Disney drops 'Dogma,' but Weinsteins still involved

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Disney is dropping its involvement with the Kevin Smith film "Dogma," saying it disparages Roman Catholics and shouldn't be released under its label. The movie, currently in production, was to be released by Miramax Films, which Disney owns. But now, because of the controversy, Miramax chiefs Bob and Harvey Weinstein say they'll buy the film rights to Smith's religious satire for about $11 million. They plan to sell domestic rights to a third party and negotiate with international distributors. "Disney is a target that's too vulnerable in a situation like this," Harvey Weinstein says in Thursday's Los Angeles Times. "They make family movies and a protest could hurt them unnecessarily."

It's not the first time Miramax has been at odds with its parent company. In 1994, the company released the British film "Priest" -- about a homosexual Catholic priest -- and "Kids" was released under an NC-17 rating by Miramax in 1995. Both caused controversy that put an uncomfortable spotlight on Disney. In "Dogma," Ben Affleck and Matt Damon play angels who try to return to heaven after being banished. The film also stars Chris Rock, who plays a trash-talking 13th apostle. Among the picture's plot elements: a female descendant of Jesus working in an abortion clinic; a Skeeball-obsessed God; a Christ figure giving a thumbs-up salute.