Disney recently revealed that it will remove a shocking amount of content from Hulu and Disney+. The long list includes over 40 shows and several films and specials. Among the movies leaving Disney+ on May 26, 2023, is The One and Only Ivan, a beautiful family movie based on actual events.
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Godzilla), who stars in the story as the ringmaster of the titular gorilla and other circus animals, shared an emotional message on Instagram following Disney’s announcement. The actor urged families to view the film before this week for its “engaging and delightful story” before the movie “disappears forever.”
Read his complete statement above on Instagram, or just refer to the quoted message I’ve put for your convenience below:
I heard the news that my film, The One and Only Ivan, is being pulled from Disney+ as early as next week. I was very proud of this sweet, family movie that was released after the COVID Lockdown began. And I urge you to gather your kids, or nieces & nephews, make some popcorn, and watch this engaging and delightful story that was based on real events!
The real-life guy that I play actually adopted a baby gorilla (Ivan) and raised him in a Washington state suburb. A crazy true story!! Thanks to Disney for giving us the opportunity to make this movie in the first place.
I just know that it will make for really great family time – but you have to do it this weekend before it disappears forever. I promise you’ll be glad you saw it. Have a great weekend… Bryan.
Disney announced this sudden removal on their latest earnings call and stated they had decided to move forward with it to cut costs. Their move to remove projects that can’t be used for tax write-offs can only be explained by them trying to stop paying residuals to creators for keeping their work on the streaming platforms.
This shocking move seems especially wrong, considering the WGA is currently fighting for better compensation for their contribution to any number of productions. Disney’s inconsiderate choice also highlights how callous they are with something people have put their essence into to bring to life.
Cranston’s statement only serves as an example of the number of people, from creators to artists, this decision is affecting negatively. Especially for films like The One and Only Ivan and series like Willow, which have no other home and won’t get a chance to stay on other platforms.
Do you think Disney made the right move by removing these projects from Disney+ and Hulu? Comment down your answers below.
About The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan is a 2020 American fantasy drama film directed by Thea Sharrock from a screenplay written by Mike White based on the 2012 children’s novel of the same name by K. A. Applegate and inspired by the true story of Ivan, the gorilla.
A gorilla named Ivan tries to piece together his past with the help of an elephant named Ruby as they hatch a plan to escape from captivity.
The film stars Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren, Philippa Soo, Chaka Khan, Danny DeVito, Ariana Greenblatt, and more.
Source: Instagram
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