Universal Pictures Halts Release Of Controversial Film ‘The Hunt’

In the wake of the recent shootings in the United States, Universal Pictures has decided to halt the release of the controversial film, The Hunt.

The film features people of differing political parties violently hunting each other down as a sort of “sport.” Their decision comes days after Universal had already decided to halt every form of marketing for the film.

The first trailer for the film was initially released on July 30, just days after the shooting in Gilroy, California that left four dead.

President Donald Trump specifically took aim at the movie on August 9, tweeting that “liberal Hollywood is racist.”

The movie coming out is made in order 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 Trump, via Twitter.

A scene from ‘The Hunt’ film | Photo: EtcCanada

A Universal Pictures spokesperson tells TIME in a statement, “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.”

The Hunt was directed by Craig Zobel (whose previous credits include drama-thrillers Compliance and Z for Zachariah) and stars Hilary Swank, Emma Roberts and Glow‘s Betty Gilpin among others.