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Metro
22 minutes ago
- Metro
Mary Poppins is the most complained about film of 2024 over controversial slur
Mary Poppins has been named the most complained about film of 2024 following its use of discriminatory language. In rather surprising news, given the Disney family film's release in 1964, it still managed to attract ire and comment 60 years later. The popular musical starring screen legends Dame Julie Andrews as Mary and Dick Van Dyke as chimney sweep Bert respectively, has long been a childhood favourite and rated U (Universal) by the the British Board of Film Classification. Decades later, it was followed up by 2018 sequel Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer – as well as a delightful cameo return from Van Dyke. However, last year the organisation adjusted the rating of the original Mary Poppins, reclassifying it as a PG (Parental Guidance) and moving one step away from the suggestion that it was suitable for all audiences. It is this decision which sparked backlash, with the BBFC revealing in its annual report that of the 224 complaints it received in 2024, 56 of them were about Mary Poppins' reclassification. The BBFC had adjusted the movie's rating due to the use of the term 'Hottentots', which it classified as discriminatory language. Admiral Boom, portrayed by Reginald Owen, uses the word twice throughout the film, which was a Dutch racially loaded term, originally used in the 17th century by white Europeans to describe the Khoikhoi, a nomadic indigenous population of South Africa. Thought to be one of the oldest people in the world, the Khoikhoi were driven off their land by white colonial expansion. As the Dutch took over land for farms, the Khoikhoi were dispossessed, killed, or enslaved. Those who chose to remain ended up as farm labourers for the invading settlers. At one stage, Admiral Boom dangles from the roof in a boat and asks if one of the Banks children is off to 'fight' them. Later in the film, he also uses the term to describe the chimney sweeps, with their faces blackened by soot, and says they're being 'attacked' by them. The BBFC report, which also shared that Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is now a PG, also revealed that the complaints were requesting the classification remain unchanged because, although offensive, it is now considered outdated and the same term has also appeared in other films. However, the report argued: 'The two uses of the discriminatory term 'hottentots' are neither criticised nor condemned, increasing the risk that very young viewers might repeat it without realising the potential for offence.' It added: 'Regular research tells us that a key concern for parents is the potential for children to be exposed to discriminatory language or behaviour which they may find distressing or repeat without realising the potential offence.' Others hit back at the decision when Mary Poppins' new classification became public knowledge in February 2024, calling it 'plain ridiculous' and 'strange'. Defending its decision at the time, a BBFC spokesperson told Metro: 'While Mary Poppins has a historical context, the use of discriminatory language is not condemned, and ultimately exceeds our guidelines for acceptable language at U. We therefore classified the film PG for discriminatory language. 'For context, we only review (and potentially reclassify) previously classified content when it's been formally resubmitted to us.' Elsewhere, James Cameron's sci-fi thriller The Abyss received the second largest number of complaints, at 17, following a rumour that a new 4K cinema release had been cancelled owing to concerns over a scene in which a live rat is submerged in liquid. More Trending The BBFC clarified that it had had concerns when the film was originally submitted in 1989 that the scene constituted the 'cruel infliction of terror' on an animal and therefore contravened the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937. It confirmed the organisation's stance had not changed and that the scene had been re-edited in all versions of the film classified by the BBFC since then. Other films' ratings which drew formal complaints included that of Dune: Part Two due to its knife fight between Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler's characters, and Saltburn, with people arguing its 'depiction of sexual obsession was too disturbing for [a rating of] 15′. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Iconic star, 99, sparks concern after dropping out of event due to illness
Metro
22 minutes ago
- Metro
Peaky Blinders legend finally sets record straight over Netflix film rumours
One of the stars of Peaky Blinders has set the record straight after mass speculation over whether or not he's going to be in the Netflix film. Three years on from the final series of the Birmingham-set BBC period drama, fans are going wild over the latest developments regarding the upcoming movie spin-off. The feature-length film, titled The Immortal Man, will see Cillian Murphy reprise his role as gang leader Tommy Shelby, with other returning cast members including Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham and Ned Dennehy. But what about Sam Claflin as real-life fascist politician Oswald Mosley? Metro recently had a conversation with Sam about leading the new adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo as Alexandre Dumas' tragic protagonist Edmond Dantès. During our chat, we had to find out once and for all if Mosley is returning to the Peaky Blinders franchise. The Hunger Games star initially admitted that he could 'keep the speculation going' by not saying anything – but then instantly cleared up the rumours. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'I don't know that I should not say anything, and keep the speculation going… but no, sadly, I'll share – I'm not in the film, though, I'm so excited as a fan of the series,' he said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I don't know any details other than the casting and some of the people in it. I'm thoroughly excited.' Sam, 39, joined Peaky Blinders from season five as Oswald Mosley, the politician who founded the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s. In the season six finale, it's discovered that Mosley married Diana Mitford (Amber Anderson) in Germany – and that's where the story leaves them. In real life, Mosley and Mitford wed in 1936, and the former died in 1980 at the age of 84. Addressing the possibility of playing Mosley again in the future, Sam said: 'The hope is that he is still alive. Well, I mean, Oswald Mosley lived until 84. He is still alive in the world, whether or not he's a part of the world. 'I've heard rumours similar that [the film is] set in the future. I think Oswald Mosley kind of started losing light and his following during the war.' Now, Sam is starring in a new period drama, but set in a vastly different period from Peaky Blinders. Instead of early 20th-century England, he's gone back even further to 19th-century France, telling the tale of a wrongfully imprisoned man who vows revenge upon his release. The Count of Monte Cristo, which was originally serialised between 1844 and 1846, has been adapted multiple times over the years on the big and small screen, with actors including Richard Chamberlain and Louis Jourdan portraying Edmond Dantès. 'It's known as a classic for a reason,' Sam remarked. 'Back then, people didn't have televisions or radio sets. The fact that it has this cliffhanger element to it to keep people wanting to stick with the story definitely adds to its flavour. 'The characters are so rich and so complex. It's an incredibly authentic insight into what life was like back then in France, the politics, as much as seeing how the nobility lived.' Sam acknowledged that playing Edmond Dantès was a 'dream role' for him, given there are 'so many layers' to the character. 'It was a challenge, but one that I was very excited to get my teeth stuck into,' he added. Speaking of iconic characters, two years ago, the actor transformed into a '70s rockstar when he played Billy Dunne in the Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones and the Six, adapted from the beloved book by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Ever since the one season was released, fans have expressed their desperation for a second outing, or for the actors who were a part of the band to reunite for a live tour. While nothing is set in stone at this point, there clearly is a desire among the cast to make something happen in the future. 'What I will say is I would love to,' Sam confirmed. 'It goes without saying that has been my favourite job that I've done, and my favourite people that I've worked with.' The Me Before You actor outlined how special an experience it was to work with the actors and the crew, filming in the 'magical cities' Los Angeles and New Orleans post-Covid. 'With regards to season two, and with regards to a tour, there were initial conversations about doing a tour. The band itself is six actors, and we all have different schedules. We all live in different parts of the world, trying to align, that was proving difficult,' he said. 'Then we had the opportunity of playing at the MTV Movie Awards, which we rehearsed for. We were rehearsing, and I think it was the day before the MTV Movie Awards, the writers' strike happened, so loads of actors and acts were pulling out in solidarity with the writers. We were advised to do the same, so we reluctantly agreed to pull out. 'Then, of course, the actors' strike started, and then by that point, too much time had passed. All of a sudden, [it was] two years on from the show coming out.' In November, Sam was in LA and met up with his co-star Riley Keough and the book's author Taylor, where the three of them were 'conversing and trying to think up ways in which we could get a season two off the ground'. More Trending 'It's not up to us, it's not up to me, it's not up to the fans,' he stressed. 'I feel like if there was a petition made, maybe there's a way in which it could get going. The desire is there. Everyone would want it to be perfect. We don't want to rush anything if there was to ever be anything. But all I know is the desire is there across the board.' In three years, it will have been five years since the show was released. So perhaps that could be a prime time to pop a reunion in the calendar? 'Maybe a five-year anniversary, [we could] get together and do a tour,' Sam said. 'Suki's now making her own music. Will Harrison was in the Bob Dylan biopic. Everyone's so busy, and everyone's had a baby. Suki had a baby, Riley's had a baby. It's gonna be difficult to get all together.' When there's a will, there's a way. View More » The Count of Monte Cristo is available from 2nd August on U and U&Drama. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Brutal' film based on harrowing true story finally comes to Netflix MORE: Mind-bending' TV drama that had fans calling in sick races up Netflix chart MORE: I'm a WWE expert – I'm shocked the Netflix documentary went so far
Scottish Sun
22 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Sarina Wiegman completely loses her cool then shows off dance moves as favourite singer makes shock appearance at parade
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SARINA Wiegman was stunned as her favourite music artist Burna Boy joined the Lionesses on stage at Buckingham Palace following their Euro 2025 trophy parade. The Dutch tactician has previously talked about being a big fan of the Nigerian singer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Sarina Wiegman was enjoying England's trophy parade when her favourite music artist was suddenly introduced to the stage Credit: BBC 6 Burna Boy joined the Lionesses for a rendition of his song 'For My Hand,' much to Wiegman's delight Credit: BBC 6 Wiegman and Burna Boy danced and sang together in front of a huge crowd of England fans Credit: BBC 6 The pair took to the stage in front of a packed crowd outside Buckingham Palace Credit: BBC Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Play via Dream Team's app or website today! Wiegman was shocked when Burna Boy emerged during their trophy celebrations after beating Spain on Sunday to win their second consecutive Euros title. Wiegman screamed "Oh, no way" and threw her hands to her head as Alex Scott introduced the artist to the stage. She immediately ran over to the superstar, who has 25million monthly listeners on Spotify, and gave him a hug. Arm-in-arm with the musician, Wiegman exclaimed "I like it" into her microphone and swayed to his hit For Your Hand, which she had previously declared as her most listened-to song. As the song picked up she even danced and sang along with her music idol on stage, summing up the joyous few days that the Lionesses, and the country, have experienced thanks to her efforts. 6 Wiegman could not control her excitement as she ran and hugged the music star Credit: BBC 6 LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 29: Khiara Keating, Georgia Stanway, Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone of England acknowledge the fans during the England Women's team victory parade and celebration on July 29, 2025 in London, England. England defeated Spain in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final to retain the trophy on 27 July. (Photo by Leon […] Credit: Getty If there were any doubters as to her love of Burna Boy, her familiarity with every single lyric should be enough proof. Wiegman was first revealed as a fan in the summer of 2023, when it was revealed she had complimented Katie Zelem's dressing room playlist for including Burna Boy. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS When asked what her most listened to song of the year was in a press conference later in 2023, she doubled down on her love for the singer. She said with a grin: "I don't know the name of the song [for my hand], with Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran. Emotional moment England captain Leah Williamson chokes back tears on stage at parade after Euro 2025 triumph "I have definitely played that song the most." The singer is best known for hits such as Last Last and Own It, a collaboration with Stormzy and Ed Sheeran. He has over 18million followers on Instagram. It was a deserved treat for Wiegman, who led England women to their third straight major international final in Basel at the weekend. Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly stole the show in the final and its penalty shootout to bring the trophy home. It is the first time an England team male or female have won a major tournament on foreign soil.
