Danny Boyle wouldn’t make Slumdog Millionaire now due to “cultural appropriation”

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Danny Boyle has stated that if given the chance to remake his Academy Award-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire, he would opt to hand over the director’s role to a talented young Indian filmmaker.

The film “Slumdog Millionaire” stood out as the most successful venture in terms of critical acclaim and box office earnings for director Danny Boyle throughout his career, generating a staggering $378 million from an initial investment of just $15 million. This impressive feat earned him the prestigious award for Best Director at the Oscars, and also secured “Slumdog Millionaire” the coveted title of Best Picture at the same event.

The 2008 movie was based in the impoverished areas of Mumbai, with its story centered around a young man named Jamal (played by Dev Patel). This character aspired to break free from poverty by triumphing in the popular game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”.

18 years ago, Boyle was born and brought up in the northern part of England, yet filmed this particular Indian story on the bustling streets of Mumbai, using both English and Hindi, a combination that he might not have attempted today.

Danny Boyle says Slumdog Millionaire was made via “flawed method”

During interviews promoting his latest movie, 28 Years Later, Boyle was asked about Slumdog Millionaire by The Guardian. He responded, “We couldn’t produce a film like that today, and it’s for the best. It’s time for us to consider our past actions and the impact we’ve had globally. We need to examine the cultural baggage we bear and the traces we’ve left on the world.

The speaker notes that while the production had noble aims, he admits, “Initially, it seemed revolutionary. We chose to send just a few of us to Mumbai. We aimed to collaborate with a large Indian crew and create a film that reflected the culture. However, we remained outsiders throughout. It was an imperfect approach. At times, this type of cultural appropriation may be acceptable. But on other occasions, it’s not.

Today, it’s questionable whether Slumdog Millionaire could be produced as it once was, unless a particular requirement was fulfilled. As Boyle expressed, “I take great pride in the movie, but I wouldn’t think of making something similar today. It probably wouldn’t receive funding. Even if I were involved, I’d be on the lookout for a talented young Indian director to helm it.

To delve deeper into Danny Boyle’s newest project, check out our review of “28 Years Later,” as well as insights on its skyrocketing production cost compared to “28 Days Later.” We also provide a comprehensive guide to the updated zombie elements and discuss how it paves the way for upcoming sequel “The Bone Temple.

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2025-06-20 14:48