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This fall, Hollywood tries to balance box office with the ballot box

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This fall, Hollywood tries to balance box office with the ballot box
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This fall, Hollywood tries to balance box office with the ballot box

2024-09-04 09:06 Last Updated At:09:11

NEW YORK (AP) — Three weeks after the U.S. presidential election in November, Ridley Scott will present his latest big-screen opus. “Gladiator II” returns the prodigious filmmaker to ancient Rome for a story about a power, the survival of Rome and the fate of democracy.

“Hopefully,” Scott says, “it will be a good omen.”

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This image released by Netflix shows Harper Steele, right, and Will Ferrell in a scene from "Will & Harper." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Harper Steele, right, and Will Ferrell in a scene from "Will & Harper." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Natasha Lyonne, from left, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon in a scene from "His Three Daughters." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Natasha Lyonne, from left, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon in a scene from "His Three Daughters." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Orlando Schwerdt, left, and Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Orlando Schwerdt, left, and Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Florence Pugh, left, and Andrew Garfield in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Florence Pugh, left, and Andrew Garfield in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Garfield, left, and Florence Pugh in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Garfield, left, and Florence Pugh in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows, from left, Kim Matula, as Jane Curtain, Emily Fairn, as Laraine Newman, Gabriel LaBelle, as Lorne Michaels, Rachel Sennott, as Rosie Shuster, and Matt Wood, as John Belushi. (Hopper Stone/Sony Pictures Entertainment via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows, from left, Kim Matula, as Jane Curtain, Emily Fairn, as Laraine Newman, Gabriel LaBelle, as Lorne Michaels, Rachel Sennott, as Rosie Shuster, and Matt Wood, as John Belushi. (Hopper Stone/Sony Pictures Entertainment via AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Michelle Dockery, left, and Mark Wahlberg in a scene from "Flight Risk." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Michelle Dockery, left, and Mark Wahlberg in a scene from "Flight Risk." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows James McEvoy in a scene from "Speak No Evil." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows James McEvoy in a scene from "Speak No Evil." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Roz, voiced by Lupita N'yongo, left, and Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's "Wild Robot." (DreamWorks Animation/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Roz, voiced by Lupita N'yongo, left, and Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's "Wild Robot." (DreamWorks Animation/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Ariana Granda as Glinda in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Ariana Granda as Glinda in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Kieran Culkin, left, and Jesse Eisenberg in a scene from "A Real Pain." (Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Kieran Culkin, left, and Jesse Eisenberg in a scene from "A Real Pain." (Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, center, in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, center, in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by A24 shows a scene from "Heretic." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows a scene from "Heretic." (A24 via AP)

This image released by Amazon shows Maisy Stella, left, and Aubrey Plaza in a scene from "My Old Ass." (Amazon via AP)

This image released by Amazon shows Maisy Stella, left, and Aubrey Plaza in a scene from "My Old Ass." (Amazon via AP)

This image released by Amazon Prime shows Dwayne Johnson, left, and Chris Evans in a scene from "Red One." (Amazon Prime via AP)

This image released by Amazon Prime shows Dwayne Johnson, left, and Chris Evans in a scene from "Red One." (Amazon Prime via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista, left, and Sofia Boutella in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista, left, and Sofia Boutella in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, left, and Brandy Norwood in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, left, and Brandy Norwood in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Saoirse Ronan, left, and Elliott Heffernan in a scene from "Blitz." (Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Saoirse Ronan, left, and Elliott Heffernan in a scene from "Blitz." (Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, from left, Brandy Norwood, and Kathryn Hunter in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, from left, Brandy Norwood, and Kathryn Hunter in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Disney shows characters Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, center, and Rafiki, voiced by Kagiso Lediga, right, in a scene from "Mufasa: The Lion King." (Disney via AP)

This image released by Disney shows characters Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, center, and Rafiki, voiced by Kagiso Lediga, right, in a scene from "Mufasa: The Lion King." (Disney via AP)

This image released by Briarcliff Entertainment shows Maria Bakalova, left, and Sebastian Stan in a scene from the film "The Apprentice." (Pief Weyman/Briarcliff Entertainment via AP)

This image released by Briarcliff Entertainment shows Maria Bakalova, left, and Sebastian Stan in a scene from the film "The Apprentice." (Pief Weyman/Briarcliff Entertainment via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Renate Reinsve, left, and Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Renate Reinsve, left, and Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows lego characters Pharrell Williams, left, and Gwen Stefani in a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows lego characters Pharrell Williams, left, and Gwen Stefani in a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows writer/director Francis Ford Coppola, left, and actor Adam Driver on the set of "Megalopolis." (Phil Caruso/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows writer/director Francis Ford Coppola, left, and actor Adam Driver on the set of "Megalopolis." (Phil Caruso/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows director Ridley Scott, center, Paul Mescal on the set of "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows director Ridley Scott, center, Paul Mescal on the set of "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows director Jon M. Chu, center, on the set of "Wicked." (Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows director Jon M. Chu, center, on the set of "Wicked." (Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Brad Pitt, left, and George Clooney in a scene from "Wolfs." (Scott Garfield/Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Brad Pitt, left, and George Clooney in a scene from "Wolfs." (Scott Garfield/Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Adam Driver, left, and Nathalie Emmanuel in a scene from "Megalopolis." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Adam Driver, left, and Nathalie Emmanuel in a scene from "Megalopolis." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Walt Disney Animation Studios shows a scene from "Moana 2," expected in theaters November 2024. (Walt Disney Animation Studios via AP)

This image released by Walt Disney Animation Studios shows a scene from "Moana 2," expected in theaters November 2024. (Walt Disney Animation Studios via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

This fall, Hollywood will be trying — with everything from swaggering historical epics like “Gladiator II” to the high-seas adventure of “Moana 2” — to capture the nation’s attention at a time when much of it will be directed at the polls.

Already, Hollywood has played a co-starring role in the election. The Democratic Convention in August was packed with stars like Oprah Winfrey. Republican vice-presidential candidate, JD Vance, was first introduced to many by the 2020 big-screen adaptation of his “Hillbilly Elegy.” And it was George Clooney, who this month stars in the Apple Studios film “Wolfs” alongside Brad Pitt, who was one of the most prominent voices to urge President Joe Biden to step down from the race.

Hollywood, famously progressive, has always had to strike a balance between the liberal leanings of the majority of its creatives with the big-tent demands of pop culture. In recent years, that’s grown increasingly tricky.

At the same time, the movie industry, after several years hobbled by pandemic and strikes, is striving to recapture its all-audiences populism — and all the billions that can come with it. Disney chief Robert A. Iger last year signaled the need “to entertain first,” adding “it’s not about messages.”

This past summer, Disney led Hollywood out of a box-office slump with a pair of billion-earners in “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool vs. Wolverine.” Ticket sales for the summer rose to $3.7 billion, according to Comscore — less than the traditional $4 billion benchmark but significantly better than initially feared after a painfully slow start.

One of the fall’s likeliest candidates to continue the trend is “Moana 2.” Dwayne Johnson, who returns as the voice of Maui, earlier this year said he wouldn’t endorse a candidate in the election out of concern for the division it would cause.

Like many of the films opening this fall, “Moana 2” (opening Nov. 27), as a story about a strong female protagonist and a celebration of Pacific Islander culture, could resonate very differently, depending on the outcome of the election.

“If it resonates for people in a different way, I can’t control that,” says Dana Ledoux Miller, who directed “Moana 2” with David Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand. “I’m so excited about what this story is and what it means to be a person in a community who wants something more for the world they live in and for the future. We’ll see what happens, but the movie is what it is.”

Movies this year have largely only approached political themes from a distance. “Civil War,” by Alex Garland, imagined the U.S. in all-out warfare. “War Game,” directed by Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss, gathered real political figures for an insurrection simulation.

But “The Apprentice ” will offer the movie version of an October surprise. The film, the release of which was announced just last week, stars Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump under the tutelage of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). The Trump campaign has called it “election interference by Hollywood elites.” Its director, Ali Abbasi, argues filmmakers have a responsibility to face current politics head-on.

“I’ve been hearing a lot: Let’s make a movie about the Second World War or the Civil War — just go back in time,” says Abbasi. “They say a Civil War movie is a good metaphor for the way our society is now. I’m like: Our society is extremely exciting, complex, complicated, has huge problems and opportunities. Why not address them? We have a (expletive) responsibility.”

As usual this fall, studios will trot out a new wave of awards contenders. Unlike last year, when Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” came into the season the clear favorite, no such frontrunner has yet emerged. At the Venice, Telluride, Toronto and New York film festivals, notable premieres include Todd Phillips’ anticipated sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Edward Berger’s “Conclave,” Marielle Heller’s “Nightbitch,” Malcolm Washington’s “The Piano Lesson,” Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” and LaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys.”

Standouts from earlier festivals will also mix in, like Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning “Anora” and Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez.” But, at least for now, the Oscar race appears wide open.

“Emilia Pérez,” about a Mexican drug lord who transitions into a woman, is just one of the many musicals landing in theaters. Some studios have recently run from the label of “musical”; last December’s “Wonka” wasn’t advertised as such. But this fall, no matter what’s happening on the news, it won’t be hard to find song and dance on the big screen.

That includes “Joker: Folie à Deux,” “Moana 2” and the two-part adaptation of the Broadway show “Wicked!” — not to mention biopics on Robbie Williams (“Better Man") and Bob Dylan (“A Complete Unknown,” with Timothée Chalamet).

“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt were confident enough in their film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, that they opted to split it into two. (Part two will release in November 2025.) “Wicked,” opening Nov. 22, will open against “Gladiator II” in the fall’s most “Barbeheimer” -like weekend matchup.

“I love at this time, at this moment, we can root for all movies, all the time,” says Chu. “It’s getting to tell people: Come to the movies. Everyone come.”

In “Wicked,” which imagines the story behind the opposing witches of “The Wizard of Oz,” Platt sees a story with plenty of relevance to the current political climate.

“It’s a significant election for both of us," says Platt. “But our story aspires to be about the distance people travel to connect with each other, about seeing the other as not the other, about living in a world where sometimes the truth is not real.”

Some films are taking some novel approaches to storytelling. Morgan Neville’s “Piece by Piece” tells Pharrell Williams’ story with Lego bricks. Robert Zemeckis’ “Here,” starring Tom Hanks, has the appearance of a film shot in one take. In “Better Man,” Williams is portrayed by computer-generated monkey.

In festival screenings of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” midway through the movie a man has walked on stage and addressed a question to the screen. Coppola, who financed the film himself, spent years steadily building “Megalopolis,” a future-set epic about a visionary (Adam Driver). In cynical times, it’s brashly optimistic, even utopian.

“You never turn on CNN or open the newspaper to: ‘Human Being Is an Unbelievable Genius.’ But it’s true. How can you deny it?” Coppola said after the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. “Think of what we can do. A hundred years ago they said man will never fly. Now we’re zooming around. So I ask myself: Why is it that no one dare say how great we are? There’s no problem that we’re facing that we’re not ingenious enough to solve.”

While Coppola was making his conception of a modern-day Roman epic, Scott was a making the genuine article. During the making of “Gladiator II,” Scott — a self-professed news junkie — continually felt that his film was far from ancient history. Russia's war in Ukraine unspooled during the film's making, the director noted.

“You are living during what I call democracy against tyrants, tyranny,” says Scott. “We’re looking in this film as about tyrannical leadership against people who try to rectify that. When is history not about that?”

This image released by Netflix shows Harper Steele, right, and Will Ferrell in a scene from "Will & Harper." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Harper Steele, right, and Will Ferrell in a scene from "Will & Harper." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Natasha Lyonne, from left, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon in a scene from "His Three Daughters." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Natasha Lyonne, from left, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon in a scene from "His Three Daughters." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Orlando Schwerdt, left, and Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Orlando Schwerdt, left, and Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Ariella Glaser in a scene from "White Bird." (Larry Horricks/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Florence Pugh, left, and Andrew Garfield in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Florence Pugh, left, and Andrew Garfield in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Garfield, left, and Florence Pugh in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Garfield, left, and Florence Pugh in a scene from "We Live In Time." (A24 via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows, from left, Kim Matula, as Jane Curtain, Emily Fairn, as Laraine Newman, Gabriel LaBelle, as Lorne Michaels, Rachel Sennott, as Rosie Shuster, and Matt Wood, as John Belushi. (Hopper Stone/Sony Pictures Entertainment via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows, from left, Kim Matula, as Jane Curtain, Emily Fairn, as Laraine Newman, Gabriel LaBelle, as Lorne Michaels, Rachel Sennott, as Rosie Shuster, and Matt Wood, as John Belushi. (Hopper Stone/Sony Pictures Entertainment via AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Michelle Dockery, left, and Mark Wahlberg in a scene from "Flight Risk." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Michelle Dockery, left, and Mark Wahlberg in a scene from "Flight Risk." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures Entertainment shows Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright in a scene from "Here." (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows James McEvoy in a scene from "Speak No Evil." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows James McEvoy in a scene from "Speak No Evil." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Roz, voiced by Lupita N'yongo, left, and Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's "Wild Robot." (DreamWorks Animation/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Roz, voiced by Lupita N'yongo, left, and Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's "Wild Robot." (DreamWorks Animation/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Ariana Granda as Glinda in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Ariana Granda as Glinda in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Kieran Culkin, left, and Jesse Eisenberg in a scene from "A Real Pain." (Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Kieran Culkin, left, and Jesse Eisenberg in a scene from "A Real Pain." (Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, center, in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, center, in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by A24 shows a scene from "Heretic." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows a scene from "Heretic." (A24 via AP)

This image released by Amazon shows Maisy Stella, left, and Aubrey Plaza in a scene from "My Old Ass." (Amazon via AP)

This image released by Amazon shows Maisy Stella, left, and Aubrey Plaza in a scene from "My Old Ass." (Amazon via AP)

This image released by Amazon Prime shows Dwayne Johnson, left, and Chris Evans in a scene from "Red One." (Amazon Prime via AP)

This image released by Amazon Prime shows Dwayne Johnson, left, and Chris Evans in a scene from "Red One." (Amazon Prime via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista, left, and Sofia Boutella in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista, left, and Sofia Boutella in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, left, and Brandy Norwood in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, left, and Brandy Norwood in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Saoirse Ronan, left, and Elliott Heffernan in a scene from "Blitz." (Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Saoirse Ronan, left, and Elliott Heffernan in a scene from "Blitz." (Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, from left, Brandy Norwood, and Kathryn Hunter in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Andrew Burnap, from left, Brandy Norwood, and Kathryn Hunter in a scene from "The Front Room." (A24 via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This cover image released by Lionsgate shows Dave Bautista in a scene from "The Killer's Game." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Disney shows characters Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, center, and Rafiki, voiced by Kagiso Lediga, right, in a scene from "Mufasa: The Lion King." (Disney via AP)

This image released by Disney shows characters Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, center, and Rafiki, voiced by Kagiso Lediga, right, in a scene from "Mufasa: The Lion King." (Disney via AP)

This image released by Briarcliff Entertainment shows Maria Bakalova, left, and Sebastian Stan in a scene from the film "The Apprentice." (Pief Weyman/Briarcliff Entertainment via AP)

This image released by Briarcliff Entertainment shows Maria Bakalova, left, and Sebastian Stan in a scene from the film "The Apprentice." (Pief Weyman/Briarcliff Entertainment via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Renate Reinsve, left, and Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Renate Reinsve, left, and Adam Pearson in a scene from "A Different Man." (Matt Infante/A24 via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows lego characters Pharrell Williams, left, and Gwen Stefani in a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows lego characters Pharrell Williams, left, and Gwen Stefani in a scene from "Piece By Piece." (Focus Features via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows writer/director Francis Ford Coppola, left, and actor Adam Driver on the set of "Megalopolis." (Phil Caruso/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows writer/director Francis Ford Coppola, left, and actor Adam Driver on the set of "Megalopolis." (Phil Caruso/Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows director Ridley Scott, center, Paul Mescal on the set of "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows director Ridley Scott, center, Paul Mescal on the set of "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows director Jon M. Chu, center, on the set of "Wicked." (Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows director Jon M. Chu, center, on the set of "Wicked." (Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Brad Pitt, left, and George Clooney in a scene from "Wolfs." (Scott Garfield/Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Brad Pitt, left, and George Clooney in a scene from "Wolfs." (Scott Garfield/Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Adam Driver, left, and Nathalie Emmanuel in a scene from "Megalopolis." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Lionsgate shows Adam Driver, left, and Nathalie Emmanuel in a scene from "Megalopolis." (Lionsgate via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga in a scene from "Joker: Folie à Deux." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Walt Disney Animation Studios shows a scene from "Moana 2," expected in theaters November 2024. (Walt Disney Animation Studios via AP)

This image released by Walt Disney Animation Studios shows a scene from "Moana 2," expected in theaters November 2024. (Walt Disney Animation Studios via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate quickly confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state Monday, voting unanimously to give President Donald Trump the first member of his new Cabinet on Inauguration Day.

Rubio, the Republican senator from Florida, is among the least controversial of Trump’s nominees and vote was decisive, 99-0. Another pick, John Ratcliffe for CIA director, is also expected to have a swift vote, as soon as Tuesday. Action on others, including former combat veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, is possible later in the week.

“Marco Rubio is a very intelligent man with a remarkable understanding of American foreign policy,” Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the senior-most Republican, said as the chamber opened.

It’s often tradition for the Senate to convene immediately after the ceremonial pomp of the inauguration to begin putting the new president’s team in place, particularly the national security officials. During Trump’s first term, the Senate swiftly confirmed his defense and homeland security secretaries on day one, and President Joe Biden’s choice for director of national intelligence was confirmed on his own Inauguration Day.

With Trump’s return to the White House, and his Republican Party controlling majorities in Congress, his outsider Cabinet choices are more clearly falling into place, despite initial skepticism and opposition from both sides of the aisle.

Rubio, who was surrounded by colleagues in the Senate chamber, said afterward he feels “good, but there’s a lot of work ahead.”

“It’s an important job in an important time, and I’m honored by it,” Rubio said.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune moved quickly Monday, announcing he expected voting to begin “imminently” on Trump’s nominees.

Democrats have calculated it's better for them to be seen as more willing to work with Trump, rather than simply mounting a blockade to his nominees. They're holding their opposition for some of his other picks who have less support, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said his party will “neither rubber-stamp nominees we feel are grossly unqualified, nor oppose nominees that deserve serious consideration.”

Rubio, he said, is an example of "a qualified nominee we think should be confirmed quickly."

Senate committees have been holding lengthy confirmation hearings on more than a dozen of the Cabinet nominees, with more to come this week. And several panels are expected to meet late Monday to begin voting to advance the nominees to the full Senate for confirmation.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously advanced Rubio's nomination late Monday. The Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Intelligence Committee, respectively, voted to move the nominations of Hegseth and Ratcliffe. And the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee advanced nominees Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary and Russell Vought as director of the Office of Management and Budget, but with opposition.

Rubio, a well-liked senator and former Trump rival during the 2016 presidential race, has drawn closer to the president in recent years. He appeared last week to answer questions before the Foreign Relations Committee, where he has spent more than a decade as a member.

As secretary of state, Rubio would be the nation’s top diplomat, and the first Latino to hold the position. Born in Miami to Cuban immigrants, he has long been involved in foreign affairs, particularly in South America, and has emerged as a hawk on China’s rise.

During his confirmation hearing last week, Rubio warned of the consequences of America’s “unbalanced relationship” with China. While he echoes Trump’s anti-globalist rhetoric, Rubio is also seen as an internationalist who understands the power of U.S. involvement on the global stage.

Rubio cultivated bipartisan support from across the aisle, both Republicans and Democrats. He takes over for outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has said he hopes the Trump administration continues Biden's policies in the Middle East to end the war in Gaza and to help Ukraine counter Russian nomination.

The Senate is split 53-47, but the resignation of Vice President JD Vance and, soon, Rubio drops the GOP majority further until their successors arrive. Republicans need almost all every party member in line to overcome Democratic opposition to nominees.

Objection from any one senator, as is expected with Hegseth and several other choices, would force the Senate into procedural steps that would drag voting later into the week.

Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, pose for a photo at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. First row from left, Elise Stefanik, John Ratcliffe, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Howard Lutnick, Pete Hegseth, Doug Burgum, Brooke L. Rollins, Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; second row from left, Scott Turner, Tulsi Gabbard, Sean Duffy, Linda McMahon, Lee Zeldin, Kristi Noem, Chris Wright, Doug Collins, Kelly Loeffler and Scott Bessent; and third row from left, Stephen Miran, Jamieson Greer, Kevin Hassett, Kash Patel and Russell Vought. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, pose for a photo at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. First row from left, Elise Stefanik, John Ratcliffe, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Howard Lutnick, Pete Hegseth, Doug Burgum, Brooke L. Rollins, Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; second row from left, Scott Turner, Tulsi Gabbard, Sean Duffy, Linda McMahon, Lee Zeldin, Kristi Noem, Chris Wright, Doug Collins, Kelly Loeffler and Scott Bessent; and third row from left, Stephen Miran, Jamieson Greer, Kevin Hassett, Kash Patel and Russell Vought. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a nominee for Secretary of State, attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a nominee for Secretary of State, attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

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