‘Disney Can Kiss Our Ass!’ Disney PANICS After Entire Avengers Cast Sides With Jimmy Kimmel | HO~
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the global entertainment industry, Disney faces an unprecedented rebellion after the entire cast of Marvel’s Avengers publicly sided with suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, sparking a crisis that threatens the future of Disney’s most valuable franchise.
The firestorm began when Jimmy Kimmel, longtime host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” delivered a contentious monologue referencing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s comments—criticized by some as spreading disinformation about the alleged killer’s political motivations—triggered immediate backlash from regulators, politicians, and Disney’s own broadcasting partners.
Within hours, ABC, under heavy pressure from the FCC and facing public condemnation, announced an indefinite suspension of Kimmel’s show, citing concerns over the impact of his remarks.
Political Pressure and Corporate Panic
The controversy escalated rapidly. NextStar Media Corporation, which controls a large swath of ABC affiliates and is currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger, publicly distanced itself from Kimmel and announced it would no longer carry his show. This move effectively wiped out “Jimmy Kimmel Live’s” national reach overnight.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added fuel to the fire, appearing on a conservative podcast to call Kimmel’s comments “really, really sick” and hinting at regulatory punishment if Disney failed to act.
That threat, coupled with President Donald Trump’s public praise for ABC’s decision (“Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings more than anything else, and he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk”), created a government-backed edge to the pressure campaign.
Disney, already navigating delicate relationships with federal regulators due to its broadcasting licenses, theme park concessions, and ongoing mergers, folded under the weight. Kimmel’s suspension was framed by ABC as an indefinite preemption, but insiders described it as a corporate panic move—an effort to mitigate regulatory risk and appease political forces.
Hollywood’s Outrage: The Avengers Assemble
What Disney failed to anticipate was the magnitude of the backlash—not just from fans and viewers, but from the very stars who have defined its most profitable era. Within days, actors from the Marvel Avengers franchise—Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, and others—issued public statements condemning Disney’s decision and voicing support for Kimmel.
Chris Evans, known for his outspoken views and iconic role as Captain America, was among the first to speak out. “Disney is ashamedly bowing to political intimidation,” Evans tweeted, framing the suspension as a dangerous precedent for creative freedom. His words resonated with millions, blurring the line between his on-screen persona and real-life advocacy.
Robert Downey Jr., whose portrayal of Iron Man launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, delivered a more pointed rebuke. “Corporate partners cannot selectively apply principles of free expression depending on political convenience,” Downey said. His status as the face of Marvel’s success made his criticism particularly damaging for Disney’s brand.
Scarlett Johansson, already known for her legal battles with Disney over “Black Widow” release disputes, described Kimmel’s punishment as “proof Disney will always prioritize business interests over loyalty to artists.” Her remarks reminded observers that tensions between Disney and its talent were far from resolved.
Mark Ruffalo, celebrated for his activism and progressive stances, went even further. “Silencing comedians under government pressure sets a precedent that endangers all creative industries,” Ruffalo warned, framing the crisis as a national issue that transcended Hollywood squabbles.
The Avengers cast’s collective voice transformed the controversy from a late-night television dispute into an existential clash between artistic freedom and corporate power. Their statements were widely circulated on social media, picked up by entertainment press, and amplified by fan campaigns calling for boycotts of Disney-owned platforms.
Boycotts and a Bipartisan Backlash
The Avengers’ rebellion ignited a grassroots movement. Conservative commentators urged viewers to cancel subscriptions to Disney Plus and Hulu, stop attending Marvel movies, and boycott Disney theme parks. “If you are subscribed to Disney Plus, my hope is that you unsubscribe. You stop paying. Now, if you are paying for Hulu, unsubscribe. Stop paying. Cancel your Hulu and Disney Plus accounts. Stop going to Marvel movies. Stop seeing Disney films,” one viral clip urged.
More surprisingly, progressive voices joined the chorus, producing a rare moment of bipartisan condemnation. Industry publications noted that few corporations in modern history had managed to alienate political conservatives, Hollywood progressives, and global talent simultaneously.
The optics were devastating. The Avengers cast, Disney’s most bankable stars, were now publicly defying the company that had made them household names. Headlines described Disney as “caught in a crossfire,” unable to appease either side. The hashtag #StandWithKimmel trended globally, while memes depicted Marvel heroes storming the Disney castle.
Corporate Paralysis and Financial Fallout
Inside Disney, panic gave way to paralysis. Executives convened emergency strategy meetings to evaluate the fallout. Financial models showed that if even a handful of Avengers stars refused to participate in future projects, projected revenues from upcoming Marvel phases could collapse. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, once considered indestructible, was revealed to be dependent on fragile relationships with talent.
International markets reacted with criticism. European editorial pages accused Disney of bowing to government influence, while Asian analysts noted the hypocrisy of a company that markets itself as a champion of creative freedom yet silences its own marquee talent. Shareholder anxiety followed, with Disney’s stock dropping sharply in the days after Kimmel’s suspension.
Merchandise sales reflected the backlash, particularly among younger audiences who viewed Marvel purchases as political choices. Retail partners reported declining demand for Marvel products, adding financial urgency to the crisis.
Avengers Cast: “Disney Can Kiss Our Ass”
As the rebellion gained momentum, insiders reported that several Avengers stars privately informed Disney executives of their unwillingness to commit to new projects until the Kimmel issue was resolved. Studios preparing upcoming Marvel phases quietly stalled negotiations, afraid to finalize contracts amid uncertainty.
One anonymous cast member summed up the mood in a leaked email: “Disney can kiss our ass. If they think they can silence us or our friends, they’re wrong.”
Paul Rudd and Jeremy Renner, typically more reserved, signaled quiet support on social media. The symbolism was clear—Disney had managed to turn its heroes into adversaries.
Late Night Industry: Chilling Effect
The crisis reverberated beyond Disney. Jimmy Fallon offered sympathy for Kimmel, noting on “The Tonight Show” that “no one really knows what’s going on, but I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he’s a decent, funny, and loving guy.” Other late-night hosts debated whether to address the controversy, fearing their own networks might fold under similar pressure.
Writers, comedians, and actors across the industry recognized that if Disney could be compelled to remove Kimmel, no talent was safe. The chilling effect spread as writers spoke of new guidelines imposed by executives wary of political backlash.
Disney’s Damage Control: Too Little, Too Late
Disney scrambled to contain the crisis. Executives floated trial balloons suggesting Kimmel might return after a brief suspension, framing it as an opportunity for reflection. But such narratives failed to satisfy either side—Kimmel’s supporters demanded immediate reinstatement, while critics insisted his removal should be permanent.
The company’s attempt to split the difference only highlighted its weakness. Leaked memos revealed management urging employees not to comment publicly, reinforcing perceptions of corporate authoritarianism.
Endgame: Disney’s Empire at Risk
By the third week, boycotts had begun to impact Disney’s bottom line. Streaming analytics indicated a noticeable dip in Disney Plus subscriptions, while merchandising revenues slowed. Wall Street reacted, with investment banks downgrading Disney’s ratings, citing not just immediate subscriber losses but long-term reputational risks.
Industry insiders speculated that if Disney did not enact reforms to insulate creative decisions from political pressure, other studios might poach frustrated talent. Netflix reportedly reached out to Avengers actors, gauging interest in independent projects.
The Avengers cast maintained their united front, with fans interpreting their solidarity as proof that the Marvel Ensemble transcended corporate ownership. Disney, by contrast, was depicted as an expendable steward that had betrayed its custodial role.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Hollywood
The Jimmy Kimmel crisis has permanently altered perceptions of Disney’s relationship with creative talent. For decades, Disney cultivated a reputation as the ultimate home of imagination and freedom. But the Kimmel episode revealed a darker reality: When pressured, Disney prioritized political appeasement over artistic integrity.
The Avengers cast siding with Kimmel ensured that this narrative would not be forgotten. For fans worldwide, the headline became symbolic of a larger cultural struggle. Disney, the world’s most powerful entertainment empire, had been publicly defied by the very heroes it helped create. And in that defiance, the Avengers demonstrated that even corporate giants could be held accountable when they abandoned principle.
As the dust settles, Disney faces a future more uncertain than ever. Subscriptions may recover, merchandising may rebound, and contracts may eventually be renegotiated. But the memory of this moment remains indelible—the day when Disney panicked, and its most valuable stars told the company it could “kiss our ass.”