Armie Hammer's heinous scandal proves studios can't rely on good reviews

Los Angeles, California – Though Death on the Nile features an ensemble cast, the disgraced actor Armie Hammer's sexual abuse scandal overshadows the movie's release.

Though Death on the Nile features an ensemble cast, the disgraced actor Armie Hammer's sexual abuse scandal overshadows the movie's release.
Though Death on the Nile features an ensemble cast, the disgraced actor Armie Hammer's sexual abuse scandal overshadows the movie's release.  © IMAGO/MediaPunch

By all accounts, the riveting mystery film based on the Agatha Christie classic looks ravishingly appealing.

The glitzy '30s fashion, an all-star cast, and breathtaking cinemotography are just a few things that could easily lure faithful moviegoers.

Unfortunately, the Kenneth Branagh-led film that had already suffered several setbacks was plagued by a downright disturbing scandal surrounding one of the main stars.

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In 2021, Hammer was accused of heinous acts such as rape, BDSM, abuse, and – most shockingly – cannibalism.

The fallout from the accusations led to the 35-year-old departing from his roles in major films. He was also dropped by his talent agency, WME, and publicist.

The actor was also replaced by Will Arnett in the Taika Waititi film Next Goal Wins. But Death on the Nile, which is now in theaters, chose not to replace Hammer.

To be fair, the Disney film was completed long before the unsettling allegations came out, as it was originally supposed to debut in 2019. Still, the actor's attachment to the movie did some damage. Any buzz around the flick, if anything, flat out dissolved the mystery thriller's shimmer.

Even though early reviews have been positive, the chatter around Hammer's scandal hasn't died down.

And this leads to a pivotal question: Why didn't Disney recast the actor?

Death on the Nile stars Kenneth Branagh, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright.
Death on the Nile stars Kenneth Branagh, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright.  © Imago/Prod.Db

Sorry, Hammer doesn't get away with this one

Disney studios chose not to recast Armie Hammer's role in Death on the Nile despite the controversy around his scandal.
Disney studios chose not to recast Armie Hammer's role in Death on the Nile despite the controversy around his scandal.  © Imago/Prod.Db

It wasn't much of a shock that Hammer tried to do damage control and drop out of projects that probably would've fired him.

But why didn't the whodunit flick choose to replace him?

The movie was essentially pushed back for three years, which would've been more than enough time to reshoot his scenes.

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney considered reshooting Hammer's scenes with a replacement after the allegations came out. But clearly, the studio didn't go through with it, as it would've cost Disney more money.

Yet, it's still puzzling that the company didn't remove the star when many entertainers have been dropped from shows, films, and more pre- or post-production.

Gina Carano was fired from The Mandalorian after she made a series of controversial posts on social media. And Johnny Depp was asked to step down from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise by Warner Bros. Studios.

Given the enormity of Death on the Nile, it would've been wise to recast Hammer, especially since the actor's scandal overshadows the performances of his costars.

The studio did pull from him promotional posters, and his scenes in trailers were reduced – which is equivalent to a slap on the wrist.

Realistically speaking, the idea that the Call Me by Your Name star will continue working with Disney is ludicrous.

Yet, this is one mystery that didn't need to be solved, as keeping Hammer has seemingly taken away from the movie's appeal.

Cover photo: IMAGO/MediaPunch

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