This morning, Today host Karl Stefanovic let the world know that he’s not too impressed with Event Cinemas moving the release date of Avengers: Infinity War up to Anzac Day on Wednesday, 25th April.
On the Today show this morning, Stefanovic said that “There might be some legitimate reason why the Avengers is opening on Anzac Day, but I haven’t seen it.”
“Event Cinemas bringing the release a day early smacks, to me, of a grubby cash grab. Well, grab your cash somewhere else – exploit another day.”
He then asked, “How on earth are our kids supposed to breathe in the significance of Anzac Day?”
“Pretty hard to do with a $25 popcorn and choc top I thought.”
This seems like a bizarre event for Stefanovic to target, with some Twitter users pointing out that lots of Australians partake in activities on Anzac Day — like the pub or the footy — that don’t directly involve the type of remembrance you’d see at a dawn service, for example.
I find it hysterical Karl and Co are so furious about people seeing a film on ANZAC Day, yet pubs across the nation will be filled with people gambling and getting blotto in the afternoons. So disrespectful, huh? #givemeabreak
— CMH (@claremaree) April 19, 2018
While others have gently reminded Stefanovic that it’s possible to go to the dawn service or other services throughout the day and pay your respects to those who sacrificed themselves for our country as well as being able to go to the movies at a different time on that day.
Is there a dawn screening of Avengers on ANZAC Day? Is that what Karl’s worked up about?
— Stephen Murray (@smurray38) April 19, 2018
Watch Karl’s rant, alongside the trailer for Avengers: Infinity War (which, in case it isn’t painfully clear already, will be released on Wednesday, 25th April) below.
“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) 18 April 2018
