Dallas Sonnier, producer of the new Daily Wire film "Run Hide Fight: Infidels," stated that the production team exhausted their supply of squibs—small explosive charges used for bullet hits in action scenes—due to the volume of effects required. Speaking in an interview with Daily Wire CEO Ben Domenech, Sonnier described the film as a return to high-energy, practical-effects-driven action cinema, distinguishing it from what he characterized as the current trend of ideologically cautious blockbusters.
The film’s narrative premise was developed following a conversation between Sonnier, Domenech, Daily Wire CEO Mike Richards, and director Kyle Rankin. According to Sonnier, the concept was inspired by recent student protests at Columbia University, specifically focusing on the counter-protesters who sought to continue their education without interruption. The project aims to replicate the success of the original "Run Hide Fight" by expanding its scale and scope for the Daily Wire streaming platform.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative voices, including those within the Daily Wire leadership, frame the film as a necessary corrective to an industry they describe as "banal, lifeless, and cater[ing] to ideology." Sonnier argued that modern Hollywood blockbusters have been "dumbed down" due to fears of offending international markets, particularly China, and domestic social groups. He emphasized that "Infidels" is designed to be an "’80s or ’90s action movie" that avoids "quota systems or DEI" mandates, aiming for entertainment value through practical effects and straightforward storytelling.
The right-side perspective highlights the commercial success of the original "Run Hide Fight" on the Daily Wire platform as evidence of audience demand for non-ideological, high-octane entertainment. Sonnier noted that the film’s genesis came from a desire to "go bigger and better" than the predecessor, leveraging the popularity of the counter-protest movement among conservative viewers. The use of practical effects, such as the extensive squibs, is presented as a marker of authenticity and craftsmanship, contrasting with what critics view as the over-reliance on CGI and sanitized narratives in mainstream cinema.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics and industry observers often argue that films explicitly framed as reactions to contemporary social movements risk prioritizing political messaging over artistic merit. The focus on counter-protesters at Columbia University highlights a cultural divide regarding the nature of campus activism. Critics from the left may view the film’s premise as a simplification of complex student-led movements, suggesting that the narrative structure serves to validate a specific political viewpoint rather than explore the multifaceted issues raised by the protests.
Furthermore, the decision to produce content specifically for a partisan media platform like Daily Wire is seen by some cultural commentators as indicative of a broader fragmentation in the entertainment industry. They argue that this approach creates echo chambers where art is commissioned to reinforce existing beliefs, potentially limiting the reach and nuanced discussion of social issues like those surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and campus free speech debates.
What the Numbers Show
The interview does not provide specific box office or streaming metrics for "Run Hide Fight: Infidels," as the film is in a promotional phase. However, it references the success of the original "Run Hide Fight," which Sonnier stated performed "so well on the platform." The discussion cites Chris Fenton’s book regarding Hollywood’s pivot to the Chinese market approximately ten years ago, suggesting a period where major studios altered content to secure box office returns in China. The producer noted that Daily Wire’s current business model focuses on "building up the Daily Wire streamer" and acquiring subscribers, rather than competing for traditional theatrical box office dominance.
The mention of "so many squibs we ran out" serves as a qualitative data point regarding the production’s commitment to practical effects. While no specific number of squibs used was disclosed, the statement implies a high volume of action sequences requiring physical pyrotechnics. The film’s development involved key Daily Wire figures: Ben Shapiro, Mike Richards, and Ben Domenech, alongside director Kyle Rankin, indicating a centralized creative control structure typical of niche media productions.
The Bottom Line
The production of "Run Hide Fight: Infidels" illustrates the strategic shift of conservative media companies into film production, leveraging specific cultural moments—such as the Columbia University protests—to drive content creation. The emphasis on practical effects and a rejection of perceived ideological constraints in Hollywood signals a targeted appeal to audiences dissatisfied with mainstream studio output. As the film moves toward release, its reception will serve as a barometer for the viability of the Daily Wire’s entertainment strategy, which prioritizes subscriber growth and brand loyalty over broad theatrical appeal. The exhaustion of squib supplies underscores the production's adherence to a traditional, effects-heavy action aesthetic, positioning it as a deliberate counter-programming to contemporary cinematic trends.