Marvel actors call for release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti
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A group of prominent actors with ties to Marvel and other major franchises has publicly called for the release of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, amplifying an international campaign that has drawn support from more than 200 cultural figures.
In a statement shared widely on social media, including by the Free Marwan Now campaign (which is spearheaded by Bargouti’s family), the actors expressed “grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned.”
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They urged the United Nations and governments worldwide “to actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison.”
Signatories highlighted in the recent posts include Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Don Cheadle, Hugo Weaving, Daniel Brühl, Rebecca Hall, Sir Ian McKellen, Brian Cox, Riz Ahmed, Elliot Page and others associated with Marvel or high-profile film work.
Barghouti, a longtime Fatah figure often described by supporters as a potential unifying leader and sometimes compared to Nelson Mandela, has been held in ‘Israeli’ prisons since his 2002 arrest.
An ‘Israeli’ court sentenced him in 2004 to five life terms plus additional years for his role in attacks during the Second Intifada that killed five ‘Israelis’.
He has denied the charges, rejecting the court’s legitimacy, while remaining a consistently popular figure in Palestinian opinion polls as a possible future president.
The broader Free Marwan campaign, launched by his family and supporters in late 2025, has attracted a wide range of public figures.
Earlier signatories included writers Margaret Atwood and Annie Ernaux, musicians Sting, Paul Simon, Brian Eno and Annie Lennox, actor Stephen Fry, broadcaster Gary Lineker, and entrepreneur Richard Branson.
Campaign organizers and supporters argue his release could open pathways toward Palestinian unity and renewed prospects for a political resolution.
Musician Brian Eno has stated: “History shows us that cultural voices can shift the course of politics. Just as global solidarity helped free Nelson Mandela, we all have the power to accelerate the day that Marwan Barghouti walks free. His release would mark a turning point in this long struggle and bring much-needed hope to all of us.”
Nobel laureate Annie Ernaux has described Barghouti as embodying “the possibility of peace which Netanyahu refuses.” Actor Brian Cox has also pointed to alleged mistreatment in prison.
‘Israeli’ authorities and critics reject the campaign’s framing, emphasizing Barghouti’s conviction for involvement in alleged “terrorism” and viewing him as a security risk.
Successive ‘Israeli’ governments have declined to include him in prisoner exchanges.
Supporters of the petition counter that his prolonged detention and reported conditions raise serious human-rights concerns.
The campaign has continued into 2026 with public actions, including projections of Barghouti’s image near the Eiffel Tower in Paris in July.
