This morning, Today co-host Karl Stefanovic gave quite an impassioned protest against Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War being released in Australia on ANZAC Day.
The attack was specifically on Events Cinemas who Karl believes purposely scheduled the film’s release for Wednesday 25 April.
To Karl, this is a massive attempt at a “grubby cash grab” on what he believes is “the most important day on our nation’s calendar“.
“How are our kids supposed to breathe in the significance of ANZAC Day, the sacrifices – the great sacrifices – the impact on our nation, on our families. Pretty hard to do with a $25 popcorn and choc top, I would’ve thought.”
Karl then encouraged parents to take their kids to a dawn service or to a memorial instead.
“I might be a wowser, but please keep this day sacred. I love Thor but let’s remember and respect what ANZAC Day really is for.”
I guess you could see what Karl was trying to get across to the people but his protest copped quite a lot of backlash for a) the hypocrisy and b) the rather simple solution of doing both if you wanted to.
And, as some twitter users pointed out, The Avengers (2012) was also released on ANZAC Day but did not receive this same level of criticism.
Don’t remember this outcry in 2012 when the first Avengers film came out on Anzac Day…. It is possible to pay your respects to the marvelous people who serve and have served, and go to a movie on the same day (as I will be doing). I just don’t see how this is an issue.
— Lauren Hill (@lozzhill) April 18, 2018
Karl’s piece-to-camera was then posted to the show’s official twitter.
“There might be some legitimate reason why the Avengers is opening on ANZAC day but I haven’t seen it…how on earth are our kids supposed to breathe in the significance of ANZAC day?” – @KarlStefanovic #9Today pic.twitter.com/VhlVk9vHoy
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) April 18, 2018
And the first response pretty much mirrors the majority of responses.
“@TheTodayShow Are you kidding? So it’s okay to gamble on the pokies, go to/bet on horse races but I can’t go to the movies because it’s disrespectful. You just had a feature on the great ANZAC day footy clash… Hypocritical much!?”
From there, it just continued.
Sorry @karlstefanovic but on a day where there is AFL on, where betting is allowed etc, why is it not allowed that a movie can be released? A lot of Anzac Day rituals take place early morning, allowing rest of day free to decided what people/kids wish to do. For me movies it is!
— Nate (@NateH_DJNeotek) April 18, 2018
Hear hear, that’s what freedom is all about, doing as we damn well please as long as it doesn’t negatively effect others. My pop a WW2 vet preferred to spend the day celebrating the living rather than worshipping the dead
— Democracy Manifest (@DemManifest) April 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/carson63000/status/986819084644794368
Get over yourself Karl. You r the last person who should b promoting self righteousness. As a return serviceman myself I have no problem with this. It is a public holiday after all. Families can still attend the dawn service if they choose well be4 the cinemas open. #freechoice
— Jim YNWA 🔴🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🟡🟤 (@JimHawk78) April 19, 2018
No seriously why can’t we do both, it IS achievable to recognise and appreciate the extensive sacrifices of others, pay respect, and then continue on with normal life in ways as pointed out by various other comments
— Saurus (@sssaraaahh) April 19, 2018
Safe to assume you won’t be broadcasting on the day? Don’t want to distract the kids with mindless TV.
— Dynawilly (@dynawilly) April 19, 2018
Then other Australians chimed in.
https://twitter.com/CameronAtfield/status/986798289960882176
https://twitter.com/oz_f/status/986749135058423809
I’ve seen ads comparing the ‘legends’ of the footy field, to the legends of the ANZAC’s, now THAT is disrespectful!!
— 🌼Pliny the Middle Aged🌼 (@freetrog77) April 19, 2018
3AW’s Steve Price supported Karl though and hopped on The Project tonight to share his thoughts with the panel.
Price said, “This is ANZAC Day, it’s not Boxing Day. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for this cinema chain to stay on the Thursday when they were planning to launch that film or at least wait until after 1 o’clock.”
Some agreed and posted their support.
I have to agree with Pricey on this.
After 1pm is ok but the cinemas should not be screening in the morning— Wookiee (@WookieJon) April 19, 2018
While others agreed with co-host and comedian Peter Helliar, who again floated the idea of both attending a dawn service and watching the film throughout the day.
I’m 100% with @pjhelliar on this as both an avid believer in #AnzacDay & honouring the members of my family who served & a @Marvel fan. Like every year I will be attending Dawn Service, having a drink & 2UP with diggers & then seeing a 6pm screening of #infintywar. #TheProjectTV
— Tom “Tj” Edwards (@Tj__Edwards) April 19, 2018
If you’re interested, Today Extra had a lil’ debate on the same topic where David Campbell didn’t understand the uproar while he got yelled out.
All the points to David who gets so frustrated.
“They’re cartoon characters! One guy’s in an iron suit, the other guy’s a big green Hulk! This isn’t reflecting a war. I’m sorry it’s not disrespecting our diggers who sacrificed for this country, for our freedoms to do what we want to do. It doesn’t mean the same thing.” #9Today pic.twitter.com/IU4vh5Vvu1
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) April 19, 2018
This manufactured outrage is on a whole different level, my friends.
