The Petition Against the Haunting Adeline Movie, Explained

A Change.org petition asks for the adaptation to be stopped, arguing that the story romanticises coercion and sexual violence. Its live signature total shows organised opposition, but it is not an opinion poll.

What the petition argues

The petition says the source material packages women's fear and trauma as romance and argues that a film would give those themes a larger, more visual platform.

What the signature count demonstrates

It demonstrates that thousands of people are willing to publicly support the campaign. It can also influence press coverage by providing a clear symbol of opposition.

What it does not demonstrate

It does not reveal the views of all readers, all moviegoers or even all people aware of the announcement. People who disagree are not sampled, and participation is self-selecting.

Could a petition stop the film?

A petition can create reputational pressure, but it has no automatic power to cancel a privately financed production. Its influence depends on who controls the rights, financing and distribution, none of which has been announced publicly.