Disney bans smoking in PG-13 films

Shown is Cruella De Vil in Disney's classic animated movie "101 Dalmations." Disney says it will ban cigarettes in all of its PG-13 films. (Photo: Walt Disney Productions)

Disney announced last week that it will no longer feature smoking in its future PG-13-rated productions.

The ban also applies to movies by Marvel, Pixar, and LucasFilm.

"We are extending our policy to prohibit smoking in movies across the board," Disney CEO Bob Iger told shareholders.

However, an exception will be made if a person depicted in film was a smoker in real life.

"For instance, we've been doing a movie on Abraham Lincoln, he was a smoker, and we would consider that acceptable," Iger said. "But in terms of any new characters that are created for any of those films, under any of those labels, we will absolutely prohibit smoking in any of those films."

One shareholder, Stanton Glantz , a University of California at San Francisco medicine professor, asked if banning smoking in rated R-films was also being considered.

"I think it would be a little bit presumptuous of me to commit to doing that today without getting a little bit more of a flavor or perspective on the dynamic that exists at the (Motion Picture Association of America) MPAA on the subject," Iger responded.

"I'm just not well versed in that. I don't know what positions the other studios have even taken about this."

He added that smoking in films accessible to minors is a "serious issue" that he would discuss with the MPAA.

Professor Glantz is one of the founders of lobby group Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, and a renowned anti-smoking activist.

Disney has also been called to reform the depiction of circus animals in the upcoming live-action remake of "Dumbo." Animal rights advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have urged director Tim Burton to change the classic film's ending.

"We're hopeful that in your adaptation of 'Dumbo,' the young elephant and his mother can have a truly happy ending by living out their lives at a sanctuary instead of continuing to be imprisoned and abused in the entertainment industry," PETA vice president Lisa Lange wrote in an open letter.

Neither Burton nor Disney have publicly responded to the request.

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.