Netflix Stirs Controversy with Unexpected Addition of Titanic to Its Library Amid Recent Submarine Tragedy
Netflix sparks controversy by adding Titanic to its library, igniting debate over the timing following the recent Titan Submersible tragedy Available for streaming starting July 1
Netflix is facing backlash for their decision to release the movie Titanic on their streaming platform on July 1, shortly after the Titan submersible tragedy was reported. Directed by James Cameron, the film tells the story of the Titanic's sinking in 1912 and features fictional characters who fall in love during the voyage. Since its release in 1997, the Titanic's wreckage has become a popular tourist destination, with recent incidents such as the Titan submersible tragedy adding to its infamy. Critics argue that Netflix's timing of adding the movie to their library so soon after the catastrophe seems opportunistic. Here are some tweets criticizing Netflix:
Breaking Down The Titan Submersible Disaster
Despite the unfortunate timing of Titanic's arrival on Netflix, it is unlikely that this was intentional or driven by profit. Netflix typically secures licensing deals, including the one for Titanic, months in advance. Therefore, the movie was scheduled to be released on Independence Day long before news of the OceanGate submersible incident emerged.
Although immersed in the media's coverage of the tragic Titan incident, investigators are still attempting to determine the cause. The OceanGate's Titan submersible was designed to offer a 10-hour voyage to tourists willing to pay $250,000 per ticket, providing them with a unique view of the renowned Titanic wreckage thousands of feet below the surface. While OceanGate had been facilitating trips to the wreckage since 2021, their crafts were viewed as too experimental by the majority of the deep-sea diving community. Additionally, the company faced significant criticism for disregarding a traditional assessment and inspection process.
OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush's ignored warnings brought to mind the parallels with the Titanic, where a captain disregarded similar warnings. This incident, like that of the Titanic, has also gained attention and even become the subject of an Oscar-winning movie, complete with memes and references, before the catastrophic implosion occurred. Considering the imminent release of Titanic on Netflix's streaming platform, the film is poised to garner substantial interest, as it intertwines a historical tragedy with another oceanic disaster.
