Disney+ makes major change to content warnings on old films

Disney+ has introduced a major change to some of its older films – although it’s something that may seem familiar.

A number of films and TV shows have been met with controversy in recent years due to content or references that some feel don’t land quite so well in the modern world.

While some studios and streamers decide to remove scenes or entire episodes altogether, others opt to include a content warning to both acknowledge the issue and forewarn viewers.

Back in November 2019, Disney+ introduced a new content warning to be autoplayed before classics like Dumbo and Peter Pan, explaining how the title a viewer was about to watch contained outdated depictions.

“This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions,” it said.

Some classics like Dumbo have a content warning before playing (Walt Disney)

The following year, in October, the wording was changed to incorporate further context.

At the time, it told Disney+ subscribers before some titles: “This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.

“Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.

“Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe.”

However, in an unexpected move, we now have a new content warning – well, sort of new.

The warning has reverted back to a version of what was introduced in 2019, albeit slightly tweaked: “This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.”

The content warning has now been changed (Walt Disney)

According to Variety, the move is part of an ‘overall shift in DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] strategy’ following President Donald Trump taking office again.

Disney’s chief human resources officer Sonia Coleman discussed the changes in a memo to staff earlier this week.

“Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business,” Coleman wrote.

“Our values - integrity, creativity, collaboration, community, inclusion - guide our actions and how we treat each other.

"Today I want to provide an update on how our values are embedded in our leader compensation programs, specifically our Other Performance Factors (OPFs), as well as share some of the work that has been underway to evolve our talent strategy consistent with these values.”