An old rumor that Disney bought the rights to the Bible has re-emerged online, so where did this start, and what is actually going on? Here’s Disney Fanatic’s fact-check and deep dive!

There have been a variety of rumors about the Walt Disney Company over the years, but this old one that’s made a reappearance certainly takes the cake. Recently, an old rumor that Disney bought the rights to one of the most significant books in religious history, The Bible, resurfaced.

Related: Was Walt Disney’s Body Frozen? Here’s the Truth

Has Disney Bought the Rights to the Bible?

Let’s cut to the chase.

No, Disney has absolutely not bought the rights to this religious text. In fact, such an occurrence is frankly not possible, considering that religious texts are not protected by copyright. All religious texts exist in the public domain, leaving them free and open for various parties to make adaptations if they wish.

So, Where Did this Rumor Start?

It appears the origin of the rumor dates back to 2018 when the satire site The Babylon Bee released an article claiming that Disney bought the rights to The Bible and planned to make 37 sequels. The site also seemingly republished this article on social media periodically as it also surfaced on X, formerly Twitter, in 2019.

The satirical article claimed a new Disney movie was in the works: “In a statement announcing the purchase, Disney said it planned to release a major Bible sequel in 2020, ‘The Christ Awakens,’ kicking off a big-budget trilogy.”

Disney Buys Rights To The Bible, Plans 37 Sequelshttps://t.co/vPgT4kulGD

— The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) July 9, 2019

What is Disney Actually Planning?

Disney is certainly known for acquiring many profitable properties; however, it goes without saying that a company that prolific would not make such faux pas with a religious text.

But this rumor is especially strange in light of Disney’s upcoming series that has caused uproar and controversy among fans—Pauline. This German production, greenlighted by Disney, follows the story of a young woman who gets impregnated by the Devil after having a one-night stand with him.

Pauline has become such a phenomenon that there have even been petitions released to stop its production since many Christian parents feel it goes against Christian values.

Read More: Petition Grows to Stop Disney Show About Pregnant Teen Who Falls for the Devil

It appears that Disney is keeping Pauline alive, irrespective of whether audiences approve of the upcoming original series or not.

This said, at present, we also don’t yet have a release date or any further information on the show and will keep Disney Fanatics updated on any developments in this vein!