Rising to overnight popularity and turning into an internet sensation, the Hawk Tuah girl aka Haliey Welch has become a stark example of the dangers posed by content creators in the entertainment industry. After reports emerged surrounding Welch getting sought for Hollywood projects, netizens rallied on social media against this particular issue plaguing the film industry.
Citing examples of legendary actors and iconic talents who have been struggling in the industry for a while, fans highlighted Hollywood’s missteps in offering substantial roles to influencers. Shedding light on why the movie business is failing, netizens criticized the lack of connection between merit and opportunity in the industry.
Offered with Film Projects, The Hawk Tuah Girl Turned Them Down
Partying in Nashville last month, Haliey Welch was filmed on the street by content creators Tim & Dee TV, who asked her about her opinion on a particular move in bed that makes a man go crazy. Thereafter, making a s*xy joke, “hawk tuah” and spitting “on that thang”, Welch surprisingly turned into an overnight internet sensation.
Gaining publicity as ‘The Hawk Tuah’ girl, after her video was viewed 3M times on YouTube, Haliey Welch quit her job at a spring factory and signed with management company The Penthouse, in an attempt to cash in on her unexpected fame. Thereafter, Jonnie Forster, founder of Welch’s management company, recently informed THR about all the projects she received from Hollywood.
Stating that the ‘queen of the internet’ Haliey Welch has received several opportunities from film producers, Jonnie Forster recalled the one unnamed director who wanted to reshoot the ending of his movie to include Welch. However, despite the flattering opportunities, ‘The Hawk Tuah’ girl apparently turned down all of those projects and stuck with selling her famous catchphrase merchandise.
We’ve turned down a number of movie offers, including several horror movies. One was from a mini-major company, and the others are indies. One producer wanted to reshoot his movie’s ending to include her. I just got another offer literally five minutes ago. I’ve talked to these producers and said, “Hire an actress.” She’s not a professional actress. Forster noted.
Meanwhile, although Haliey Welch supposedly turned down all the film opportunities, netizens appeared infuriated by why she was offered any project in the first place. Taking to social media, people thus began highlighting Hollywood’s glittering façade, which masks the reality of the industry’s misguided choices.
Netizens Highlight Hollywood’s Misguided Focus on Market Trends
Shedding light on Hollywood’s glaring blunder, wherein producers and directors are falling into the trend of offering significant roles to influencers, fans criticized the industry for overlooking seasoned stars. Stating how several actors like Everything Everywhere All At Once’s Ke Huy Quan and Monster’s Ball star Halle Berry, faced years of underemployment and marginalization, netizens expressed their outrage.
Appearing on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show, Ke Huy Quan had opened up about his struggles in the entertainment industry. Expressing his grief – “nobody wanted me” for years, Quan reflected on how he slowly began gaining prominence after proving his skills in the Oscar-winning film. Similarly Aladdin (2019) star Mena Massoud told Daily Beast, he wasn’t called for a single audition since Aladdin.
Therefore, it seems, the industry’s reluctance to offer substantial roles to actors, despite their considerable talent and past successes, is what’s leading Hollywood to its declining influence and credibility. Moreover, the industry’s superficial preference for viral influencers like Haliey Welch, is what’s failing to engage viewers.
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While clarifying that new talent is essential for keeping the industry fresh and innovative, fans highlighted the troubling trend where producers are pushing boundaries for these inexperienced individuals while overlooking the ones who have proven their skills. Netizens stated that this disparity points to the lack of respect for seasoned actors who have demonstrated their craft over years of hard work.
Fans therefore criticized Hollywood’s prioritization of short-term gains over long-term quality, which has led the industry to dig its own grave. Blaming Hollywood’s disregard for talent and experience in favor of fleeting trends, fans explained why the industry is failing to gain the trust of audiences and critics.
