The Ben Shapiro Show

Episode 2377: Yes, We’re Making a Movie With JONATHAN MAJORS
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Ben Shapiro (Daily Wire)

Episode Overview

In this fast-moving, news-heavy episode, Ben Shapiro unveils a major announcement: the Daily Wire is producing a new action movie starring Jonathan Majors, the former Marvel star. Shapiro dives deep into the controversy surrounding Majors, the latest culture war battles in Hollywood, shifting political dynamics in California and Texas, developments in the Middle East, and media industry upheavals. The episode features critiques of left-wing dominance in media and politics, condemnation of conspiratorial thinking on the right, and in-depth discussion on the DOJ's civil rights actions.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Daily Wire’s Jonathan Majors Movie Announcement

• Shapiro confirms rumors that Jonathan Majors, who faced a turbulent period after Hollywood canceled him, is starring in a new Daily Wire action film.
• He addresses the backlash from the left and defends the company's dedication to uncanceling talent.
• Shapiro emphasizes the importance of cultural engagement for conservatives.

Memorable Quote:
“We are proud to be working with Jonathan. Not just that, folks. This movie that we are producing with Jonathan, it is going to explode brains. It is audacious and it is radical and it is unbelievable.”
— Ben Shapiro [05:56]

Timestamps:

• [02:30] Announcement of Jonathan Majors' involvement
• [03:49] Majors’ Hollywood history recap by unidentified commentator
• [05:39] Shapiro’s rationale for working with “canceled” figures

2. Cancel Culture and Conservative Cultural Projects

• References previous Daily Wire moves, including working with Gina Carano and Roseanne Barr, both of whom had been targets of cancel culture.
• Argues that left-wing outrage is less about past controversies and more about conservatives entering and succeeding in traditionally left-leaning spaces.

Memorable Quote:
“They don't want people who are not radically of the left playing in their spaces. They don't like it at all. Which is precisely why we are doing it.”
— Ben Shapiro [09:14]

3. Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Power Struggles

• Discusses Netflix bowing out of a bid to acquire Warner Brothers, with Paramount stepping in with a higher offer.
• Critiques “cultural dominance” aspirations of the left and the reaction to these business moves, likening it to similar outrage at the Majors movie news.

Timestamps:

• [08:07] Netflix & Warner Brothers bidding war
• [10:14] Leftist anger about right-of-center ownership in traditional media

4. California Politics & National Left-Wing Discourse

• Shapiro lampoons California and Governor Gavin Newsom, criticizing recent statements about the state being “born of genocide.”
• Plays a clip of Newsom elaborating on this (and admitting he doesn’t know the legal definition of genocide).
• Bemoans the lack of “normalcy” in contemporary politics—left and right.

Quote:
“Gavin Newsom has more political positions than the Kama Sutra.”
— Ben Shapiro [13:55]

Timestamps:

• [15:28] Newsom on California “born of genocide"
• [16:29] Newsom struggling with definitions

5. Democratic Primary Chaos & Elevation of Extreme Candidates

• Focus on Texas: Jasmine Crockett leads James Talarico; Shapiro argues this exemplifies Democrats nominating “nut jobs.”
• Cardi B stumps for Crockett; Shapiro mocks this celebrity involvement.

Timestamps:

• [18:18] Ayanna Pressley on ICE vs KKK
• [19:05] Texas Democratic primary breakdown and Cardi B’s endorsement

6. The Silliness and Extremes of Modern Politics

• Trump’s meetings with New York politicians like Zoran Mamdani, and alleged pandering over ICE cases and housing projects.
• Criticizes government waste, bureaucratic inefficiency, and normalization of radicals.
• Compares left and right extremes in political and cultural commentary, from defacing Churchill statues in the UK to conspiratorial right-wing attacks in the US.

Timestamps:

• [24:29] NYC issues, Mamdani-Trump meetings
• [37:46] On manipulation accusations toward Trump

7. Calling Out Right-Wing Conspiracies: The Charlie Kirk Case

• Praises Daily Wire contributor Matt Walsh for debunking conspiracy theories spread by Candace Owens about the widow of Charlie Kirk.
• Emphasizes the importance of resisting conspiracy culture, even within conservative circles.

Quotes:
“Matt, of course, saying the obvious here, but we live in an era where saying the obvious requires some measure of actual courage.”
— Ben Shapiro [28:14]

“There isn’t any evidence, actual positive evidence, that Erica has committed any crime…All you’re doing is nitpicking a widow. That would seem to be the more salient fact.”
— Matt Walsh [29:12]

8. Middle East: US-Iran Tensions and Israel

• Reports on potential for escalated conflict; US Embassy in Israel tells staff to consider leaving due to strike threats.
• Clarifies timeline and rationale behind US and Israeli actions, rejecting the narrative that Trump is manipulated by outside forces like Netanyahu.

Quotes:
“The President will make whatever decision he makes…I may agree with it, I may disagree with it, but it’s the President who’s going to be making that decision, not anybody else.”
— Ben Shapiro [37:46]

Timestamps:

• [30:23] Walsh's statement transitions to international news
• [32:07] US-Iran-Israel context and analysis
• [37:45] Critique of “manipulation” accusations

9. Civil Rights: DOJ Action Against University of California (UCLA)

• Interview with Assistant Attorney General Harmony Dhillon about DOJ’s Title VII lawsuit against UCLA over anti-Semitism and hostile work environment.
• Dhillon details widespread failures by the university and the DOJ’s broader anti-fraud efforts.

Quotes:
“Faculty, employees…have had to labor under these conditions where there are swastikas that are painted on their stuff and anti-Semitic slurs. And the lack of discipline is something that creates a hostile work environment…”
— Harmony Dhillon [43:24]

Timestamps:

• [43:07] Interview with Harmony Dhillon
• [44:49] Analysis of left/right double standards in civil rights enforcement

10. Hillary Clinton, Congressional Hearings, and Political "Own Goals"

• Shapiro argues Republicans erred by calling Hillary Clinton to testify on Epstein, as Clinton “outplayed” the committee with a composed, witty performance.
• Warns that such moves set bad precedents for Republicans if Democrats reclaim Congress.

Quotes:
“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. We’ll see where it goes from here.”
— Ben Shapiro [53:33]

Timestamps:

• [48:57] Commentary on Clinton hearing
• [51:47] Clinton’s denials on Epstein
• [52:24] Pizzagate, UFOs, and the dangers of “clownish” politics

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “They don't want people who are not radically of the left playing in their spaces…which is precisely why we are doing it.” [09:14]
• “Gavin Newsom has more political positions than the Kama Sutra.” [13:55]
• “Matt, of course, saying the obvious here, but we live in an era where saying the obvious requires some measure of actual courage.” [28:14]
• “The President will make whatever decision he makes…I may agree with it, I may disagree with it, but it’s the President who’s going to be making that decision, not anybody else.” [37:46]
• “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” [53:33]

Segment Highlights with Timestamps

• Jonathan Majors Movie Announcement: [02:30]–[05:56]
• Hollywood Cancel Culture: [05:39]–[09:14]
• Paramount/Netflix Bid for Warner Brothers: [08:07]–[12:17]
• Gavin Newsom, Genocide, California Leftism: [15:28]–[16:47]
• Texas Democratic Primary & Cardi B: [19:05]–[21:40]
• Candace Owens vs. Matt Walsh over Erica Kirk: [27:11]–[30:23]
• Middle East/Iran/Israel Tensions: [32:07]–[37:46]
• Defacing Churchill Statue & Left-Right Horseshoe: [39:15]–[41:12]
• Harmony Dhillon DOJ Interview: [43:07]–[48:55]
• Hillary Clinton on Epstein, "Own Goals": [48:57]–[53:33]

Tone & Takeaways

Ben Shapiro's tone is relentless, rapid-fire, and sarcastic, mixing biting humor with uncompromising conservative analysis. He skewers both left and right for hypocrisy and extremism, repeatedly calling for a return to civility and common sense. The episode is rich with pop culture, political, and international coverage, featuring precise breakdowns, scathing critique, and callouts of notable public figures across the spectrum.