The sci-fi movie, which has been pulled from Disney+, contains a controversial scene.
The 1989 classic has been removed from the streaming platform, after being previously banned from being broadcast on British TV.
The James Cameron film follows the story of a diving team, who encounter an under-water alien species in the Caribbean sea.
But one controversial scene in the film has caused major controversy, and the movie has since been cancelled as a result.
It was firstly banned under the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) cut the scene from the theatrical release of the film.
In addition, they removed the scene from DVD and Blu-Ray versions of the film – as per the Video Recordings Act 1984.
But thanks to a loophole in the law surrounding what can be shown on streaming services, the controversial scene was shown as part of the film on Disney+.
In April, The Abyss was added to the platform for viewers to enjoy.
But in response to the backlash, it has now been pulled.
The controversial scene included the poor treatment of an animal, which the RSPCA called out.
In a statement, head of public affairs at the charity, David Bowles, said: “This isn’t about cancel culture – we’d welcome Disney Plus reinstating the film to their platform, just with this troubling scene removed – as is already the case in cinemas, on TV, and on DVD.”
Bowles noted that the backlash was ‘highlighting a loophole’, rather than cancelling the film altogether – as well as ‘protecting the public.’
Disney has yet to announce if, or when, The Abyss will return to Disney+ in the UK.
But what was so controversial about it?
During one scene in the film, a rat is dunked into a vat of fluorocarbon liquid.
And because CGI didn’t exist back in 1989, a real rat was used.
Although the rat reportedly survived the brutality, various animal charities spoke out about the shocking scene.
Bowles noted: “The RSPCA is really concerned that a loophole currently exists allowing animal abuse scenes deemed unacceptable elsewhere to be streamed freely and legally into our homes.
“The Abyss‘ controversial rat scene has long concerned the RSPCA, and has always been deemed unacceptable by BBFC – so it’s hard to fathom out why Disney+ has decided to broadcast it.”
The loophole is that streaming services are not bound by the same that laws enforced upon films that are released in cinemas.
He added: “We need to ensure people are not being exposed to content which promotes or showcases cruelty to animals.
“As the way millions of households consume entertainment changes, it’s vital the legal framework is responsive to that and continues to consistently protect people and animals.”
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