Controversial film ‘The Hunt’ is coming to theaters after backlash

The 2019 horror-thriller film “The Hunt” will hit theaters months after it received heavy backlash from President Donald Trump.

What is the movie ‘The Hunt’ about?

• The film will follow 12 strangers who are stuck on an island where they have to kill each other to survive, according to Variety.

What was ‘The Hunt’ controversy about?

• “The Hunt” made headlines back in late summer 2019. It was originally slated to hit theaters on Sept. 27.
• Universal pulled the film and its marketing materials after a pair of mass shootings hit El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, in August, as I wrote for the Deseret News.
• The Hollywood Reporter explained the screenplay included one character saying they will slaughter “a dozen deplorables” — a reference that Hillary Clinton made popular when references supporters of President Trump.
• Universal and Blumhouse canceled the release of the film.

When is it coming to theaters?

• Blumhouse founder Jason Blum and “The Hunt” co-writer Damon Lindelof said the film will hit theaters on March 13 — seven months after the original scheduled release date, according to Entertainment Weekly.

What did President Trump say about ‘The Hunt’?

• Trump criticized the film: “Liberal Hollywood is Racist at the highest level, and with great Anger and Hate!” wrote the president. “They like to call themselves ‘Elite,’ but they are not Elite. In fact, it is often the people that they so strongly oppose that are actually the Elite. 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!”

What else do I need to know?

• “The Hunt” released a new trailer ahead of its release date.