AN Oscar-winning actor has backed demands for Cineworld to screen the new Robert the Bruce film in Scotland.
Shawshank Redemption lead Tim Robbins sent a message of solidarity to his “brother” Angus Macfadyen, who stars in and co-wrote the new release.
Macfadyen, who reprises his role as Bruce from Braveheart, said Cineworld did not respond when offered the film.
He has urged Scots to “fill every cinema seat in Scotland” to “prove Cineworld wrong” after bosses confirmed the film would not been shown in any of the chain’s nine Scottish cinemas.
READ MORE: Cineworld 'offered Robert the Bruce film' but didn't answer
Responding to Macfadyen's complaints on Twitter, Robbins, who won an Oscar in 2004 for his role in Mystic River, supported calls for Cineworld’s decision to be reversed.
He said: “Can’t wait to see this in the US. In the meantime let’s help brother Macfadyen get his film shown in Scotland!”
Can’t wait to see this in the US. In the meantime let’s help brother Macfadyen get his film shown in Scotland!!!! https://t.co/I3HbfNgeWB
— Tim Robbins (@TimRobbins1) 29 June 2019
Some Scots social media users have announced a boycott of Cineworld, with others cancelling membership cards.
More than 1000 people have also signed a petition to "formally request the movie to be shown across Scotland".
Scottish politicians have since added to criticism of cinema chiefs.
Green MSP Ross Greer questioned the possible motives behind Cineworld’s decision.
He said: “A movie about Robert the Bruce doesn't have commercial appeal in Scotland? Really?”
READ MORE: Greens join fight for Cineworld to screen Robert the Bruce film
SNP MP Carol Carol Monaghan demanded answers from the chain.
I am just hearing that @cineworld cinemas appear to have decided not to show the new Robert the Bruce film.
— Carol Monaghan MP 🏴 (@CMonaghanSNP) June 28, 2019
Cineworld, could you please confirm and explain your reasons for this decision?
Meanwhile, MSP Willie Coffie said the call would backfire. He wrote on Facebook: “We are hearing that Cineworld has banned the showing of the film. My colleague Carol Monaghan MP has asked them to explain.
“If true, what a bunch of bungling eejits they are. A masterstroke in publicity for the film. And all it will do is bring 1000s more to the cause of independence. So thanks Cineworld. Keep up the good work for the cause.”
Speaking exclusively to The National, Macfadyen said Cineworld “didn’t deign to answer” when offered the film.
He added: “From my understanding, it appears that Cineworld are refusing to show the film, saying it’s a Netflix film – weird since we’d never sell it to Netflix knowing they’d bury it deep to protect their own Outlaw King.”
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