The new blockbuster movie “spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse” (“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”) was abruptly removed from movie theaters in more than a dozen Muslim-majority countries without explanation, apparently for the inclusion of a poster with the trans flag appearing briefly in the background of a room.
Empire Entertainment, the Middle East distributor of the Sony Pictures animated film, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
No explicit bans were announced for the film, but there were indications that it will not hit the screens.
It is also not expected “Across the Spider-Verse” to be shown in the United Arab Emirates, said a source close to the film who was not authorized to speak publicly. The source cited the country’s rigorous censorship of films for children and younger viewers.
On Saudi Cinema’s official Twitter page, a statement with an attached poster of the film said that the organization will not approve any film that contradicts the nation’s media content regulations and whose “producers do not commit to implement the required amendments.”
The superhero movie featuring Marvel Comics character Miles Morales as Spider-Man debuted in US theaters in early June, tripling the domestic opening weekend revenue of its Oscar-winning prequel.
It was initially scheduled to open in the Middle East on June 22, before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The film was included in movie theaters last week in countries like Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon and Egypt, but it was abruptly and quietly withdrawn.
No reasons were given, but the brief transgender reference could have offended Arab countries where Muslim majorities, guided by Islamic or sharia law, often consider homosexuality and transgender identity as sinful and contrary to their religious beliefs and social norms.
The film includes a scene in which a transgender flag is seen printed with the words “Protect trans children” hanging in the room of Gwen Stacy, a spider girl, whose English voice is played by actress Hailee Steinfeld.
The United Arab Emirates, home to the futuristic city of Dubai and the world’s tallest skyscraper, has not officially banned the film.
The federation of seven emirates once announced an end to censorship of film releases in an effort to boost its brand as a liberal hub attractive to foreigners, but has continued to pull some films from its theaters.
Emaar Entertainment, a state-owned entity and parent company of the major UAE film company, Reel Cinemas, confirmed that it will not screen “Across the Spider-Verse.” The company blamed the decision on Empire Entertainment, the exclusive theatrical distributor of Sony Pictures films in the Middle East.
Messages were sent to Empire Entertainment, the UAE Ministry of Youth and Culture, and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for comment with no response.
In a similar incident last year “Lightyear” Disney was banned in 13 Muslim-majority countries for featuring a lesbian kiss scene.
The scene was cut from the film but reinstated after Pixar employees protested Disney’s response to the Florida legislation that opponents dubbed the bill. “Don’t say gay.”
“Into the Spider-Verse”, the prequel to “Across the Spider-Verse”had a successful season in the region when it premiered in 2018.
Children in Lebanon carry backpacks featuring Miles Morales, the franchise’s main character and the first black Spider-Man, while malls in the United Arab Emirates sell action figures of the movie’s superheroes.
“Across the Spider-Verse” is the second part of a trilogy that will conclude with a third installment scheduled to hit theaters next year.
Source: AP
Source: Gestion
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