Sources suggest the inclusion of the MCU's first same-gender couple is causing issues in the Gulf. Marvels Eternals Gets Banned Over LGBTQ+ Characters in Middle East Countries Marvel Studios Eternals was banned from cinemas in the Gulf, a response likely given due to the inclusion of a same-sex couple. The genre-busting dramedy has been hailed by a number of critics for its themes of queer acceptance and identity. That moment shows the love between me and Phastos and its a statement on its own that you hear someone speak like that, he said. MCU This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. However, it looks like the MCU venture will be missing out on major markets in the Middle East as some countries have decided not to release the movie at the box office. The UAE announced six months ago that it would do away with film censorship and instead introduce a 21+ rating. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. All Rights Reserved. Last year, the Pixar title Onwardwas banned across Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia over a single line referencing a lesbian relationship. By Anthony D'Alessandro, Nancy Tartaglione. IMAX, one of the largest movie exhibitors in Egypt, shocked moviegoers on Nov. 9 by canceling the premiere of the movie "Eternals" one day before it was scheduled for nationwide release.. Ahmed Kalal, director of the development engineering department at Misr International Films, which owns IMAX theaters in Egypt, told Al-Monitor that the He mentioned that the decision to disallow the movie made these countries look pathetic and ignorant. Angelina Jolie is responding to her new movie Eternals apparently being banned by certain Gulf Nations. A still from Eternals. Homosexuality is illegal across the Gulf and films that feature any LGBTQ themes often dont get past the censors. Marvel Studios Eternals was banned from cinemas in the Gulf, a response likely given due to the inclusion of a same-sex couple. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. (One regional cinema chain told THR that "Eternals" had been "banned," but did not confirm the reasoning behind the ban.) Meanwhile in Kuwait and Qatar, the Chloe Zhao-directed super-gods movie was blocked. Jolie was surprised to see how can someone be so threatened, angry, or against something so beautiful like love. Lastly, she appreciated Disney for not backing down and censoring the scenes. Upon the news about Eternals getting banned in multiple Arab countries, some Hollywood celebrities spoke about it. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. For additional context, for nations in the Gulf,homosexuality is stillillegal. Its been a while since a movie has been banned in Kuwait but according to Al Jarida newspaper, the Marvel Studios film Eternals has been banned in Kuwait. As per the report, censors soughtfurther cuts beyond any scenes of intimacy inSaudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. The film also has an MCU low of a Rotten 51% Rotten Tomatoes score. Heres how it works. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. In the United Arab Emirates, however, the film is still listed as among the titles coming soon. The ban was due to Disneys decision not to censor a kissing scene between two gay characters. One regional cinema chain explained that Eternals had been banned but said they hadnt been told why. The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. Marvel movie Eternals was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films this year. The film has already found issues with China when it comes to getting a proper release, in fact, the country was rumored to want parts edited out. Previous references to homosexulaity in Disney movies like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the live-action Beauty and the Beast were simply fleeting images that could easily be taken out without major changes to the film. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. You will be redirected back to your article in, AMC-Branded Popcorn To Debut At Walmart Oscar Weekend; CEO Touts Authentic Taste Of Real Movie Theatre Popcorn At Home, Creed III Eyeing Franchise-Record 3-Day Debut Of $38M-$40M: Weekend Preview, Dune: The Sisterhood Star Shirley Henderson & Director Exit Amid Creative Overhaul, WGAW Exec Director David Young On Medical Leave; Ellen Stutzman To Lead Contracts Talks, HBOs Bill Maher, On CNN As Part Of Its New 9 PM Strategy, Predicts Biden Beats Trump In 24. Angelina Jolie reacted to the news that her new Marvel movie, Etertnals, has been banned by several countries in the Middle East over the portrayal of gay couple. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. Marvel Studios' "Eternals" will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. Haaz Sleiman says he was close to tears when he learned of Disneys response to Eternals being banned in several Middle Eastern countries because of the MCU films LGBTQ+ content. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. Why Eternals Has Been Pulled From Theaters In The Middle East By Dirk Libbey last updated November 05, 2021 Several nations have apparently decided not release Eternals. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film was supposed to debut in theaters in those countries on November 11, but when local censors presented Disney with a series of desired edits, the studio reportedly refused to comply. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. The UAE announced six months ago that it would do away with film censorship and instead introduce a 21+ rating. Future Club 33 Member. 'Eternals' To Not Release In Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain And Oman; Here's Why Touted as one of the biggest MCU films, Chlo Zhao directed super-god film Eternals has been banned from releasing in some of the major Middle Eastern countries Written By Princia Hendriques Image: Instagram/@MarvelStudios Only time will tell. One key territory that the film has struggled to find a distributor in is the UK. The issue, we hear, may not solely be the same-sex kiss, but rather that overall these markets have historically had a problem with the depiction of gods and prophets, something they consider blasphemous. Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. Movies containing LGBTQ+ content are often cut to appease international censors around the world, but Disney refused to alter Eternals., I have no respect for those governments, Sleiman said. We hear from industry sources that the movie was picked up by a regional distributor but has been banned in parts of the Gulf due to LGBTQ issues, meaning it has been shelved for now. In Kuwait and Qatar, its claimed the issue wasnt the homosexual scenes, but that the region has historically had a problem with the depiction of gods and prophets, something they consider blasphemous., RELATED:Deadpool 3: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Get Jacked. Considering that homosexuality is still against the law in many parts of the Middle East, its far from surprising this would be the reason that the movie is seeing scrutiny there. The good news for UK cinema-goers is that A24 itself will release the film this month. While no official ban is in place, the word is that Disney was asked to make edits to the film regarding the films gay character Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry. Beyond a dream come true, its lifesaving, he told me. Since homosexuality is still illegal in many countries in the Middle East, the requested edits likely centered on Marvel's first openly gay superhero, Phastos, who is played by Brian Tyree Henry. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. Its possible that it was simply deemed impossible to make the edits that were requested without harming too much of the plot of the movie itself. Also, the actors of the Eternals were playing a good role in making the platform, as well as the Marvel studios, look good. Marvel Studios Eternals was banned from cinemas in the Gulf, a response likely given due to the inclusion of a same-sex couple. According to a report from Deadline, the Disney/Marvel movie Eternals will not be hitting the big screens in some Middle Eastern countries namelySaudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. We want to hear from you! And then they can give their two middle fingers to their governments. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. The UK has long been a challenging and expensive market in which to release independent movies and we hear the asking price was considered too steep by the small pool of viable indie distributors in the territory. Upon the news about Eternals getting banned in multiple Arab countries, some Hollywood celebrities spoke about it. It's always important not to give in to censorship, as the practice is the antithesis of art itself. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Home Movie News Eternals Box Office Blow: Banned In Middle East, Likely China. I wish I had that when I was a kid, to see this. This is good news for those that want to see representation increase on the big screen. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day, Get the scoops first! Why Drake Lost His Bet on Argentina in World Cup Final? Marvels Eternals Gets Banned Over LGBTQ+ Characters in Middle East Countries Marvel Studios Eternals was banned from cinemas in the Gulf, a response likely given due to the inclusion of a same-sex couple. The streaming platform received multiple requests from the local censors but it did not comply with any of the edit requests. Phastos kisses his husband Ben in the movies. Sources suggest the decision was likely made over the inclusion of a same-gender couple in the film and the MCUs first gay superhero. Eternals Marvel's first gay superhero also got his movie banned. Written by Zhao, Ryan Firpo, and Kaz Firpo, Eternals introduces a new group of superheroes, the titular Eternals, who have lived in secret on earth for 7000 years. Disney's stance on this issue shows that the studio has supported director Chlo Zhao, who was hopeful that the relationship would not be censored when she spoke to Indiewire last month. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. Marvel Studios' "Eternals"will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. The Eternal Phastos is in an openly gay relationship with anther man in Eternals, and in one scene they share a kiss. Last month,Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness was the latest studio film to be banned in parts of the region due to a gay character. Celebrities Against the ban. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness is playing in the country but has been banned in Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Sleiman, who was raised in a Muslim family in Lebanon before moving to the U.S. when he was 21, came out as gay in 2017 after first gaining attention playing Tarek, an undocumented Syrian immigrant in 2007s The Visitor., At the Eternals world premiere last month, Sleiman spoke passionately about how much representation and visibility matter. In one scene, the character, Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), and his on-screen husband, Ben (Haaz Sleiman), share a kiss. Regarding how much Eternals is set to lose by being banned by those Middle Eastern countries is unknown as they arent listed as part of the box office of any of the Marvel movies, so maybe its not that much. 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