Is Bombshell a True Story? Cast, Plot, Trailer, and More
by Sharmila | Updated Jul 26, 2023
Is Bombshell a True Story?
Yes, Bombshell is based on a true story. The biographical drama is inspired by the real-life sexual harassment allegations brought against Roger Ailes, the former chief executive and chairman of Fox News. The film portrays the events that unfolded in July 2016 when Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News anchor, filed a lawsuit against Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace. The lawsuit prompted a headline-making sexual harassment scandal that ultimately led to Ailes's resignation from the network.
In the movie, Charlize Theron portrays Megyn Kelly, another prominent anchor on Fox News at the time, while Nicole Kidman plays Gretchen Carlson. Margot Robbie's character, Kayla Pospisil, is a fictional representation of a new employee on the channel who experiences sexual harassment in the workplace.
After Carlson's lawsuit, other women at Fox News also came forward, both publicly and anonymously, sharing their experiences of sexual harassment and intimidation at the network. The film depicts the internal and external pressures faced by these women as they confronted a powerful and influential figure like Ailes.
The allegations made by Carlson and the subsequent revelations from other women led to Ailes's resignation from Fox News. The network settled Carlson's lawsuit for a reported $20 million and issued a public apology.
While Bombshell takes some creative liberties and includes fictionalized elements, it is grounded in real events and aims to shed light on the sexual harassment culture at Fox News during that time. The movie's portrayal of the women's experiences, the internal struggles they faced, and the impact of their actions on the network aligns with the factual events that unfolded during the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News in 2016.
Bombshell offers a glimpse into the real-life challenges and bravery displayed by the women who came forward to expose the sexual harassment at Fox News, contributing to the larger conversation surrounding workplace harassment and gender equality.
Bombshell Movie
Bombshell is a 2019 drama film that sheds light on the real-life events surrounding the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News in 2016. Directed by Jay Roach and written by Charles Randolph, the movie delves into the courageous efforts of the women at Fox News who came forward to expose the misconduct of the network's CEO, Roger Ailes.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Charlize Theron portraying Megyn Kelly, Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, and Margot Robbie as a fictional composite character named Kayla Pospisil. These three talented actresses take on the roles of the main protagonists, each representing real women who faced harassment and abuse in the workplace.
At the heart of Bombshell lies the disturbing story of Roger Ailes, portrayed by John Lithgow. Ailes was a powerful media executive known for his influence at Fox News. The film illustrates how he abused his position of authority to subject female employees to sexual harassment, creating a toxic work environment. The brave actions of Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson, in particular, marked the beginning of the downfall of Ailes.
While Megyn Kelly was already a prominent anchor at Fox News, Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News host, played a crucial role in the unfolding of events. She filed a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination, which eventually paved the way for other women to share their own experiences.
Margot Robbie's character, Kayla Pospisil, represents a fictional composite character of a young ambitious woman who experiences harassment at Fox News. Her storyline highlights the pressure and internal conflict faced by women who were afraid to come forward due to fear of losing their jobs or damaging their careers.
Throughout "Bombshell," the film portrays the complex dynamics within Fox News, where loyalty to the network often conflicted with the need to address and condemn harassment. The supporting cast, including Kate McKinnon, Connie Britton, Malcolm McDowell, and Allison Janney, add depth and authenticity to the narrative, portraying colleagues and figures involved in the unfolding scandal.
The film doesn't shy away from depicting the emotional and psychological toll experienced by the women as they grappled with the decision to speak out against such a powerful figure in the media industry. It also shines a light on the system that enabled and covered up the misconduct for years.
Bombshell received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and its exploration of a relevant and important social issue. Charlize Theron's portrayal of Megyn Kelly, in particular, was widely praised, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
By shedding light on the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News and the brave actions of the women who sought justice, Bombshell serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and standing up for one's rights in the workplace. The film contributes to the ongoing conversation about workplace harassment and the need for change in corporate culture to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees.
Bombshell Trailer
Bombshell Cast
Actor
Character
Charlize Theron
Megyn Kelly
Nicole Kidman
Gretchen Carlson
Margot Robbie
Kayla Pospisil
John Lithgow
Roger Ailes
Kate McKinnon
Jess Carr
Connie Britton
Beth Ailes
Malcolm McDowell
Rupert Murdoch
Allison Janney
Susan Estrich
Rob Delaney
Gil Norman
Mark Duplass
Douglas Brunt
Liv Hewson
Lily Balin
Brigette Lundy-Paine
Julia Clarke
Richard Kind
Rudy Giuliani
Stephen Root
Neil Mullin
Mark Moses
Bill Shine
Holland Taylor
Faye
Brooke Smith
Irena Brighanti
Ben Lawson
Lachlan Murdoch
Josh Lawson
James Murdoch
Alanna Ubach
Jeanine Pirro
Bree Condon
Kimberly Guilfoyle
Kevin Dorff
Bill O'Reilly
Michael Buie
Bret Baier
Marc Evan Jackson
Chris Wallace
Anne Ramsay
Greta Van Susteren
Jennifer Morrison
Juliet Huddy
Ashley Greene
Abby Huntsman
Lisa Canning
Harris Faulkner
Elisabeth Röhm
Martha MacCallum
Alice Eve
Ainsley Earhardt
P. J. Byrne
Neil Cavuto
Tony Plana
Geraldo Rivera
Donald Trump
Himself (archive footage)
Bombshell Where to Watch?
Bombshell is available for streaming on Lionsgate Play, which means you can watch the movie if you have a subscription to that streaming service.
Additionally, you have the option to purchase Bombshell on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, allowing you to download and own the movie permanently.
If you prefer to watch it without owning it, you can also rent Bombshell on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, where you have a limited period to watch the movie after renting it.
Here are the options summarized:
Lionsgate Play: You can stream Bombshell on Lionsgate Play if you have a subscription to the service.
Purchase:
Apple TV: You can buy Bombshell on Apple TV, and it will be added to your digital library for permanent access.
Google Play Movies: You have the option to purchase Bombshell on Google Play Movies, and it will be available in your library for unlimited viewing.
YouTube: You can buy Bombshell on YouTube, and it will be added to your collection for ongoing access.
Rent:
Apple TV: If you choose to rent Bombshell on Apple TV, you will have a limited rental period to watch the movie before it expires.
Google Play Movies: Renting Bombshell on Google Play Movies gives you a specific rental period during which you can watch the movie.
YouTube: Renting Bombshell on YouTube allows you to watch the movie for a designated rental duration.
Keep in mind that the availability of Bombshell on these platforms may vary based on your geographical location and the licensing agreements in place. It's always a good idea to check the respective platforms to see if the movie is available for streaming, purchase, or rental in your region.
Bombshell Plot
Bombshell is a gripping drama that portrays the real-life events surrounding the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News in 2016. The film revolves around three prominent women on the network: Megyn Kelly, Gretchen Carlson, and a fictional character named Kayla Pospisil. These women courageously take on the toxic work environment and abuse of power perpetuated by the network's CEO, Roger Ailes.
The story begins after Megyn Kelly co-moderates the 2016 Republican debate, during which she confronts Donald Trump about his offensive comments toward women. Trump's negative reaction leads to a barrage of insults directed at Kelly.
As a result, she faces immense pressure, death threats, and unwanted paparazzi attention. Under the network's influence, Kelly eventually attempts to reconcile with Trump, highlighting the challenging position she finds herself in as a prominent anchor dealing with powerful figures in politics and media.
Meanwhile, Gretchen Carlson, a co-anchor of the popular show "Fox and Friends," faces a demotion and removal from the show. She becomes the target of sexist comments, both on and off the air, including harassment from Roger Ailes, the CEO of Fox News. Carlson meets with lawyers, Nancy Smith and Neil Mullin, who inform her that her contract prevents her from suing the network. However, they advise her to sue Ailes personally, setting the stage for her legal battle against the powerful executive.
Kayla Pospisil, a new employee at Fox News, faces sexual harassment from Ailes on her first day on "The O'Reilly Factor." She confides in a female colleague, Jess Carr, but Carr declines to get involved, leaving Pospisil feeling isolated and vulnerable.
The situation escalates as Carlson is fired, ostensibly due to her support for the federal assault weapons ban. In response, she decides to sue Ailes for sexual harassment, which garners significant media attention. Kelly, who had her own experiences with Ailes at the beginning of her career at Fox, admits to her core team that she was also sexually harassed by Ailes.
As more women come forward with accusations against Ailes, Kelly starts to investigate further, finding other victims at the network. She connects with Pospisil, and the two women share their stories. Kelly advises Pospisil to come forward, leading her to confront Ailes and make her own allegations public. Carlson, aware of the evidence she has gathered, informs Ailes about the recorded conversations supporting her claims but deliberately withholds them from Ailes's lawyers to weaken his credibility.
The pressure mounts and the scandal reaches a tipping point when Fox co-creator Rupert Murdoch decides to fire Ailes. Ailes settles Carlson's lawsuit for $20 million and an apology from Fox, but a non-disclosure agreement is included in the agreement. Fox eventually compensates victims of sexual harassment with $50 million, while Ailes and O'Reilly receive $65 million in severance.
Bombshell presents a compelling and emotionally charged narrative that exposes the toxic culture of sexual harassment and abuse of power within Fox News. Through the brave actions of Megyn Kelly, Gretchen Carlson, and Kayla Pospisil, the film sheds light on the importance of speaking out against harassment and seeking justice in the face of powerful adversaries. The story serves as a reminder of the need for systemic change to ensure safe and respectful work environments for all employees, regardless of their position or gender.
Is Bombshell a True Story - FAQ
Yes, "Bombshell" is based on a true story. The biographical drama is inspired by the real-life sexual harassment allegations brought against Roger Ailes, the former CEO and chairman of Fox News. The film portrays the events that unfolded in July 2016 when Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News anchor, filed a lawsuit against Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace.
The main characters in "Bombshell" include real-life figures such as Megyn Kelly, portrayed by Charlize Theron; Gretchen Carlson, portrayed by Nicole Kidman; and the fictional composite character Kayla Pospisil, portrayed by Margot Robbie. John Lithgow plays the role of Roger Ailes, the former CEO of Fox News.
"Bombshell" revolves around the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News in 2016. The film follows the experiences of Megyn Kelly, Gretchen Carlson, and Kayla Pospisil as they confront the toxic work environment and abuse of power perpetuated by Roger Ailes. The women's courageous actions lead to Ailes's resignation and a legal battle against him and the network.
"Bombshell" received critical acclaim and several award nominations. Charlize Theron was nominated for Best Actress, and Margot Robbie received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars. The film itself was nominated for Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling.
"Bombshell" is available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. If you prefer to own the movie, you can buy it on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Alternatively, you can rent "Bombshell" on these platforms for a limited viewing period. Availability may vary based on your location and the licensing agreements in place.