Republican Senator and supposed long time fan of the 1987 film The Princess Bride, Ted Cruz, got a different response than he expected from his use of a famous line by suffering hero Inigo Montoya (Pantikin) in a Tweet on Saturday.
Cruz criticized the upcoming cast reunion fundraiser that will benefit the Democratic Party this election season.
“Do you hear that Fezzik? That is the sound of ultimate suffering. My heart made that sound when the six-fingered man killed my father. Every Princess Bride fan who wants to see that perfect movie preserved from Hollywood politics makes it now." pic.twitter.com/mbUs4y6Ro0
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 5, 2020
The cast is reuniting for a script reading and question-and-answer session hosted by comedian Patton Oswalt to raise money for the Wisconsin Democratic Party.
Famous attendees from the film will include Cary Elwes (Westley), Robin Wright (Buttercup), Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya), Billy Crystal (Miracle Max), Wallace Shawn (Vizzini), Carol Kane (Valerie) and more.
Cary Elwes' original tweet contains more information on how to join the upcoming event this Sunday, September 13th.
#Inconceivable! I'm excited to announce a virtual #PrincessBrideReunion! Chip in any amount at the link & get an invite to this special event on Sun. Sept. 13th with myself, @RealRobinWright, @PatinkinMandy, @robreiner & many more! #DumpTrumperdinck https://t.co/NTXPMpRiLk
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) September 4, 2020
The tweet by Elwes drew parallels between the evil, obnoxious, and deceitful King Humperdinck in the fictional film and the real life American Commander-in-Chief as the cast promotes the event with the hashtag "Dump Trumperdinck."
In a nod to Republican President Trump's call to action of "drain the swamp", the former Westley actor clapped back to Cruz saying:
"if only you could leave the fire swamp, you could join us."
Elwes added an invite for Cruz to leave the fire swamp in another tweet after seeing Cruz's reaction.
.@tedcruz Must be getting hot in there. Here's the invite...@WisDems @benwikler #dumptrumperdinckhttps://t.co/NTXPMq8TCS
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) September 5, 2020
People were thankful for Senator Cruz drawing attention to the event as they rushed to chip in.
Thank you for letting me know! I just donated in your name. pic.twitter.com/xPGUFasSZk
— JD Kurtz (@kurtzjd) September 5, 2020
Doubled my donation because of @tedcruz https://t.co/ebB8Y9NOXN
— lindan johnson (@lindanjohnson1) September 7, 2020
Thanks for bringinging this to my attention, Ted😃
<runs to make donation💃>
— ZenTaoPrincess (@ZenTaoPrincess) September 5, 2020
This is the most useful thing you've tweeted in a long time, Senator Cruz. Thanks for letting us know about this opportunity & I'm headed to the link to chip in now!
— Janet Janssen (@janetjanssen) September 5, 2020
Donated! So excited to listen in! #DumpTrumperdink
— Elizabeth (@CaptainAelia) September 5, 2020
Others suggested that it might be time for the Canadian, er... Texas Senator to engage in some self reflection.
You keep using that humour. I don't think it means what you think it means.
— Gothwimple 🏳️🌈💛🐝 (@sadoldegoth) September 5, 2020
At some point, a thinking person might ask... maybe it's me?
— Jason (@THEOSU7) September 6, 2020
Like, do you ever stop to think about why you end up on the wrong side of all these battles? It *might* not be everybody else, my man. Might want to look closer to home. Inward even
— Jason (@longwall26) September 5, 2020
Overall Twitter users used the platform to call out the Senator's integrity as well as his understanding of the film.
Here's #SpinelessTed, swearing his loyalty to Spoiled Prince Trumperdinck. pic.twitter.com/LhrcytBSal
— Paul Moment (@paulmoment) September 5, 2020
pic.twitter.com/UEXmzEg5jx
— Dr Strange PhD🔬😺🐾🌊 (@CeeEyes) September 5, 2020
Why would any conservative like the princess bride. It's about poor people beating the rich and the exploitative establishment.
— Tom Wallach, MD (@md_wallach) September 5, 2020
You think the movie where the female lead chooses true love over wealth and power, which would have ultimately been the death of her in the interest of stoking war isn't not only political, but incredibly timely? I think @Cary_Elwes and @robreiner would disagree.
— To Millennity and Beyond (@Drake_OMalfoy) September 5, 2020
It's okay to admit you didn't understand this perfect movie, Teddy. But, like in life, the right wing here are the bad guys.
— Quaran-G. 🇨🇦😷 (@Garrestotle) September 5, 2020
Follow the The Princess Bride cast on twitter for more information on the upcoming event.