James Cameron’s 1989 Sci-Fi Hit Pulled from Disney+ Because of Banned ‘Rat Abuse’ Scene

James Cameron’s 1989 sci-fi movie The Abyss has been taken off Disney+ in the UK because it includes a banned scene. The scene shows a rat being dipped into a vat of fluorocarbon liquid, and a real rat was used during filming.

Although the rat is believed to have survived, animal rights groups like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) pushed for the scene’s removal more than 30 years ago.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) banned the scene under laws protecting animals, meaning it must be cut from all cinema showings, DVD releases, and TV broadcasts in the UK.

However, when Disney+ added The Abyss to its UK streaming library in April, the version included the banned rat scene. The RSPCA called this a “loophole” since streaming platforms are not legally required to follow the same rules as cinemas or traditional TV. David Bowles, the RSPCA’s Head of Public Affairs, said last month, “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.”

He added, “‘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 Plus has decided to broadcast it.” Bowles also emphasized the importance of protecting viewers from content showing animal cruelty and said the law needs to keep up with how people watch entertainment today.

Following the criticism, Disney removed The Abyss from Disney+ in the UK. Bowles clarified, “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.” He stressed that the goal was to close the gap that allowed the banned scene to appear online, protecting the public from seeing animal abuse.

There is no word yet on when the movie might return to Disney+ in the UK.

Aside from the controversy, The Abyss is known for its deep themes and story. It explores human strength and trust, influenced by atomic age science fiction about nuclear threats and disasters.

The movie focuses less on violence and more on internal fears and how people can become monsters because of them. The story also highlights feminine qualities like intuition and peace, showing women as protectors with emotional intelligence. At the film’s climax, the main character Bud experiences a rebirth-like moment symbolizing new understanding and harmony.

The movie criticizes Cold War paranoia and military aggression. The villain represents dangerous military behavior that almost leads to destruction. Cameron said the film tells a hopeful story about an average person whose love and self-sacrifice prove humanity is worth saving. The aliens in the story warn humans to change their violent ways or face disaster, a clear message against greed and war.

The Abyss won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and earned several other Oscar nominations for art direction, cinematography, and sound. It also received awards and nominations from science fiction and cinematography organizations.

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