The streaming platform Netflix received backlash over its timing as the 1997 movie “Titanic” will be in its lineup just weeks after the Titan submersible implosion killed five passengers during their voyage to the historic ship’s wreckage.
According to Variety, the movie is expected to return to the platform on July 1 after its removal in August 2022.
Following the news, users on Twitter expressed their outrage over Netflix’s decision.
“The timing is so wrong,” one user wrote.
Another user wrote, “Profiting off of a tragedy. The lowest of the low.”
Another user accused Netflix of “overstepping the boundaries of decency on this timing.”
“People died in a tragic accident a6 (sic) the Titanic site and now to capitalize on the moment to garner viewers is beyond distasteful,” the user added.
One user wrote they “have no interest” in watching the film about the ship that “tragically sank.”
“I don’t like films that make money off of real-life tragedies. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones on the sub,” the user continued.
‘Titanic’ is returning to Netflix next week. pic.twitter.com/xuFhK8ORgE
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/JenLuvsFitness/status/1672675329457143808?s=20
The timing is so wrong
— Jaden☀️ (@jadenspov) June 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/BombayCat02/status/1673092414288846854
However, sources familiar with the details claimed the timing of the movie’s return was just a “coincidence” and Netflix had already straightened out the licensing deals months before the submersible went missing, per Variety.
On June 22, “Titanic” director James Cameron, 68, spoke to ABC News after it was confirmed all five passengers died aboard the submersible.
“I’m struck by the similarity of the Titanic disaster itself, where the captain was repeatedly warned about ice ahead of his ship and yet he steamed at full speed into an ice field on a moonless night and many people died as a result,” Cameron said.
He added, “And for a very similar tragedy, where warnings went unheeded, to take place at the same exact site, with all the diving that’s going on all around the world, I think is just astonishing.”