Director Ron Howard is facing backlash after giving what some are calling “cowardly” and evasive answers when pressed about Vice President JD Vance.
In an interview with Vulture published Wednesday, Howard was asked about the legacy of his 2020 film Hillbilly Elegy, based on Vance’s best-selling memoir.
“I don’t think about it,” Howard said. “I know it’s a mixed bag and probably quite culturally divided. I also know that reviews were bad and the audience-reaction rating was pretty good.”
The filmmaker, who once worked closely with Vance during the film’s release, appeared reluctant to weigh in on the vice president’s political evolution. When asked if he could reconcile the man he knew with the divisive figure seen today, Howard replied:
“It remains a bit of a surprise to me. I would not have seen it coming, and I wouldn’t have expected his rhetoric to be as divisive as it sometimes is. By the way, I’m not following him or listening to every word.”
That response did not sit well with some social media users, who criticized Howard for sidestepping the question despite Vance’s position as President Donald Trump’s second-in-command.
“May we all have the luxury of non-thought!” one user mocked.
“Sorry Ron, but you can no longer sit on the fence in these times,” another wrote.
“This is such a cowardly answer,” a third added.
Critics noted that Howard’s industry has already felt the effects of Trump administration policies, pointing to the sudden cancellation of The Late Show after host Stephen Colbert criticized a Paramount settlement with Trump, as well as public threats toward celebrities like Joy Behar, Jimmy Kimmel, and Beyoncé.
While Howard avoided political commentary, he did confirm that Vance was “frustrated” by poor reviews of Hillbilly Elegy and resented what he believed was biased criticism tied to his personal reputation. The director also admitted Vance’s political strategy during his Senate run was “not what I expected.”
Howard revealed that his last contact with Vance came via a single text after the 2024 presidential election:
“Godspeed. Try to serve us well.”
