Michael Caine Slams Report Suggesting His Zulu Movie Could Incite Extremism

Michael Caine is one of the most loved actors in history, but recently his 1864 movie Zulu was called into question as a potential “piece of culture that incites the far-right into terrorism.” However, the multi-award winning actor has hit back in defence of the film, which sees him playing an officer in the Anglo-Zulu War in the 19th century.

According to U.K. counter-terrorism programme Prevent, the film stands as a “key-text’ for “white supremacists.” The main purpose of the report was to make a point that the government does not fight cases of non-violent Islamist extremism in a firm enough way to prevent then from escalating. Criticisms were mostly aimed at the U.K. government, but Zulu was singled out as having potential to instigate terrorism and extremist hate.

However, Michael Caine responded to the suggestion by dismissing it immediately. While being interviewed by The Spectator, Caine was told about Zulu being mentioned specifically as a film that could have extremist connotations in modern times. In direct reply to the news, Caine said:

“That is the biggest load of bullsh*t I have ever heard.”

During the interview, Caine noted that as far as he is concerned “there are no films” that he wishes he had not made, including Zulu, which he noted was the film that made him a star. When it comes to the movie itself, the film is a historical war epic that dramatises the Battle of Rorke’s Drift that has stood the test of time and still holds an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered a cinematic classic.

Michael Caine Has No Plans To Retire As He Approaches His 90th Birthday

With more than 160 movies to his name, you could be forgiven for thinking that Michael Caine would just want to put his feet up and relax as he approaches a milestone birthday of 90. In a podcast back in 2021, the actor seemed to suggest that he was withdrawing from acting and concentrating on other work such as writing. He said at the time:

“Funnily enough, it has turned out to be what is my last part really. Because I haven’t worked for two years, and I have a spine problem which affects my legs so I can’t walk very well. And I also wrote a book, a couple of books, which were published and were successful, so I’m now not an actor, I’m a writer. Which is lovely, because as an actor you have to get up at half past six in the morning and go to the studio. As a writer, you start writing without leaving the bed!”

However, he later clarified his comments, noting on his Twitter account that he was “not getting rid of my alarm clock.” Caine has certainly proven this to be true after appearing in the movies Twist and Best Sellers in 2021, Medieval in 2022 and currently filming The Great Escaper with fellow industry veteran Glenda Jackson.