'The Savant' Star Jessica Chastain Says Apple TV+ Delay Is Wrong Call Amid Violence

[MacRumors]

Earlier this week, Apple made the decision to delay the release of upcoming Apple TV+ series "The Savant" due to its topic and the current political climate. Jessica Chastain, who plays the main character in the series, today said that she does not support Apple's decision.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Chastain said that while she values her partnership with Apple, she's "not aligned" with the company on the decision to pause the release of the show.

I want to say how much I value my partnership with Apple. They've been incredible collaborators and I deeply respect their team. That said, I wanted to reach out and let you know that we're not aligned on the decision to pause the release of The Savant.

In the last five years since we've been making the show, we've seen an unfortunate amount of violence in the United States: the kidnapping attempt on Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; the January 6th attack on the Capitol; the assassination attempts on President Trump; the political assassinations of Democratic representatives in Minnesota; the attack on Speaker Pelosi's husband; the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk; the recent shooting at an ABC affiliate station in California; and over 300 school shootings across this country.

These incidents, though far from encompassing the full range of violence witnessed in the United States, illustrate a broader mindset that crosses the political spectrum and must be confronted. I've never shied away from difficult subjects, and while I wish this show wasn't so relevant, unfortunately it is.

The Savant is about the heroes who work every day to stop violence before it happens, and honoring their courage feels more urgent than ever. While I respect Apple's decision to pause the release for now, I remain hopeful the show will reach audiences soon. Until then, I'm wishing safety and strength for everyone, and I'll let you know if and when The Savant is released.

"The Savant" is a crime thriller that stars Chastain as a woman who works to infiltrate online hate groups to prevent large-scale public attacks. The show was supposed to air on Friday, September 26, but Apple quietly delayed it, removing all release information from the Apple TV app.

Apple has not commented on its decision to pull the show, but tension surrounding the death of Charlie Kirk likely influenced the choice. In her statement, Chastain cited a number of violent attacks in the United States, and said that while she wished the series "wasn't so relevant, unfortunately it is." She went on to say that honoring the heroes who work to stop violence before it happens "feels more urgent than ever."

Apple has apparently not provided Chastain with information on when "The Savant" will see a release, as she says that she's "hopeful" the series will reach audiences soon.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Article Link: 'The Savant' Star Jessica Chastain Says Apple TV+ Delay Is Wrong Call Amid Violence

 

[Urban Splash]

Everyone is scared of everything. What a world we live in.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

I think her statement is very reasonable. The show is currently a meme because the trailer gives the impression it’s worldview is that all political violence comes from the right, but perhaps it will be more balanced than that.

 

[icanhazapple]

Apple needs to get out of the business of financing the production of TV and Movies. It's not their core business and is a distraction.

 

[S.B.G]

I remember after 9/11 Microsoft removed the twin towers from it's Flight Simulator game.

 

[Artemiz]

Second Amendment thrives while the First Amendment’s being dismembered.

MAGA should change their name to MATA (Make America Trash Again) since they’re already halfway there.

EDIT: Wow! Wasn't expecting to trigger so many nerves with basic facts.

 

[RemedyRabbit]

I think her statement is very reasonable. The show is currently a meme because the trailer gives the impression it’s worldview is that all political violence comes from the right, but perhaps it will be more balanced than that.

I’m hopeful that people might soon stop thinking in terms of right vs left, and focus instead on extreme vs normal. There’s been far too much extremity this past 10 years. Calm rational folk rarely get heard over the noise.

 

[Happy_John]

Apple needs to get out of the business of financing the production of TV and Movies. It's not their core business and is a distraction.

??? Why? The first year or so was rocky, but they're doing well out of it - lots of awards and prestige from their more successful shows.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'm so disappointed in how Apple has handled this moment (meaning this US Administration).

All these companies with money and power need to stand up, fight back and hold the line.

You don't "work with" regimes aspiring for dictatorial control.

There's no amount of paying bribes or gold & glass statues that will ultimately save you.

They are afraid to run a show about infiltrating online hate groups to take down the most violent extremists in the US?

That button needs to be pushed on NOW, more than ever!

 

[GMShadow]

Second Amendment thrives while the First Amendment’s being dismembered.

No one told Apple not to release this. Apple is controversy averse.

Season 3 of Tehran still hasn't been released on ATV+ because of the 2023 attacks in Israel, and Season 4 is being re-written not to step on toes (I'd also point out Apple doesn't have full creative control on the series either).

 

[webbuzz]

Second Amendment thrives while the First Amendment’s being dismembered.

MAGA should change their name to MATA (Make America Trash Again) since they’re already halfway there.

This is Apple pulling the release. It has nothing to do with freedom of speech.

Surprised you didn't say it is illegal to yell fire in a crowded theater...

 

[q64ceo]

Apple didn't want to suffer from any potential fall-out. This day in age, boycotts for corporations saying stuff that others don't like is normal.

 

[Artemiz]

No one told Apple not to release this. Apple is controversy averse.

Season 3 of Tehran still hasn't been released on ATV+ because of the 2023 attacks in Israel, and Season 4 is being re-written not to step on toes (I'd also point out Apple doesn't have full creative control on the series either).

After the second ugliest Carr made threatening statements and canceled Colbert and Kimmel (he’s back), is it really surprising?

 

[delsoul]

Careful, Jessica! Apple has canceled and cut off journalists from Apple events who disagree with them, let alone being an actress in one of their big shows disagreeing with them!

 

[AustinIllini]

Jessica Chastain is amazing and I support her 100%. The end.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Apple didn't want to suffer from any potential fall-out. This day in age, boycotts for corporations saying stuff that others don't like is normal.

So they lose some business from white supremacists and Christo-facists.

Good!

 

[Happy_John]

I’m hopeful that people might soon stop thinking in terms of right vs left, and focus instead on extreme vs normal. There’s been far too much extremity this past 10 years. Calm rational folk rarely get heard over the noise.

"Right" and "left" have become completely meaningless in the 10 year time span you've given. As,labels, they don't mean anything anymore expect "stuff I don't like". When the supposed left are more conservative (i.e. are attempting to conserve things ) than the right, and the supposed right are tearing down / "disrupting" more than conserving, it's just buzzwords.

So yes, I agree that "extremist" vs :normal" (or moderate/centerist) is a more pragmatic perspective

 

[Happy_John]

So they lose some business from white supremacists and Christo-facists.

Good!

Apple are now too big to alienate any of their customer-base - and their customer base is "anyone who can afford to buy our products".

 

[WestonHarvey1]

I remember after 9/11 Microsoft removed the twin towers from it's Flight Simulator game.

I am not sure if this was meant ironically, but they were removed to keep the game up to date.

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

Tim Cook has been so fvkcing disappointing in regards to any sort of social or political issue.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Apple are now too big to alienate any of their customer-base - and their customer base is "anyone who can afford to buy our products".

There are more important things at times in life & business.

We are at one of those crossroads.

 

[dumastudetto]

I am disappointed Jessica Chastain would publicly criticise Apple like this. It is not acceptable. We expect more loyalty from those who star in shows on our platform. I hope Apple makes an intelligent decision in regards to future endeavours.

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

Apple didn't want to suffer from any potential fall-out. This day in age, boycotts for corporations saying stuff that others don't like is normal.

One of the biggest companies in the world has the power to not care at all.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

So they lose some business from white supremacists and Christo-facists.

Good!

People who use that term typically apply it to about 50% of the US population, so I’m sure Apple doesn’t really want to lose that market segment.

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

I am disappointed Jessica Chastain would publicly criticise Apple like this. It is not acceptable. We expect more loyalty from those who star in shows on our platform. I hope Apple makes an intelligent decision in regards to future endeavours.

Is this a serious post?