25 Years Later, Kevin Smith Is Still Surprised Religious Groups Protested “Dogma”: ‘This Was My Expression of Faith’ (Exclusive)

Kevin Smith Reflects on the Surprising Backlash Against His Film ‘Dogma’

Kevin Smith, the well-known actor, writer, and filmmaker, is still taken aback by the controversy that surrounded his 1999 movie, ‘Dogma’, especially the protests from religious groups. As he gears up to re-release the film in theatres 25 years later, he opens up about his feelings towards the unexpected backlash.

Despite being prepared for the re-release of ‘Dogma’ on June 5, Smith expressed his disdain for the protests that marred the premiere of the movie back in 1999. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Smith shared his frustration, stating, “I am no agent provocateur, so I didn’t make Dogma to thumb my nose at somebody with faith. This was my expression of faith, man.”

The star-studded cast of ‘Dogma’, including Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, is set to grace the screens once again as the film returns to theatres nationwide. The movie follows the story of fallen angels from Christian mythology scheming to make their way back to heaven, depicting a satirical take on Catholicism and Christianity.

Smith, who was a practicing Catholic at the time of the movie’s creation, recalled the intense backlash he faced from the Catholic League, receiving an overwhelming amount of hate mail and death threats. Despite the controversy, he maintains that ‘Dogma’ aimed to be a reverent film, even with its irreverent approach to religion.

Reflecting on the past, Smith spoke of the turbulent times surrounding the movie’s release, from heightened security at Cannes Film Festival to a massive protest at the New York Film Festival. However, as he reintroduces ‘Dogma’ to audiences today, he acknowledges the absence of such reactions, which he finds gratifying.

Sequel to ‘Dogma’? Smith hints at the possibility as he contemplates writing a follow-up from a different perspective, one devoid of his former faith. As he ventures into new creative territories, the re-release of ‘Dogma’ allows him to witness the impact and reception he initially intended for the audience.

Smith envisions ‘Dogma’ as a celebration of faith, offering a unique and entertaining portrayal of Christian beliefs. The movie, known for its quirky and fun elements, is set to captivate audiences once again, evoking sentiments of joy and enthusiasm among viewers.

As ‘Dogma’ makes its way back to theatres on June 5, Smith aims to evoke the same sense of excitement and party atmosphere that he envisioned during its creation. With audiences relishing every moment on screen, the film promises to be a lively and engaging experience for both fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, Kevin Smith’s journey with ‘Dogma’ exemplifies the complexities of artistic expression and the reactions it can evoke. Despite the challenges faced during its initial release, the film continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing the enduring impact of creative storytelling.