Disney+ Removes ’80s Thriller Due to Criticism of Scene

Disney+ recently made waves by removing the ’80s thriller “The Abyss” from its platform. The film, directed by James Cameron and hailed as “totally gripping”, follows an oil platform crew and Navy SEAL team as they uncover unexpected mysteries in the depths of the Caribbean.

Originally released in 1989, “The Abyss” had a special edition re-release in 2023 and was later added to Disney+. However, controversy erupted due to an “unacceptable” scene involving a real rat being submerged in liquid, which led to backlash from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for animal cruelty.

Despite the scene being removed from theatrical and home video releases, Disney+ included it in their version, prompting outrage from animal welfare organizations like the RSPCA. David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at RSPCA, expressed concerns about the loophole that allows such scenes to be streamed to homes legally.

While Disney+ has not officially commented on the removal of “The Abyss”, the decision has sparked debate about ethical standards in streaming entertainment. Despite the film’s removal, it remains a critical success, with an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The controversy surrounding “The Abyss” serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards in the entertainment industry, even in the world of streaming.