Shailene Woodley, Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Celebrities and Political Engagement in Election Years

The upcoming film Killer Heat on Prime Video brings Shailene Woodley and Joseph Gordon-Levitt back together on screen, eight years after their work in Snowden.

Woodley, who stars in the film noir thriller debuting on September 26, says it’s exactly the kind of movie she enjoys watching right now.

According to Woodley, “People are really responding to joy and adventure in movies these days.” As election season heats up, the conversation around the influence of celebrity endorsements remains a hot topic.

Both Woodley and Gordon-Levitt acknowledge their public platform and feel a certain level of responsibility to use it wisely.

Gordon-Levitt states, “It’s understandable when people say, ‘Just because someone is famous doesn’t mean we should care about their political views,’ and I agree with that.”

He goes on to say, “However, in a democracy, everyone should feel free to share their views. It’s not about someone’s fame but whether what they say resonates. I do feel a certain responsibility to share what I believe, and it’s up to others to decide if it speaks to them.”

Woodley echoes his sentiments, adding her own perspective.

“It’s not about people listening to us because we’re in movies, but because we’re individuals who care about the world we live in, just like everyone else,” Woodley says.

She continues, “There’s no agenda behind using our platform; it’s simply part of our reality. And with that comes the responsibility to be honest without feeling pressured or judged.”

In Killer Heat, Woodley’s character turns to a private investigator, played by Gordon-Levitt, to look into her brother-in-law’s mysterious death.

The film joins other recent projects like The Perfect Couple and Blink Twice in exploring themes of wealthy families, secrets, and power struggles, which Woodley believes attracts viewers because “it’s just good fun.”

“At the moment, I’m drawn to content that’s thrilling but doesn’t leave me feeling down. I want entertainment with a bit of intrigue,” she says.

Gordon-Levitt agrees, adding, “There’s something deeply satisfying about a classic detective story. Audiences have loved these kinds of films for years, and that’s not going to change.”

Killer Heat will be available to stream on Prime Video starting September 26.