Disney bans smoking in PG-13 films

Shown is Cruella De Vil in Disney's classic animated movie "101 Dalmations." Disney says it will ban cigarettes in all of its PG-13 films. (Photo: Walt Disney Productions)

Disney announced last week that it will no longer feature smoking in its future PG-13-rated productions.

The ban also applies to movies by Marvel, Pixar, and LucasFilm.

"We are extending our policy to prohibit smoking in movies across the board," Disney CEO Bob Iger told shareholders.

However, an exception will be made if a person depicted in film was a smoker in real life.

"For instance, we've been doing a movie on Abraham Lincoln, he was a smoker, and we would consider that acceptable," Iger said. "But in terms of any new characters that are created for any of those films, under any of those labels, we will absolutely prohibit smoking in any of those films."

One shareholder, Stanton Glantz , a University of California at San Francisco medicine professor, asked if banning smoking in rated R-films was also being considered.

"I think it would be a little bit presumptuous of me to commit to doing that today without getting a little bit more of a flavor or perspective on the dynamic that exists at the (Motion Picture Association of America) MPAA on the subject," Iger responded.

"I'm just not well versed in that. I don't know what positions the other studios have even taken about this."

He added that smoking in films accessible to minors is a "serious issue" that he would discuss with the MPAA.

Professor Glantz is one of the founders of lobby group Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, and a renowned anti-smoking activist.

Disney has also been called to reform the depiction of circus animals in the upcoming live-action remake of "Dumbo." Animal rights advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have urged director Tim Burton to change the classic film's ending.

"We're hopeful that in your adaptation of 'Dumbo,' the young elephant and his mother can have a truly happy ending by living out their lives at a sanctuary instead of continuing to be imprisoned and abused in the entertainment industry," PETA vice president Lisa Lange wrote in an open letter.

Neither Burton nor Disney have publicly responded to the request.

News
Safeguarding complaint against Sarah Mullally dismissed
Safeguarding complaint against Sarah Mullally dismissed

The Archbishop of York has decided not to take further action against Dame Sarah Mullally in relation to a safeguarding complaint made against her.

Christians plan rally against Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Christians plan rally against Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Organisers say they wish to send a message to the Scottish government.

Philip Yancey and a heartbroken reflection on grace, failure and restoration 
Philip Yancey and a heartbroken reflection on grace, failure and restoration 

This painful chapter reminds us of one of the hardest truths Christians must face: even after receiving God’s free, unearned grace, we remain vulnerable to sin.

The Church of England and Living in Love and Faith: where have we got to? 
The Church of England and Living in Love and Faith: where have we got to? 

It is clear to anyone who has been following the LLF process that it is in disarray.