Originally published August 14, 2019. Updated September 6, 2019.
Yesterday it was reported that Disney has major concerns over the quality of the X-Men spinoff The New Mutants, and now Variety is reporting that the Mouse House is anxious about another project it inherited through its 20th Century Fox acquisition, albeit for very different reasons.
According to the site, Disney executives are said to be concerned about the subject matter of Jojo Rabbit, the new film from director Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok), which is described as an “anti-hate satire” taking place in Nazi Germany and sees Waititi portraying an imaginary version of Adolf Hitler.
“The scathing takedown of Nazism may, however, prove a little too edgy for Disney brass accustomed to producing movies suitable for parents and kids,” states Variety’s report. “Searchlight has started to screen the film for its new parent company. Halfway through one recent viewing one executive grew audibly uncomfortable, worrying aloud that the material would alienate Disney fans.”
SEE ALSO: Taika Waititi is Adolf Hitler in first trailer for Jojo Rabbit
While the subject matter certainly doesn’t fit the family-friendly Disney brand, one suspects there won’t be too many families buying tickets for Jojo Rabbit expecting to see Disney Princesses or photorealistic CGI animals singing duets. And, given that it will presumably be released under the Fox Searchlight banner instead of Disney, this surely seems like a non-issue?
In JOJO RABBIT, writer director Taika Waititi, brings his signature style of humor and pathos to a World War II satire. The story follows an awkward young German boy (Roman Griffin) raised by a single mother (Scarlett Johansson), and whose only ally is his imaginary friend Hitler (Taika Waititi). His naïve patriotism is tested when he meets a young girl (Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie) who upends his world views, forcing him to face his biggest fears.
Jojo Rabbit is set for release on October 18th.
