Marvel stars join global appeal for release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti
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More than 20 actors associated with Marvel films and related franchises have joined an international campaign seeking the release of jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who has been in Israeli custody since 2002.
The “Free Marwan Now” initiative, led by Barghouti’s family and supporters, has drawn endorsements from over 200 personalities from cinema, music, literature and other cultural spheres.
In a joint statement, the signatories voiced concern over Barghouti’s continued incarceration, alleging that he has faced violent treatment in prison and has been denied legal protections.
“We call upon the United Nations and the Governments of the World to actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison,” the statement said.
Those supporting the campaign include Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Tatiana Maslany, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Don Cheadle and Daniel Brühl, all of whom have featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Other actors to back the appeal are Rebecca Hall, Zawe Ashton, May Calamawy, Emma Corrin and Kingsley Ben-Adir. Signatories from Marvel-linked productions also include Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellen, Brian Cox, Elliot Page, Jason Flemyng, Riz Ahmed, Dan Stevens and Rob Delaney.
Barghouti, 67, is a senior leader of Fatah and remains one of the most influential political figures in Palestine despite spending more than two decades in an Israeli prison.
Israeli forces detained him during the Second Intifada in 2002. An Israeli court sentenced him in 2004 to five life terms and an additional 40 years after convicting him in connection with attacks that killed five people. Barghouti has denied the accusations.
His supporters regard him as a possible future successor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, while opinion surveys have repeatedly indicated his continuing popularity among Palestinians.
The campaign has said Barghouti has been held in solitary confinement since 2023. Palestinian prisoner-rights organisations have also raised concerns about his health and treatment in Israeli custody.
In August 2025, footage emerged showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confronting Barghouti inside a prison. The video, one of the few public images of him in recent years, showed him appearing visibly frail.
Barghouti was among the prisoners Hamas sought to include in proposed exchanges with Israel. Israeli authorities, however, have repeatedly ruled out his release.