Netflix is facing significant backlash for its decision to bring back James Cameron’s iconic film Titanic to the streaming platform just days after a tragic submarine incident that resulted in the deaths of five individuals.
The incident occurred during an undersea expedition organized by OceanGate, where five tourists embarked on a visit to the wreckage of the Titanic.
The submersible they were traveling in experienced a catastrophic implosion as it descended towards the wreckage, leading experts to believe that all passengers onboard were killed instantly due to the immense water pressure in the deep North Atlantic. Among the victims were OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, billionaire explorer Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his son..
A few days following the tragedy, Netflix announced that the critically acclaimed film Titanic, would be returning to its streaming service on July 1st. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing Netflix of insensitivity and attempting to capitalize on a tragic event.
#Netflix stirs controversy with their timing! Bringing back #Titanic days after the tragic submarine incident? 😱 Social media is buzzing with mixed reactions. Some call it an unfortunate coincidence, while others find it highly insensitive. What's your take on this dilemma?🚢💔 https://t.co/oOvBO9gokR
— ScreenNearYou (@ScreenNearYou_) June 27, 2023
Social media users took to platforms like Twitter to express their discontent. One user stated, “Netflix hosting Titanic a week after the Oceangate incident is actually disgusting. They never fail to show everyone how greedy they are.” Another person commented, “I didn’t think Netflix would sink so low as to add Titanic to their streaming list during this time.”
So Netflix was like "lets capitalize on this sub thing real quick…gone head and put TITANIC back in the rotation."
— Jay Washington (@MrJayWashington) June 27, 2023
Despite the backlash, it has been revealed by Variety, the timing of “Titanic’s” return to Netflix is coincidental as the streaming platform’s licensing agreements are typically settled well in advance. The tragic deaths of the Titan members were announced on June 22, while the film is set to arrive on Netflix on July 1. This suggests that Netflix had finalized the licensing deal for “Titanic” several months prior to the submarine’s disappearance, long before the unfortunate incident occurred.
