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Dean Cain believes Hollywood’s so-called “woke era” is nearing its end after damaging the industry’s creativity and box-office performance. The former “Lois & Clark” star, who left California for Nevada three years ago, claims a major shift is underway as filmmakers embrace independent productions, streaming services, and opportunities outside Los Angeles. Dean Cain also revealed that his changing career could eventually include a run for political office.
Cain offered his blunt assessment of the entertainment industry during an interview with Fox News.
“Right now, I like the direction it’s in, because I think we’re coming out of the woke [era], if you will. And we’ll look back at this time and go, that was stupid. I hope we do,” he said. “It’s hurt the box office. Hollywood’s dying. I left Hollywood three years ago. Nobody lives in California anymore. Everybody leaves.”
Cain did not point to specific movies or financial data establishing that politically progressive storytelling caused Hollywood’s recent box-office challenges. The industry has also faced disruptions involving the COVID-19 pandemic, labor strikes, rising production costs, changing consumer habits, and shorter windows between theatrical and streaming releases.
Instead, his comments reflect his long-standing belief that ideological messaging has overtaken entertainment and alienated portions of the audience.
Why The ‘Superman’ Actor Left California
Cain relocated from California to Nevada after becoming frustrated with the state’s politics, regulations, and taxes.
The actor has repeatedly criticized California’s cost of living and its approach to crime and business. He now views Nevada as a better fit both personally and professionally. “It’s the entertainment capital of the world, there’s sports, there are concerts, there is everything in the world here. I love it. And there’s a film industry here as well,” Cain said.
His move came as other entertainment professionals began exploring production hubs outside Los Angeles. States including Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and New Mexico have competed for film and television projects through production incentives, available facilities, and lower operating costs.
Cain said that geographic shift has already changed where he works. “I just shot a movie in Alabama, I just got back from a movie in Texas. You know, it’s everywhere else. Hollywood’s behind the curve. And the ability to make these smaller independent films has been wonderful,” he explained.
Streaming Changed The Traditional Hollywood Career Path
Cain argued that actors and filmmakers now have more ways to reach audiences than they did when his career began. Streaming platforms have joined broadcast television, cable networks, movie theaters, and direct-to-consumer services, reducing the industry’s dependence on the traditional Hollywood studio system.
Cain recalled being told by his adoptive father, filmmaker Christopher Cain, that actors once needed to decide whether they wanted to pursue television or movies because crossing between the two was difficult.
“Then there was a time where you had to be a television actor to become a film actor. George Clooney. Johnny Depp,” Cain said. “And then it was make a sex tape, and you get a shot to make a movie. That was the Kardashian thing.”
Although Cain’s Kardashian reference reduced a complicated entertainment-business shift to a provocative example, it reflected his broader argument that the routes to fame and screen opportunities have continually changed.
Today, independent filmmakers can distribute projects through numerous digital services without relying entirely on theatrical releases or legacy television networks. Cain believes that expansion gives creators outside Los Angeles greater freedom to produce projects aimed at audiences they believe mainstream Hollywood has overlooked.
Dean Cain Defends Becoming An Honorary ICE Agent
Cain’s criticism of Hollywood accompanies his increasingly prominent role in conservative politics. In late 2025, he was sworn in as an honorary agent for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the honorary appointment, although the agency did not publicly detail specific operational duties.
Cain defended the decision during an appearance at CPAC in Texas. “I’m Dean Cain, and some of you might be wondering why a former Superman actor is on stage at CPAC? Well, the answer is simple. It’s because I believe in truth, justice and the American way,” he told the crowd, per the Daily Mail.
He defined that vision as individual rights, competition, and equality of opportunity rather than outcome. “That means no DEI, no CRT. And yes, on merit… no matter your race, your religion, your social status, it doesn’t matter, you earn it,” Cain said. “No men in women’s sports.”
The actor then connected his affiliation with ICE to his previous law-enforcement work. Cain has served as a reserve police officer in Idaho and a sworn deputy sheriff in Virginia. “When extremists on the left screamed, ‘defund the police,’ I joined law enforcement. When the leftists shrieked, ‘defund ICE,’ I joined ICE,” he said.
Could Dean Cain Run For Political Office?
Cain revealed that people have encouraged him to seek political office in Nevada. He has met Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, whom the actor praised for doing “a fantastic job,” and said he would consider becoming a candidate if he believed he could genuinely improve his adopted state.
“If I think I can make Nevada better, perhaps I’ll do it,” Cain said. “If I thought I could come in, do some good for this state of Nevada and for this country, I would do it and get out.”
Cain insisted he would approach public service as a temporary responsibility rather than a new route to fame or influence. “If I feel like I can help people, I think that should be the metric for why people get into politics,” he said. “Unfortunately, I think they get into politics for power, for money, and for prestige. I don’t need any of those things.”
The actor has not announced a campaign or identified a particular position he would seek. However, his move to Nevada, honorary ICE appointment, and growing visibility at conservative events suggest his next role could take him even further away from the Hollywood system he now believes is dying.
The Dean Cain Makes Blunt Prediction About Hollywood’s ‘Woke’ Era first appeared on The Blast
