Kevin Smith Claims Harvey Weinstein Holds 'Dogma' Hostage
- Kevin Smith's 'Dogma' faced protests from religious groups upon its release.
- Despite the backlash, the film performed well at the box office, earning $31 million.
- The rights to 'Dogma' were purchased by the Weinsteins, leading to a long period of inactivity regarding its distribution, but plans exist for a re-release in 2025.
The 1999 film 'Dogma,' directed by Kevin Smith, has remained difficult to find despite its initial box-office success of $31 million against a $10 million budget. Following its release, the film faced significant backlash from religious groups, leading to protests and even thousands of pieces of hate mail sent to its creator. The controversy helped generate interest and arguably contributed to its box-office performance, but it also complicated the film's distribution. The rights were purchased by the Weinsteins, who, for years, did nothing with them. However, in 2022, Smith mentioned during a podcast that a new distribution company has acquired the rights, with plans to re-release the film in 2025, showcasing the continued relevance and impact of this unconventional comedy on themes of faith and spirituality.