Why was the Disney "Predator Badlands" advert banned?

The advert was banned because it featured a "menacing" alien holding a severed body, which the Advertising Standards Authority found to be disturbing and frightening for children.

What did Disney argue about the severed body in the advert?

Disney argued that the severed figure was a robot or "synth," not a human, and that its non-human appearance was emphasized by being cut in half.

What were the specific concerns raised by the Advertising Standards Authority?

The ASA cited the gory depiction of a severed torso and exposed spine, along with the menacing alien and the caption "welcome to a world of hurt," as reasons for the ban, deeming them harmful and offensive to younger children.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Disney Ad Banned for Frightening Children with Alien

Disney Ad Banned for Frightening Children with Alien

11 Feb

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Summary

Advertising Standards Authority banned Disney's Predator advert.
Alien advert featured a severed body causing distress to children.
Disney argued the figure was a robot, not a human, but was overruled.

Disney Ad Banned for Frightening Children with Alien

A "menacing" Disney advert for the film "Predator Badlands" has been banned by the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The decision came after multiple parental complaints that the digital poster, which featured a large alien character holding a severed body, was inappropriate and likely to frighten children. The advert, seen roadside in Giffnock, Glasgow, also included close-up shots of the alien with the caption "welcome to a world of hurt."

Disney subsidiary Twentieth Century Studios argued the figure was a "synth" or robot, emphasizing its non-human nature, and that the film itself carried a 12A rating. They also noted the severed body appeared for less than two seconds in a 10-second advert and that previous versions had been reviewed. However, the ASA maintained that Disney had a duty to ensure ads were suitable for a general audience, including children.