The Spielberg Film John Wayne Hated & Called ‘The Most Anti-American Drivel’

Steven Spielberg’s 1979 film 1941 caused a lot of controversy, and one of its biggest critics was legendary actor John Wayne.

The movie, a war comedy about the chaos in Los Angeles after the Pearl Harbor attack, faced many production problems, including drug use, historical mistakes, and general disorder on set.

While initially not well-received and often considered one of Spielberg’s weaker films, it has since become a cult classic.

John Wayne was openly critical of the concept of making a comedy out of the Pearl Harbor attack. He called Spielberg’s script “the most anti-American piece of drivel he had ever read in his life.”

Wayne felt that turning a serious event that cost thousands of lives into a comedy was disrespectful. Spielberg recalled, “[Wayne] was really curious and so I sent him the script. He called me the next day and said he felt it was a very un-American movie, and I shouldn’t waste my time making it. He said, ‘You know, that was an important war, and you’re making fun of a war that cost thousands of lives at Pearl Harbour. Don’t joke about World War II.’”

Wayne refused to be involved in the film and urged Spielberg not to make it, telling the director it would be a disappointment.

Spielberg explained that they maintained a friendly relationship afterward, with Wayne calling him monthly, but his stance on the film remained firm. “I thought you were going to make a movie to honour World War II. This dishonours the memory of what happened,” Wayne reportedly said.

1941 was directed by Spielberg and written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. It featured a large cast, including Dan Aykroyd, Ned Beatty, John Belushi, John Candy, Christopher Lee, Tim Matheson, Toshiro Mifune, Robert Stack, Nancy Allen, and Mickey Rourke in his film debut. The plot combined real-life events like the Great Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942, the Japanese attack on the Ellwood oil refinery, and other historical incidents, including the Zoot Suit Riots.

When it was released, 1941 received mixed reviews and did not perform as well financially as many of Spielberg’s other films, although it made a moderate box office impact. Over time, television broadcasts and home video releases helped the film gain popularity, earning it cult status among fans.

Despite Wayne’s objections, 1941 remains a unique part of Spielberg’s career and an example of the risks he took as a filmmaker. It shows how even celebrated directors can push boundaries and challenge expectations, sometimes angering even Hollywood legends.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!