The new hit movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse) was abruptly pulled from theaters in more than a dozen Muslim-majority countries without explanation, reportedly due to the sneaky appearance of a trans poster in the background.
Empire Entertainment, the Middle Eastern distributor of the Sony Pictures animated film, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
No explicit ban on the film was announced, but there were indications that it won’t hit screens.
For example, the film is not expected to be released in the United Arab Emirates, said a source familiar with the film who was not authorized to speak publicly. This source mentioned strict censorship of films for children and young viewers.
On Saudi Cinema’s official Twitter page, a statement accompanied by a poster of the film states that the organization will not approve any film that contradicts national media content regulations and whose “production companies do not engage to implement the required changes.
poster for trans rights
The superhero film starring Marvel Comics character Miles Morales in the Spider-Man costume debuted in U.S. theaters in early June, tripling opening weekend earnings from its Oscar-winning prequel.
At the beginning, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was set to air in the Middle East on June 22, ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The film was listed in cinema schedules as recently as last week in countries such as Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon and Egypt, but has was abruptly and quietly withdrawn.
No reason was given, but a brief reference to transgender might have offended Arab countries where Muslim majorities, guided by Islamic law or Sharia, often view homosexuality and transgender identity as sinful and contrary to their religious beliefs and societal norms.
The film includes a scene where a transgender poster, printed with the words “Protect Trans Kids,” hangs in the bedroom of Gwen Stacy, a character played by actress Hailee Steinfeld.
The United Arab Emirates, home to the futuristic city of Dubai and the tallest skyscraper in the world, has not officially banned the film. The Seven Sheikhs’ Federation has already signaled an end to its censorship of cinema releases in a bid to bolster its brand as a progressive hub appealing to foreigners, but it has continued to pull some films from its theaters.
Emaar Entertainment, a state-owned entity and parent company of major UAE cinema company Reel Cinemas, confirmed to The Associated Press that it would not screen Across the Spider-Verse. The company attributed the decision to Empire Entertainment, the exclusive distributor of Sony Pictures films in the Middle East.
In a similar incident last year, Lightyearfrom Disney, was banned in 13 Muslim-majority countries for featuring a scene with a kiss between two women.