Summary
- Disney+ in the U.K. Removed James Cameron's movie "The Abyss" due to a disturbing scene involving a rat in a liquid.
- Cameron is working on multiple sci-fi projects, including "Avatar 3," "The Devils" adaptation, and "Ghosts of Hiroshima."
- Fans appreciate "The Abyss" for its unique aliens and compelling storyline, despite the controversial scene involving a rat.
While James Cameron is of course known for his thrilling and visually stunning Avatar franchise, he has made several other science-fiction movies, including one that was recently pulled from Disney+ in the U.K. Because of one scene.
Besides working on the third film in the franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash, which will be released on December 19th, 2025, Cameron is also directing the upcoming movie adaptation of the audiobook Ghosts of Hiroshima by Charles Pellegrino. He will also adapt the book The Devils by Joe Abercrombie. However, he isn't leaving Avatar behind, as he's also got Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 in the pipeline. Although this franchise is a huge undertaking, and fans can look forward to seeing more of this fascinating and enthralling world in the next few years, Cameron made a sci-fi movie several decades ago that tells a compelling and eerie tale.
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James Cameron's Sci-Fi Movie The Abyss Was Pulled From Disney+ In The U.K.
According to Games Radar, Disney+ U.K. Took the James Cameron movie The Abyss off the streaming service because of a disturbing scene when a rat is put in fluorocarbon liquid.
Based on the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) made sure that this scene was taken out of the movie. But, when The Abyss was added to Disney+ in the U.K. In April 2025, the original scene was included.
The Abyss was released in 1989 and has an 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The story follows Dr. Lindsey Brigman (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) and Bud Brigman (Ed Harris), a separated couple who work together to locate a nuclear submarine. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie grossed $90,520,202 worldwide against a $70 million budget. While the rat scene is upsetting, The Abyss tells a chilling, memorable story that also involves aliens. While there are plenty of adorable aliens in Disney movies, the aliens in this Cameron film are unique and intriguing. Although Avatar and Titanic might get all the attention when it comes to Cameron's filmography, countless fans are impressed with The Abyss. The performances from the main cast are impressive, and while the focus is on the dramatic storyline, the relationship between Lindsey and Bud is riveting to watch.
When speaking about The Abyss at Beyond Fest in Los Angeles in September 2023, Cameron talked about the movies that inspired him when he was working on the 1989 film. According to Variety, he mentioned Close Encounters of the Third Kind and said:
"I think anybody that was a movie fan at that time — we’re talking 34 years ago — could see the DNA from other movies, from Close Encounters to the Cold War sub movies, so obviously I was being pulled in different directions."
The Head of Public Affairs for the RSPCA said of The Abyss being taken off Disney+ UK:
"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."
It's unclear if Disney+ in the U.K. Will add The Abyss back to the streaming service without this scene. The Abyss's 4K version is on Disney+ in the U.S. And Canada, and it's worth watching for that reason alone since it looks incredible. Cameron's other beloved sci-fi movies, including his hit Avatar franchise, are available on Disney+ in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada. Cameron's fans will also want to check out his TV series Dark Angel, which stars Jessica Alba, if they haven't gotten the chance to see it.
- Release Date
- August 9, 1989
- Runtime
- 140 minutes
- Director
- James Cameron
- Writers
- James Cameron
- Producers
- Gale Anne Hurd
Cast
-
Ed HarrisVirgil 'Bud' Brigman -
Mary Elizabeth MastrantonioLindsey Brigman -
Michael BiehnLieutenant Hiram Coffey -
Leo BurmesterCatton ‘Catfish’ De Vries
WHERE TO WATCH
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Source: Gamesradar.com