Universal Cancels Release of ‘The Hunt’ Movie After Backlash

Universal Pictures is making a movie called “The Hunt,” which was set to be released September 27.  In case you’re unfamiliar with it, here’s the premise:

The movie featured Betty Gilpin and Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, was written by Nick Cuse and Damon Lindelof and directed by Craig Zobel.

It was billed as a satirical take on wealthy liberal thrill-seekers taking a private jet to a five-star resort where they embark on a “deeply rewarding” expedition that involves hunting down and killing designated humans.

Those designated humans being “MAGA types” as described by the Hollywood Reporter.  “Nothing better than going out to the Manor and slaughtering a dozen deplorable,” a character says, according to THR.

Apparently, the movie was going to be called “Red State vs. Blue State.”

First of all, the whole premise is just sick.  This movie is literally about Americans shooting other Americans for sport based on political differences. In what world is that appropriate, even as a movie premise?

I will never get over Hollywood’s hypocrisy in calling for gun control and gun confiscation while simultaneously making BILLIONS of dollars off movies featuring guns and violence. But this is just unbelievable.  I’m so mad that ANYONE would think making a movie like this is okay.

Although, to be honest, executing “deplorables” does sound a little like a raging leftist’s wet dream.

Anyway, in the wake of last week’s mass shootings, Universal has decided not to release the The Hunt – at least for now.

[I]n a statement released to Fox News on Saturday, a Universal Pictures spokesperson said: “While Universal Pictures had already paused the marketing campaign for the Hunt, after thoughtful consideration, the studio has decided to cancel our plans to release the film.

“We stand by our filmmakers and will continue to distribute films in partnership with bold and visionary creators, like those associated with this satirical social thriller, but we understand that now is not the right time to release this film.”

Is there ever a right time to release a film like this?  I’m glad Universal put “thoughtful consideration” into cancelling the film, because they certainly didn’t put any into green lighting it.

Of course, the current cancellation won’t prohibit the film from being release in the future, or moved to a streaming service.

If this movie is ever released, and is followed by any shootings of Trump supporters, I will  place some blame on Hollywood generally, and the people involved in making The Hunt specifically. The left and the media (but I repeat myself) want to blame Republicans and “hate-fueled right wing rhetoric” for events like the shooting in El Paso.  That’s wrong.  Regardless of the politics of a mass shooter, the shooter is the one responsible.  That’s it, full stop.  But the media can’t cry about rhetoric and then get away with making insane films like this and claiming no responsible for the state of the culture.