Image source: Deadpool (2016)
Disney is best known for its kid-friendly content, and when they created their own streaming platform, Disney+, people loved it.
Disney+ has hosted many of the company’s biggest hits.
The streaming platform also includes titles from acquired companies, including films and series from Marvel and Star Wars.
Parents were recently shocked when Disney+ added three R-rated films.
Opinions divided
After Disney acquired Fox, Disney+ became the Marvel Hub, regardless of how canonic the MCU is. Recently, the streaming platform added a few titles, including Netflix’s Defenders, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and the Deadpool movies.
While older fans are excited to have new options, others aren’t as excited about Disney’s decision, especially since Deadpool is an R-rated movie that breaks what Disney+ initially stood for when it was launched.
Outrage
The Parents Television and Media Council was outraged, saying Disney+ had broken its “promise” to parents.
The group released a statement from the organization’s president, Tim Winter.
Statement by Tim Winters
“Three years ago, the Walt Disney Company made a promise to families: No R-rated movies on Disney+, they said. It turns out they were lying to us,” the statement reads.
“After decades of corporate brilliance establishing itself as the world’s most trusted brand for families, today’s C-level suite at Disney has decided to flush it all down the toilet.”
“While Disney+ points subscribers to its parental controls, the mere presence of R-rated and TV-MA rated content violates the trust and sensibilities of families.”
“What took decades to build is now taking mere months to erase.”
“One day in the not-too-distant future, business schools will point back to this abrupt U-turn as they analyze what happened to the once-great Walt Disney Company.”
“And in the meantime, families will continue to be woefully underserved by Hollywood.”
Disney’s image
When Disney began acquiring properties like Marvel and Star Wars, concerns arose about Disney’s image as a family business.
Disney was once identified with characters like Mickey Mouse and the Disney Princesses, but today the sight of the Avengers and Darth Vade is an instant reminder of the company.
While PTC is freaking out over the changes, Disney’s expansion doesn’t mean all content is moving away from kids and families.
The group’s outrage will hardly affect the company’s direction, given that Marvel Zombies was recently announced as the first MCU project to be rated by TV-MA.
Wolverine and Deapool share their excitement
While PTC was furious with the addition of Logan and the Deadpool movies, actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds were more than happy with the news.
Jackman posted a photo of himself with Reynolds on the set of Deadpool with the caption:
“Thank you @disneyplus for adding brothers-in-arms @deadpoolmovie and #Logan as the first R-Rated movies on the platform. While your choice is questionable, we’ll take it.”
Meanwhile, Reynolds noted the outrage and responded on Instagram by suggesting that “family” movies like Bambi, Old Yeller, Snow White and The Lion King aren’t as family-friendly as advertised.
“We’re supposed to announce Logan and Deadpool will soon be the first R-Rated movies on Disney+,” the Deadpool actor wrote.
“But we all know some Disney movies should already be rated R for irreversible trauma.”
References:
Disney+ blessed by parents group over new R-rated Marvel movies
