Michael Caine brands claim breakout film Zulu incites far-right extremism ‘bulls**t’

Sir Michael Caine has rejected a claim that his film Zulu might inspire possible terrorists, calling it the “biggest load of bulls***”.

The legendary actor, who turns 90 next Tuesday, questioned the movie’s recent labelling as a “key text” for “white nationalists and supremacists”.

1964’s Zulu, which also starred Stanley Baker, depicted the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, which occurred during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879.

It portrayed the epic struggle by 150 British soldiers, most from the 24th Regiment of Foot (later the South Wales Borderers), against 4,000 Zulu warriors at a mission station in Natal, South Africa.

Last month a review of counter-terrorism programme Prevent claimed that the film could provide inspiration for members of the far-right.

However it wasn’t just Zulu that was flagged but also The Dam Busters as well as political shows Yes Minister and The Thick of It – and the complete works of William Shakespeare.

Michael Caine - In pictures

In light of the findings, The Spectator reported that Caine said he didn’t agree with Zulu being linked with inciting far-right extremism, branding it the “biggest load of bulls***”.

The British star also insisted that he had no regrets over the course of his career, adding: “There are no films I wish I hadn’t made. I got paid for all of them.”

The London-born star has been nominated for an Oscar six times over the course of his career, winning best supporting actor twice for his roles in Woody Allen’s 1986 comedy Hannah and Her Sisters and 1999 drama The Cider House Rules.

The Prevent review, which aims to stop people becoming terrorists, also found that the programme was failing to address extreme antisemitism evident in Islamist and extreme right-wing ideology.

William Shawcross said that he was “disturbed by the prevalence” of antisenmitism among people referred to the programme.