‘Hercules’ Star Uses Disney to Fuel Hollywood “Wussy Man” Narrative

What does Elastigirl Helen Parr have to do with former Hercules: The Legendary Journies star Kevin Sorbo? The beloved Pixar’s Incredibles character made one strong statement in the 2004 film, and the actor believes Hollywood masculinity has gone downhill since then.

Kevin Sorbo’s History

Kevin Sorbo is an American actor best known for being the title character in the television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, which aired from 1995 to 1999. He also portrayed Captain Dylan Hunt in the science fiction series Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda from 2000 to 2005. Sorbo’s portrayal of Hercules made him a well-known figure in the 1990s and early 2000s, and the show gained a significant fan following.

In addition to his acting career, Sorbo is known for his work as a Christian activist and has been involved in several faith-based and conservative projects in the entertainment industry. He has often found himself under fire for his controversial views, which he is not afraid to voice on social media and other platforms unapologetically. He has also been called a conspiracy theorist by many of his critics.

Sorbo Attacks Hollywood Masculinity

Sorbo has recently penned an op-ed for Fox News lambasting Hollywood and his perceived “endemic anti-man ethos.” The actor took issue with Elastigirl’s quote from Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles, using it to fuel his narrative that Hollywood is full of “wussy men” now. “Leave the saving of the world to the men?” She told her husband in the film. “I don’t think so.”

Sorbo claims that around this time, Hollywood started to push the “superior strength, intelligence and independence of womankind.” The actor argues that studios like Disney have ruined society and caused an anti-man culture in which masculinity is no longer celebrated. He references Hollywood’s fascination with androgynous men, calling out other actors like Timothée Chalamet and Billy Porter for wearing clothes that “your grandfather wouldn’t have been caught dead dressed like.”

The former Hercules: The Legendary Journies actor also takes issue with the men of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCO) films. He claims Disney is portraying unrealistic superheroes when it should represent responsible men who can serve as protectors and provide for their families. In Sorbo’s opinion, men are often used as jokes for a “woke” Hollywood agenda and feminist culture.

Opposing Viewpoints

To be fair, Disney has some incredible and responsible father figures in its repertoire. Marlin from Finding Nemo braved an entire ocean to save his son, and Goofy went to great lengths to connect with Max in A Goofy Movie. In its recent offerings, the studio has even included good and protective father figures, such as Hawkeye, Turning Red, and Strange World.

Some argue that Sorbo has a completely one-sided and ineffective argument. Instead of celebrating differences and letting people express themselves as they desire, he attacks specific actors by name, calling them “wussy men” and “betas.” Critics on social media have clapped back at the actor. Many have stated bullying and attacking people who don’t think like you are part of why the term “toxic masculinity” even came to be. They also point out that Sorbo made a name for himself in a similar fashion.

Kevin sorbo is a washed up actor who wants to seek relevant. He used to prance around in tight pants in Hercules. I truly want to know why it is such a big deal that not all men like to dress the same & their versions of masculinity isn’t the same as you like.

Kevin sorbo is a washed up actor who wants to seek relevant. He used to prance around in tight pants in Hercules. I truly want to know why it is such a big deal that not all men like to dress the same & their versions of masculinity isn’t the same as you like.

— NotAmish🟧 (@notamish91) September 25, 2023

Others question the actor’s argument and accuse him of selection bias. He claims Hollywood is full of “beta” men, specifically calling out a few of them. However, he doesn’t even mention that it is full of actors who fall under his idea of masculinity. He just leaves them out of it to fuel his narrative. Some also claim Hollywood is doing the opposite, and unrealistic physiques are way more destructive than androgyny.

A great example of “Selection Bias” is Kevin Sorbo’s op-ed about where he declares we need to “Make Hollywood Manly Again” & references Timothée Chalamet as an example of how the media is destroying masculinity. Meanwhile, here is how the media portrays the perfect man:

A great example of “Selection Bias” is Kevin Sorbo’s op-ed about where he declares we need to "Make Hollywood Manly Again” & references Timothée Chalamet as an example of how the media is destroying masculinity.

Meanwhile, here is how the media portrays the perfect man: pic.twitter.com/JdOUgIOvV4

— Will Watkins (@WilliamAWatkins) September 25, 2023

Hollywood comprises many people with various physical appearances, talents, and beliefs. What doesn’t work for one person may help another. Critics of Sorbo’s stance don’t understand why the actor has to destroy others to make his point. It is arguably never a good look, but one society too often employs to pursue an objective.