James Cameron’s 1989 Sci-Fi Classic Removed from Disney+ Over Controversial ‘Rat Abuse’ Scene

Disney+ has removed the 1989 sci-fi film The Abyss from its UK streaming platform after backlash over a banned scene involving a rat. The scene, which shows a real rat submerged in fluorocarbon liquid, has been prohibited in the UK for decades under animal protection laws enforced by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

While the rat reportedly survived filming, animal rights groups, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), have long opposed its inclusion.

The controversy arose when Disney+ added The Abyss to its UK library in April 2025, including the uncut version with the rat scene. Unlike cinemas, DVDs, and TV broadcasts, which must remove the scene, streaming services face no such legal requirement. RSPCA’s Head of Public Affairs, David Bowles, criticized this gap, saying last month, “The RSPCA is really concerned that a loophole currently exists allowing animal abuse scenes deemed unacceptable elsewhere to be streamed freely and legally into our homes.”

He added, “‘The Abyss’ controversial rat scene has long concerned the RSPCA, and has always been deemed unacceptable by BBFC, so it’s hard to fathom out why Disney Plus has decided to broadcast it.”

Bowles stressed the need to shield viewers from animal cruelty content and urged updates to laws to reflect modern streaming habits.

He clarified, “This isn’t about cancel culture, we’d welcome Disney Plus reinstating the film to their platform, just with this troubling scene removed, as is already the case in cinemas, on TV, and on DVD.” Following the outcry, Disney+ pulled the film from its UK service. No date has been set for its return.

Beyond the dispute, The Abyss, directed by James Cameron, is celebrated for its rich storytelling. Set during the Cold War, it critiques military aggression and paranoia, with a villain embodying reckless behavior that risks catastrophe.

The story centers on human resilience, trust, and emotional intelligence, emphasizing feminine qualities like intuition and peace. The protagonist, Bud, undergoes a transformative moment symbolizing hope and harmony. Aliens in the film warn humanity to abandon violence and greed to avoid disaster.

The film earned critical acclaim, winning an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and receiving nominations for cinematography, sound, and art direction. It also garnered recognition from sci-fi and cinematography groups for its groundbreaking visuals and themes.

Disney’s decision to remove The Abyss shows how tricky it is to balance artistic integrity with ethical concerns. The rat scene, though brief, understandably upsets animal rights advocates, and streaming loopholes need addressing.

Still, I hope an edited version returns soon, as the film’s powerful anti-war message and stunning visuals deserve to be seen. What do you think about this controversy and the balance between art and ethics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!