Universal has decided against releasing Blumhouse’s The Hunt, which sees 12 red-state strangers being hunted by the rich and powerful for sport, on Sept. 27 as originally planned. Sources are telling outlets like Deadline that the film’s cancelling was a mutual decision come to by the studio with The Hunt filmmakers.
Universal released the following statement this morning:
“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.”
Previously, Universal put the brakes on marketing The Hunt in the wake of the mass shootings in Dayton, OH; El Paso, TX; and Gilroy, CA.
There’s currently no word on what will happen with the film. It’s possible Universal could release it at a later date (as was the case with last year’s Death Wish). The film could also find a home on the NBC Universal streaming app once that launches.
The Hunt is directed by Craig Zobel from a script by Nick Cuse and Damon Lindelof. It stars Betty Gilpin, Ike Barinholtz, Emma Roberts, Ethan Suplee and Oscar-winner Hilary Swank.
What do you make of this news? Did Universal do the right thing by canceling The Hunt? Or do you think they should’ve stuck to their guns? Sound off in the comments below and let your thoughts be heard!
movieminutes.net 
I don’t think that the main reason for the mass shootings is the existence of movies in which people use guns. Censoring a movie seems a bit ridicolous to me if the purpose is not to encourage further mass shootings. Just stop selling guns to everyone already!
LikeLike