'Messiah': Jordan's film panel asks Netflix to stop release as fans threaten to boycott streaming service
After the release of the 'Messiah' trailer, the US web series has become the subject of controversy. The show makes a connection between Anti-Christ and its lead character Dajjal in connection to 'the second coming of Christ'. This resulted in subscribers of Netflix outraging over the show and even threatened to boycott the streaming service. Now, Jordan's Royal Film Commission has asked Netflix to stop the release of 'Messiah', which was originally slated to premiere on January 1, 2020.
The name Al Massih ad-Dajjal translated to what colloquially people called 'the deceiving Messiah' or as Christians say Anti-Christ. This reference and the show's plot itself has caused furor over lack of respect for religious sentiments by Netflix.
According to a report in Deadline, the Jordanian government organization’s managing director Mohannad al-Bakr on Monday held a press conference in Amman where he made an announcement to the local media about asking Netflix to stop premiere of the show.
The commission's statement read, "Having been made aware of its content, the RFC has asked officially the management of Netflix to refrain from streaming it in Jordan." A spokesperson for Netflix was, however, quoted as saying that they haven't received an official request from the commission as of now. "The story is purely fictional and so are the characters. Yet, the RFC deems that the content of the series could be largely perceived or interpreted as infringing on the sanctity of religion, thus possibly contravening the laws in the country," added the spokesperson.
The statement added, "While still standing firmly by its principles, notably the respect of creative freedom, the RFC – as a public and responsible institution – cannot condone or ignore messages that infringe on the Kingdom’s basic laws."
The official synopsis of the show reads, "When CIA officer Eva Geller (Michelle Monaghan) uncovers information about a man (Mehdi Dehbi) gaining international attention through acts of public disruption, she begins an investigation into his origins. As he continues to cultivate followers who allege he's performing miracles, the global media become increasingly beguiled by this charismatic figure. Geller must race to unravel the mystery of whether he really is a divine entity or a deceptive con artist capable of dismantling the world’s geopolitical order."
A few parts of the show were also shot in Jordan and the government had given permission only after having received episodic synopsis according to a source quoted in the report.
Meanwhile, in a statement by a Netflix spokesperson, the streaming service has said, "Messiah is a work of fiction. It is not based on any one character, figure or religion. All Netflix shows feature ratings and information to help members make their own decisions about what’s right for them and their families."
