In the latest plot twist that not even the most imaginative streaming showrunner could cook up, the Internet has collectively unsheathed its virtual pitchforks and declared a full-scale crusade against Netflix. The provocation? None other than the new biblical epic, Mary (2024), directed by DJ Caruso, featuring Israeli actors and nary an Arab performer in sight. For those who thrive on drama — and we’re not talking about the Emmy-winning type — this scandal serves up a buffet of outrage, complete with scorched electronic devices and calls for cancellation that would make even the most hardened PR rep break into a sweat.
Let’s set the scene. The film in question tells the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary, emphasizing her legendary journey through faith, turmoil, and the sort of Roman roadblocks that even a GPS would struggle to reroute. With a cast boasting Israeli talent like Ido Tako as Joseph, Ori Pfeffer, and Mili Avital, the film has left certain corners of the Internet crying foul. According to critics, the casting decision «whitewashes» or «erases» the Palestinian essence of these sacred characters. Cue the outrage symphony – we’ve got flutes of fury, trumpets of trolling, and a timpani of TikTok videos showing dramatic subscription cancellations accompanied by chants of «From The River To The Sea, Netflix Will Be Sick». 🎷👾
Netflix’s New Mary Sparks Boycott Call: Social Media’s Battle Cry Goes Viral! 😡
Of course, the fury didn’t start with Mary (2024). Netflix has already found itself in hot water (or holy oil?) following a debacle last month when it removed a set of Palestinian films, citing expired licenses. But who’s listening to that explanation? Not the virtual mob that’s ready to sign petitions with the zeal of someone triple-tapping the «Skip Intro» button. «Anti-Palestinian bias!» they cry, phones held high as symbols of resistance — until, of course, they smash them to bits in protest. Note to self: make a meme about burning a $1,000 OLED TV just to show your commitment to a cause. 🛡️⚡️
But back to Mary (2024). The cast lineup includes not just the likes of Israeli actors but also British legend Anthony Hopkins in the role of King Herod. Now, if that doesn’t scream «We’re going for shock factor,» nothing will. The venerable Sir Anthony, whose filmography ranges from munching on census takers with fava beans to now playing the tyrant who chased down the Holy Family, is here to give you a performance so powerful, it might just unite the Twitterverse in a truce — if only to type in all caps: «CANCEL NETFLIX NOW!».
It’s a bold move, to say the least. But let’s not kid ourselves: Netflix is no stranger to controversial content choices. They seem to enjoy the duality of being labeled both the «voice of diverse storytelling» and «public enemy number one» within the same news cycle. One can only imagine the boardroom discussions: «How can we get the Internet to explode this week?» «Release Mary, that should do it.» And lo, they were right.
As if the boycott brigade wasn’t enough, videos have surfaced online featuring people going full Old Testament on their electronics. Picture it: smartphones smashed against rocks (handheld Jerichos, if you will) and widescreen TVs ceremonially set ablaze like they’re unwelcome idols. It’s the sort of high-definition hypocrisy that makes one wonder — are they filming these dramatic cancellations on a friend’s Netflix account? You bet they are. 🙈☕
It’s not just the average meme warrior joining the fray. Influencers, activists, and that one guy from your high school who posts conspiracy theories at 2 a.m. have all jumped in. Hashtags like #BoycottNetflix and #MaryControversy2024 are trending faster than you can say, «Click here to see why the Internet is furious». It’s SEO heaven. If only Mary herself could see what was being done in her name — she’d probably say, «Let him who is without Wi-Fi cast the first tweet.» 🏰
So, will this outcry lead to an actual decrease in Netflix subscribers? Or will it, like most social media uprisings, fade into the digital ether as soon as the next scandal hits? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the more people shout about Netflix, the more the platform remains perched atop its streaming throne, rolling in clicks and controversy. Pass the popcorn (unless that’s offensive too). 🍿
