Deadline reports that Disney, which released the film Hunter: Badlands, Advertisements for the film are banned from running that include the image of a mutilated body (the image above, we believe) because it is “likely to cause fear or distress to young children.” The Advertising Standards Authority, a United Kingdom-based organization, reportedly received two complaints (yes, two complaints) about the ad, stating that it was “inappropriate and disturbing” to children. In Britain, bad soil Rated “12” for “moderate violence, threats, injury details”. so smaller than America
In response, Disney explained that the image was on screen for less than two seconds and that it did not show a human character, but a “synth”.
ASA replied that “While we acknowledged [the studio’s] Note that the small figure was not actually a human, but a ‘synth’ robot, we considered that this was not clear from the advertisement, and that the figure was likely to be interpreted as a human. We further considered that the realistic depiction of the small figure’s severed torso and exposed spine was gory and disturbing to young children.”
“We accept the ASA’s decision,” a Disney spokesperson told Deadline. “We take our responsibilities to our audiences very seriously and strive to work closely with partners to meet the required standards.”
Ultimately, at this point, it’s really no big deal. Predator: Badlands has disappeared from theaters, and while it is currently promoting its domestic release, it rarely involves highly visible advertising placements. Also, even if it did happen, Disney could do it without using the “mutilated body” image. And while the ASA is right that, if that image comes up and you know nothing about the film, you’ll probably assume it’s humanoid, isn’t that all an overreaction? Isn’t a creature with huge, sharp teeth even scarier? What about giant killer monsters?
If you think the image of a mutilated body is disturbing or inappropriate, let us know. And see a lot more disturbing and inappropriate things in Predator: BadlandsAvailable to stream now on Digital, February 12th on Hulu and Disney+, and February 17th on Blu-ray, 4K, and DVD.
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