Hollywood Palestine support has brought Andrew Garfield, Ben Affleck and Mark Ruffalo into focus through ceasefire campaigns and action involving Israeli film institutions.
LOS ANGELES: Hollywood Palestine support has created an unusual superhero connection, with actors known for playing Spider-Man, Batman and Hulk all associated with public campaigns calling for action over Gaza, although their individual involvement is not identical.
Andrew Garfield, who played Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man films, and Mark Ruffalo, known globally as Marvel’s Hulk, are among the film professionals who signed a Film Workers for Palestine pledge launched in September 2025.
The campaign asks participants to refuse to work with Israeli film institutions that organisers consider implicated in abuses against Palestinians. It targets institutions rather than Israeli individuals based on their nationality.
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What have Garfield and Ruffalo supported?
Garfield and Ruffalo are also listed as signatories of Artists4Ceasefire, a separate initiative that has called for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Ruffalo has been particularly vocal. In August 2026, he joined other artists in renewing calls for a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid and an end to the denial of Palestinian rights.
The Film Workers for Palestine pledge goes further by asking signatories to withhold professional cooperation from Israeli film institutions that meet the campaign’s definition of complicity.
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Where does Batman star Ben Affleck stand?
Ben Affleck, who portrayed Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, should be distinguished from Garfield and Ruffalo on the boycott itself.
Affleck is not confirmed as a signatory of the Film Workers for Palestine pledge. However, his involvement in a separate campaign supporting a ceasefire and humanitarian relief is documented.
Affleck is listed by Artists4Ceasefire among its signatories. The organisation advocates a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, the release of hostages and a future in which Palestinians and Israelis live with freedom, safety and equal protection.
His connection to Palestinian advocacy also received renewed attention in July after the death of his mother, Chris Affleck.
In a message to Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha, Affleck said concern about Palestinian suffering and injustice had been the “central cause” of his mother’s life.
Why is Hollywood increasingly involved?
Hollywood Palestine support has become increasingly visible through open letters, red-carpet statements and campaigns seeking political or cultural action.
At the same time, the Israeli film boycott remains contested. Critics argue that cultural boycotts risk isolating Israeli artists, while supporters maintain that their campaign specifically targets institutions they consider complicit rather than individuals.
The involvement of globally recognised actors ensures that the debate reaches audiences far beyond the film industry.
Garfield, Affleck and Ruffalo may be remembered by millions as superheroes on screen, but their involvement in ceasefire and Palestinian humanitarian campaigns shows how Hollywood figures are increasingly using their public profiles to engage with events far beyond cinema.
Impact to expect
Awareness. Hollywood Palestine support could keep Gaza’s humanitarian situation prominent within global popular culture while increasing scrutiny of how celebrities and entertainment institutions respond to the conflict.
