Share
NEW YORK — Universal Pictures has canceled the planned September release of its controversial social satire “The Hunt,” in the wake of recent mass shootings and amid criticism from President Donald Trump.
In a statement Saturday, Universal said it had decided to take the further step of canceling the film’s Sept. 27 release, saying “We understand that now is not the right time to release this film.”
Left open was the possibility that the movie could be released in theaters or on streaming at a later date.
Trump criticized the planned movie on Twitter Friday, without mentioning its name, saying it was intended “to inflame and cause chaos.”
The Studio Paused the Ad Campaign
The president also had harsh words for Hollywood in the tweet, saying “Liberal Hollywood is Racist at the highest level.”
Asked if the decision to scrap the release had been impacted by Trump’s comments, a person familiar with the decision process, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations, said the cancellation had been under discussion by the studio and filmmaking team well before the comments were made.
The studio paused the ad campaign in the middle of last week in light of the tragic mass shootings in Texas, Ohio and California.
“The Hunt,” produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse, stars Oscar winner Hilary Swank and Betty Gilpin, and is directed by Craig Zobel.
Stock Market Today: Wall Street Drifts to a Mixed Finish in a Quiet Day of Trading
14 hours ago
US Service Member Shot and Killed by Florida Police Identified by the Air Force
14 hours ago
Own a Business? Learn How to Get a Piece of the $5.5 Billion Visa/Mastercard Settlement
18 hours ago
CA Restaurants Shouldn’t Be Shocked That ‘Junk Fees’ Ban Applies to Them
20 hours ago
Did California’s Massive COVID Homeless Shelter Program Work? A New Evaluation Probes the Results
20 hours ago
LA Police Make Arrest in Murder of Fresno Human Trafficking Fighter’s Daughter