‘Reagan’ director reveals why ‘Make America Great Again’ line was left out of original release
Reagan Director Explains Removal of 'Make America Great Again' Line from Original Release
Reagan director reveals why Make America - Sean McNamara, the director of the 2024 Reagan biopic, has shared the reason behind the omission of the iconic “Make America Great Again” slogan in the film’s initial version. The re-released version now includes the line, which became a defining political rallying cry during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential campaigns. This decision was made to align the film with the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebration, as the original cut was released in July 2024 without the phrase.
Strategic Choice to Avoid Political Bias
McNamara revealed that the phrase was initially excluded to prevent it from being interpreted as partisan messaging during a politically charged election season. “We feared the slogan might be seen as electioneering,” he explained in an interview. The original release focused on Reagan’s legacy as a statesman, rather than directly linking it to the modern political movement that later adopted the phrase.
“In the middle of a divisive election season, we made the decision to leave out a moment that could have been perceived as political campaigning,” McNamara said. “But as we reflect on Reagan’s enduring influence, the phrase feels more relevant now.”
The line, “Now help us rebuild it. And together, we will make America great again,” was part of Reagan’s 1980 campaign speech and later resurfaced in his address before the assassination attempt. Its omission in the first version was a deliberate choice to maintain the film’s focus on Reagan’s leadership and policies rather than his rhetorical strategies.
Re-Release Enhances Historical Context
The revised version of the Reagan biopic adds 10 minutes of new footage, including scenes of Reagan’s personal life and relationships. These additions, such as moments with his wife Nancy and father Jack, aim to present a more rounded portrayal of the former president. The film also features scenes from their California ranch, Rancho del Cielo, offering a glimpse into Reagan’s off-screen life.
“The new content allows us to explore Reagan’s character beyond his public persona,” McNamara noted. “It ties his personal journey to the broader themes of American history.”
The re-release not only reintroduces the “Make America Great Again” line but also highlights its historical significance. While the phrase is now closely associated with Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, it was first popularized by Reagan, who used it to inspire a sense of national unity and purpose. This connection underscores the slogan’s enduring appeal across political eras.
Behind-the-Scenes of the Reagan Biopic
Fox Nation’s documentary “Making Reagan” provides exclusive insight into the film’s production. It includes never-before-seen footage of the set, interviews with the cast, and commentary from Joseph, who played a key role in the project. The documentary also weaves archival clips of Reagan with scenes from the biopic, illustrating the creative process behind his portrayal.
Dennis Quaid, who plays Reagan, initially hesitated to accept the role, feeling the challenge of capturing the former president’s essence. However, a personal connection to the story—particularly its focus on small-town America—convinced him to proceed. “Hollywood forgot about small towns,” Quaid remarked, reflecting the film’s thematic emphasis.
“The story of Reagan is about the values of a community-driven America,” said a producer in the documentary. “That’s why Dennis Quaid was drawn to the project.”
The film’s journey from its initial release to its re-release has sparked discussions about Reagan’s legacy and the role of rhetoric in shaping public perception. While critics initially found the film lacking in depth, the added content and reintroduced slogan have contributed to its renewed relevance in the context of contemporary political discourse.