The Hunt won’t be released amid mass shootings and Trump criticism

Universal Pictures announced that it will not release The Hunt, a satirical movie about hunting other humans for fun. The announcement comes in light of the mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, along with criticism from President Donald Trump. The film was previously set to hit theaters Sept. 27.

“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, ” a spokesperson for Universal said in a statement. “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.”

Insiders told Variety that the studio came to the decision alongside “The Hunt” filmmakers. They also said it was a tough decision for the company, but studio leadership ultimately determined that the film could wait.

Previously, Universal put a temporary halt on marketing for the film following a series of mass shootings. In the film’s few marketing materials that did air, stars such as Betty Gilpin and Ike Barinholtz could be seen brandishing assault rifles and pistols while taking on a group of would-be hunters.

Other cast members included Hilary Swank, Emma Roberts, Ethan Suplee and Justin Hartley. Jason Blum is producing for Blumhouse Productions alongside Damon Lindelof under his White Rabbit flag, and Craig Zobel directed.

The Hunt, which was described as satire, told the story of a group of “elites” who hunt other people known as “deplorables,” ostensibly referring to the nickname famously given to Trump’s supporters during the 2016 campaign.

Clinton called Trump’s supporters a “basket of deplorables” on the 2016 campaign trail, saying they espoused “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic” views.

The film’s cancellation comes after President Trump slammed Hollywood in a barrage of tweets on Friday, referring to The Hunt as a movie about attacking conservatives.

….to inflame and cause chaos. They create their own violence, and then try to blame others. They are the true Racists, and are very bad for our Country!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 9, 2019