Kristen Stewart Revives Historic Theatre Amid Hollywood Uncertainty

Kristen Stewart has made a surprising career move by purchasing the historic Highland Theatre in Los Angeles’ Highland Park neighborhood. This acquisition comes amidst her recent comments about the uncertain state of the American film industry under Donald Trump‘s influence. The actress and filmmaker aims to breathe new life into the nearly century-old cinema, which closed its doors last year due to the pandemic’s impact on the industry.

Revitalizing a Historic Landmark

The Highland Theatre, which first opened in 1925, was designed by architect Lewis Arthur Smith. It became a casualty of the evolving cinematic landscape, with former owner Dan Akarakian confirming its closure to the Los Angeles Times in March 2024 due to a failure to recover business levels seen prior to 2020. Stewart’s plans for the theatre go beyond mere renovation; she envisions it as a vibrant community hub for both filmmakers and audiences.

In an interview with Architectural Digest, Stewart expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I didn’t realize I was looking for a theater until this place came to my attention. Then it was like a gunshot went off and the race was on. I ran toward it with everything I had.” She emphasized her fascination with old theatres, remarking, “I always want to see what mysteries they hold.”

A Vision for Community and Culture

Stewart described the renovation as an opportunity to create a space that fosters collaboration and creativity. “This project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward,” she said. “We want to make it a family affair, something for the community.” She envisions the theatre as an antidote to the corporate influences she feels have compromised the film industry.

Stewart aims to restore the theatre’s historic details while integrating new ideas to benefit the local film community. “There are so many beautiful details that need to be restored. There’s a way to bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history but also brings something new to the neighborhood,” she explained. Her passion for redefining Hollywood’s future has surfaced frequently during her promotional efforts for her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, which is based on Lidia Yuknavitch‘s memoir.

During her discussions about the industry, Stewart highlighted the necessity for broader representation and innovation, stating, “The narrow path that’s been forged has to be broadened, not by tokenized diversity but by doing things really differently.” She expressed concern about the current trajectory of filmmaking, emphasizing that “we can’t keep making the same movie over and over again.”

Stewart joins a growing number of filmmakers who are committed to preserving Los Angeles’ cinematic heritage. Notable figures like Quentin Tarantino, who owns the New Beverly Cinema and the Vista Theatre, are also investing in this cultural preservation.

In recent interviews, Stewart has voiced apprehension about continuing her career in the United States, particularly citing Trump’s rhetoric and proposed policies that could impact the film industry. In a conversation with the Sunday Times, she expressed her uncertainty about remaining in America, stating, “Probably not. I can’t work freely there.” This sentiment resonates with her fears regarding Trump’s proposal for a 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S., which he labeled a national security threat.

Despite her concerns about working in America, Stewart clarified her commitment to American audiences. “I don’t want to give up completely. I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people,” she quipped, indicating her desire to maintain connections with her home audience.

Stewart’s complex history with Trump dates back to 2012, when he publicly criticized her during her breakup with Robert Pattinson. This history adds another layer to her current sentiments about the film industry and the political climate in the U.S. Reflecting on this past, Stewart described Trump’s obsession with her as “f***ing crazy,” illustrating the unusual nature of their dynamic.

As Kristen Stewart embarks on this new chapter, her commitment to revitalizing the Highland Theatre signals a hopeful vision for the future of cinema in Los Angeles, blending history with innovative ideas that aim to engage the community.