The ‘No Kings’ protests on October 18, 2025, transcended a typical demonstration, becoming a powerful statement against perceived authoritarianism, amplified by the passionate participation of beloved Hollywood figures like Pedro Pascal, Kerry Washington, and John Cusack, who joined millions across the nation to defend democratic ideals.
October 18, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in American history, as thousands, potentially millions, gathered across the country for the ‘No Kings’ protests. This nationwide demonstration served as a powerful rebuke against what many perceive as the pseudo-dictatorial tendencies of the current administration. Far from a silent dissent, the protests saw significant footfall in an estimated 2,700 locations across all 50 states, drawing an estimated seven million people, according to USA TODAY.
The Genesis of “No Kings”
The “No Kings” movement emerged as a direct response to perceived authoritarian policies of the Trump administration. The movement’s name itself is a direct challenge to the President, who has previously described himself as a “king,” with members of his team even sharing social media posts declaring “long live the king!” These actions harkened back to America’s foundational rejection of monarchy in 1783, following the Revolutionary War against King George III.
Organizers of the movement assert that “the president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings — and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty,” as stated on the official No Kings website. This powerful slogan resonated deeply with a broad coalition of left-leaning groups and citizens.
A Star-Studded Stand for Democracy
Among the most recognizable faces at the protests was Pedro Pascal, widely known as “the internet’s favourite boyfriend” for his iconic roles in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us.’ Pascal actively participated in the Los Angeles demonstration, sharing multiple photographs on his official Instagram page. His posts included a raised fist next to a fellow demonstrator wearing a “black brown unity” shirt, a humorous moment kissing an inflatable unicorn, and an image of the crowd holding signs that read “freedom” and “I am antifa! anti-fascist, anti-racist.” His caption, “#no kings #los angeles protect #democracy,” underscored the movement’s core message. One particularly memorable placard he photographed featured a photoshopped image of Donald Trump and his then-wife Ivana being “sneered at by legendary drag performer Divine,” captioned “no kings only queens.”
Pascal’s fans were quick to laud his political stance and continued outspokenness against the administration. Comments on his Instagram post ranged from “protect this man at all cost” to “there will never be a hotter man,” and “thank you for always being on the right side of history, you make us so proud.” These reactions highlight the significant influence celebrities, particularly those beloved by diverse fan communities, can wield in galvanizing public sentiment and validating political engagement.
Hollywood’s United Voice
Pedro Pascal was not alone in leveraging his platform. Numerous other Hollywood figures joined the protests, either on the ground or through social media. Their participation underscored the entertainment industry’s vocal opposition to the administration’s policies, which included the dismantling of federal government parts, anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders, and the deployment of the National Guard.
Stars on the Streets:
- Kerry Washington, star of ‘Scandal,’ posted a video and several photos from a ‘No Kings Day’ protest, sending “so much love and gratitude to everyone” who participated, as shared on her Instagram.
- John Cusack, known for classic films like ‘Sixteen Candles’ and ‘Grosse Pointe Blank,’ was in Chicago and told CNN, “if Trump thinks this place is going to be a fascist hub – no chance!”
- Murray Bartlett of ‘The White Lotus’ posted a selfie from a demonstration, wearing a custom “No Kings” hat, and stating, “Wonderful to peacefully gather with community and stand up for the rights of all,” on his Instagram.
- Kathy Griffin shared a clip on Instagram from a Malibu demonstration, leading chants of “This is what democracy looks like!” and holding a sign depicting Trump as a clown.
- Bill Nye the Science Guy delivered “impassioned remarks” in Washington, slamming “this petulant president and his circle of sycophants,” a moment captured on YouTube.
- Carrie Coon of ‘The Gilded Age’ spoke at a New York protest, urging, “We the people must rise up” and “rebuke this tyranny” in a clip shared as an Instagram Story.
- Cecily Strong, an ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum, shared photos and a video from a Massachusetts protest, jokingly referring to participants as “America hating terrorists.”
- Billy Eichner posted a picture from a “peaceful march against fascist bullies” in New York.
- Jack Black also shared video from a protest scene on his Instagram Story.
Supporting from Afar:
Other notable figures, including those recognized in the classic film community, expressed their solidarity through social media:
- Glenn Close shared a photo of herself with a handmade ‘No Kings’ sign on Instagram, stating she was “so proud” of the protestors.
- Jamie Lee Curtis, the ‘Halloween’ star, shared photos from a demonstration, captioning her post “Democracy in ACTION!” She later stressed the importance of following up the protest with a “real MESSAGE at the BALLOT BOX.”
- Director Spike Lee posted on Instagram, encouraging followers to “GET UP STAND UP” from a New York protest.
- Jimmy Kimmel, who previously attended a ‘No Kings Day’ rally in June, shared a graphic on Instagram with suggested nicknames for Trump for protest signs, including “commander-in-thief” and “Uncle Scam.”
- Mark Ruffalo, Ben Stiller, Cynthia Nixon, and Alyssa Milano also voiced their support for the movement.
The Administration’s Response
In the days leading up to the protests, the Trump administration, including Donald Trump himself and Mike Johnson, launched a “hate campaign” against the movement. They dubbed it the “hate America rally” and attempted to link it to “Hamas” and “pro-Antifa” groups. Trump further escalated by creating and sharing an AI-generated video of himself, depicted flying a fighter jet with “King Trump” emblazoned on its side, dumping mud over individuals leading and participating in the ‘No Kings’ protests, all set to Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” from the film ‘Top Gun.’
Beyond the Headlines: Why it Matters for Fans
For fans of classic films and pop culture, the widespread involvement of beloved actors in the ‘No Kings’ protests is more than just a political statement; it’s a testament to the enduring power of celebrity influence and the crossover between art and activism. When stars like Pedro Pascal, a figure admired for his nuanced performances and fierce allyship within the LGBTQ+ community, take a public stance, it often resonates deeply with their fan bases.
These actors, celebrated for their craft and their contributions to cinematic history, used their platforms not just as entertainers but as active citizens. Their actions highlight a growing trend where public figures are expected, and sometimes even encouraged by their fans, to speak out on social and political issues. For our community, which often appreciates the historical and cultural impact of films, understanding these real-world intersections enriches our appreciation of the artists themselves.
Conclusion
The ‘No Kings’ protests of October 18, 2025, represented a significant chapter in American civil discourse. Fueled by a deep-seated rejection of authoritarianism and amplified by the voices of numerous Hollywood stars, the demonstrations showcased the collective power of citizens and public figures standing together for democratic principles. As Jamie Lee Curtis wisely noted, such actions are “Democracy in ACTION!” and serve as a crucial prelude to the “real MESSAGE at the BALLOT BOX.” The lasting impact of this day will undoubtedly be debated, but its place in both political and cultural history, bolstered by the unwavering stance of its celebrity participants, is undeniable.
