Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour movie has received an official PG-13 rating just days before its release in theaters.
According to ComicBook, the PG-13 rating is due to "some strong language and suggestive material." This development has sparked speculation among fans about whether The Eras Tour movie will be censored, as several songs on the setlist feature explicit lyrics. "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" from Red, "Betty" from Folklore, and "Champagne Problems" from Evermore each include at least one use of the word f-ck. "The 1" from Folklore, "Tolerate It" from Evermore, and "Vigilante Shit" from Midnights contain multiple instances of sh-t. Generally, PG-13 films have typically been allowed only one uncensored expletive to ensure they remain suitable for younger audiences.
However, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) explains on its official website that "The Rating Board nevertheless may rate such a motion picture PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the Raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the motion picture is inconspicuous." This suggests that the Eras Tour movie may potentially align with this description.
Taylor Swift's Unconventional Distribution Approach
The method by which Swift is releasing The Eras Tour movie may also allow for an uncensored release. Instead of following the traditional route of working with a major studio, the singer opted to distribute the film directly through AMC Theaters. As such, there is no need to negotiate content adjustments with a studio or streaming platform. By comparison, the filmed version of Hamilton had to censor two instances of the word f-ck to meet MPAA rating requirements in 2020 because it was released by Disney. The project premiered on Disney+ due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Early pre-sales for Swift's concert film suggest it's poised to open with an impressive $100 million. Within hours of ticket sales opening, the film had already raked in $10 million, a number that climbed to $26 million when the figures were officially reported the following day. These sales figures have instilled confidence in theater owners that the film could gross around $150 million domestically. Such an accomplishment would establish Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour as the highest-grossing concert film by a significant margin.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film hits theaters on Oct. 13.
Source: ComicBook