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Joseph Kahn, in a debut Hollywood Reporter column published 2026-07-29, urges…

Brief

Joseph Kahn argues in his debut Hollywood Reporter column (published 2026-07-29) that Hollywood should restore a meritocratic, professional culture of decisive leaders—'asshole' meaning conviction and bravery, not sexual assault. He urges toughness and accepts 'breaking a few eggs and feelings,' while dismissing online backlash as a 'fantasy' status quo.

Why it matters

Joseph Kahn, in a debut Hollywood Reporter column published 2026-07-29, urges 'Bring Back the Hollywood Asshole'—he defines 'asshole' as decisive conviction and bravery who 'cuts the bullshit,' explicitly saying this is not sexual assault or Harvey Weinstein.

Key details

  • Kahn frames his stance as a call for meritocracy and professionalism, urging people to 'get tougher' and build 'thick skin (moisturized by great Korean products),' warns of backlash from the online 'Greek chorus of medicated fruit flies,' and draws on decades of pitching Hollywood executives.
Source evidence

My article argues for a meritocracy, professionalism - "asshole" means cut the bullshit whether they like you or not. It means CONVICTION, BRAVERY. It does not mean sexual assault or Harvey Weinstein. It does mean breaking a few eggs and feelings. Get tougher, build thick skin (moisturized by great Korean products).

Of course there will be some sort of backlash because the status quo always fights for status quo. What's weird is that the status quo in this case isn't even real. It's the fantasy world of the Online, the Greek chorus of medicated fruit flies flying around our industry that scream at every perceived infraction of their convoluted moral code. You may not be an asshole, but thank God you're not a fruit fly.

The Hollywood Reporter (@THR)

After decades of pitching Hollywood executives, a veteran director delivers his verdict on the industry in his debut column for THR: Bring Back the Hollywood Asshole!⁠

@JosephKahn argues that today's buttoned-up corporate culture has lost the fearless decision-makers who once took big swings. The industry's old guard, he contends, has been replaced by a more cautious executive class, to the detriment of its creative ambition.⁠

Read more: hollywoodreporter.com/movies…

— https://nitter.net/THR/status/2082220099927146865#m