Warner Bros. has apologized for criticizing “The Witch” for portraying a physical disability in a new adaptation of Ralph Dahl’s classic novel.
The company said in a statement to NBC News that it was “deeply saddened to learn that portrayal of fictional characters in The Witches can upset people with disabilities” and that “any crime leads to remorse.”
The film was criticized by many disability advocates after photos of Hat’s Hathaway character surfaced online. Her character can be seen with three web fingers on each hand – more commonly known as a “split hand” or electrocution.
Paralympic swimmer Amy Meren said on Twitter on Monday that when she realized the film was fictional, the depiction of differences in her limbs survived a harmless trope that was inappropriate.
“It’s not uncommon for surgeons to try and create this kind of hand for children and adults, as there are differences in certain organs,” he said. “He’s upset about something that makes a person different in presenting a scary thing.”
Agreed with the official Twitter account of the Paralympic Games.
“The limb difference is not scary. Differences should be celebrated and disability should be normalized, ”he said on his Twitter account on Tuesday.
“In line with the original story, we worked with designers and artists to bring a new interpretation of the cat-like paws described in the book,” the studio said. “Viewers never intended to feel that imaginary, human beings were there to represent them.”
Eventually, the studio said the film is about “the power of kindness and friendship.”
“We hope families and children can enjoy the film and embrace this empowering, loving theme,” the company said.
