The filmmakers behind The Hunt reportedly received death threats following a test screening.
A source told The Hollywood Reporter “Universal executives and filmmakers” received the abusive communications via social media and email. While the report does not reveal who was affected, the film’s director is Craig Zobel, Jason Blum is the producer and Nick Cuse and Damon Lindelof co-wrote the movie.
The Hunt told the story of a group of red-state strangers deposited in a clearing, having been selected to be hunted by Liberals.
At the screening itself, viewers expressed “discomfort” with the politics of the controversial film, which was cancelled by Universal following the mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Universal Pictures said: “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.”
They added: “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.”
Donald Trump previously branded the film “very dangerous” and “racist”.
