Re-release of Reagan Movie Features Unseen Footage and Iconic Speech

The re-release of the Reagan movie features a significant addition: a famous line from the 40th president, Ronald Reagan. This line was excluded from the original release. In the added clip, Dennis Quaid, portraying President Reagan, delivers a speech to the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

In his speech, Reagan acknowledges the contributions of workers and urges them to help rebuild the nation. He states, “You and your forebearers helped build this nation. Now help us rebuild it. And together, we will make America great again.” This speech, famously delivered by Reagan, became a campaign slogan during his 1980 presidential bid.

President Ronald Reagan giving a speech in the Oval Office of the White House. The 40th president was the subject of a 2024 biopic that’s being re-released this year.

Director Sean McNamara explained that the initial release omitted this moment due to the election year context. The concern was to avoid any perception of electioneering. This year, the inclusion of the line serves a commemorative purpose. The phrase, used by presidents from both parties, is reintroduced as part of Reagan’s legacy, particularly resonating due to its reuse in modern political campaigns.

The special edition of Reagan, including 10 minutes of previously unseen footage, will premiere on September 25, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. There will be limited audience screenings in various cities on July 4, before expanding to 600 theaters nationwide in September. Additional scenes feature moments with Reagan’s wife Nancy in the Oval Office, interactions with his father Jack, and scenes at the Reagan ranch in California.

Dennis Quaid playing President Ronald Reagan.

Fox Nation streams a documentary titled Making Reagan, offering exclusive insights into the 2024 biopic’s production. This documentary includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast members, and archival material of Reagan. While the movie had mixed reviews initially, it later achieved a positive audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.