acclaimed actor Giancarlo Esposito used his platform to get political. Known for his roles on screen, Esposito shifted focus to real-world concerns, declaring that it’s “time for a revolution” in America.
Speaking to Variety at Sundance, where he was promoting his latest film, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, Esposito didn’t mince words about his assessment of the national climate. “We will not be iced out,” he shared on the red carpet. “This is not going to happen. They can’t take us all down.”
Drawing a parallel between political pressures in Russia, Iran, and the United States, he framed what’s happening today as a result of deeper systemic issues. “Some very rich, old, white men are exerting their power to suppress our own people,” he said, pointing to what he sees as a growing “feeling of civil war in the streets.”
#GiancarloEsposito says it’s “time for a revolution” in America as Trump’s White House fuels a “feeling of civil war in the streets” with the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis:
— Variety (@Variety) January 28, 2026
“We have to stand up to it. They can’t take us all down. If the whole world showed up on Putin’s… pic.twitter.com/6lqbCo343j
Esposito’s comments come amid heightened political polarization and controversial federal actions, including the expanded role of ICE in cities like Minneapolis, that have sparked protest and public outcry after the killing of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Esposito made clear that his vision of resistance isn’t rooted in chaos for chaos’ sake. What he calls a “revolution” begins internally, through spiritual readiness, civic strength, and a willingness to stand together.
“We have to be strong enough to know that we can change the world,” he said. “If I’m spiritually ready and right… and I’m ready to understand other people and agree to disagree… then that starts to change things.”
Still, Esposito didn’t shy away from the anger many Americans feel. He predicted a breaking point is coming, a moment when more people will step forward and say enough is enough.
“This is going to really spark the nature of so many people who are going to show up and say ‘no more,’” he said.
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