Elijah Wood Takes a Stand With Protesters After the Latest Minneapolis Killing
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is usually about movies, premieres, and new voices. This year, the mood changed quickly. The spotlight moved away from theaters and onto the streets of Park City, Utah.
Over the weekend, a large group of festival guests gathered on Main Street for a public protest. The event was organized in response to the recent deaths of two people in Minnesota who were shot by federal agents. One of the most recognizable faces at the vigil was actor Elijah Wood, who stood quietly with the crowd as the sun went down.
The protest was called Sundancers Melt ICE. It was meant to honor the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37 years old. Good was killed by an ICE agent on January 7. Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot days later during a federal operation. Many people at the protest held up their phones with flashlights on, filling the street with light as they chanted and listened to speakers.
Elijah Wood spoke to reporters at the event, explaining why he felt it was important to be there. The folks who have been unlawfully gunned down in Minnesota — it’s awful, he said. He also pointed out the meaning of Sundance itself. This film festival is about bringing people together and telling stories from all over the world. We’re not divided here. We’re coming together.
Other well-known actors also joined the protest. Natalie Portman, who is attending the festival for her new film, shared her anger about what is happening in the country. What’s going on right now is absolutely horrific, she told the press. She criticized ICE and the federal government, saying their actions represent the worst of the worst of humanity.
Much of the anger centers on the death of Alex Pretti. Video shared online appears to show him on the ground as agents tackled him and fired multiple shots. Authorities claimed they acted in self-defense, but witnesses and state officials have said there is no clear evidence that Pretti pointed a weapon. This has caused many people to question the official story and demand accountability.
Political action is not new at Sundance. In past years, the festival has seen marches for women’s rights and protests tied to global conflicts. This year’s tension grew even more after Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost reported that he was assaulted at a Sundance party earlier in the week in what he described as a racist attack.
“Love melts ICE,” protesters chant at #SundanceFilmFestival (Video: Laura Grier) pic.twitter.com/cTyR8YO2By
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 26, 2026
Outside of the protests, Elijah Wood remains busy with his career. He is at Sundance promoting a documentary series called A Road Map to Happiness, which looks at well-being around the world. The project includes appearances from Natalie Portman and Jason Momoa. He is also set to appear in the horror sequel Ready or Not: Here I Come.
Wood has also stirred excitement among fans of The Lord of the Rings. He recently spoke about The Hunt for Gollum, a new film directed by Andy Serkis and produced by Peter Jackson. The movie is planned for release in 2027. While Wood has not confirmed if he will return as Frodo, he described the project as getting the band back together, which has fueled speculation.
As Sundance continues, the mix of art and activism has become impossible to ignore. For many attending the festival, the events in Minnesota have made this year feel less like a celebration and more like a call to action.
Do you think film festivals like Sundance are the right place for political protest, or should they stay focused only on movies? Share your thoughts in the comments.
