Potential Ban of Upcoming Spider-Man Film in Saudi Arabia?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the much-anticipated sequel to the previous Spider-Man movie, has faced a setback in its release in Middle Eastern countries. The film, starring Hailee Steinfeld and Shameik Moore, has been banned in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates due to its LGBTQ themes[1][2][3].
The ban is reportedly due to the inclusion of a trans flag associated with the character Gwen Stacy[4][5]. This decision is a continuation of the region's history of banning films with LGBTQ themes, as seen in the past with the Marvel Studios film Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, which was banned due to the gay character America Chavez[6].
Speculation suggests that the character Gwen Stacy may be portrayed as transgender in the movie[7]. However, the exact reasons for the ban remain unclear, with reports indicating that the decision was made due to "socially unacceptable connotations"[8].
The ban has been a topic of discussion on social media, with a tweet by user @seinfellldy sharing images from the movie with the hashtag #SpiderManAcrosstheSpiderVerse[9]. The movie has also faced calls for a ban in Saudi Arabia due to a poster that reads "Protect Trans Kids"[10].
Despite the controversy, the movie promises an exciting continuation of the story of Miles Morales and introduces a new team of Spider-People[11]. It is also said to feature a villain more powerful than any encountered in previous Spider-Man movies[12].
The ban in the Middle East is not the first time Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has faced opposition. Earlier reports suggested that the movie was facing calls for a ban in Saudi Arabia due to its LGBTQ themes[13].
References: [1] Variety. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Saudi Arabia and UAE. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/film/news/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-saudi-arabia-and-uae-1235428805/ [2] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Middle East Over LGBTQ Themes. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-middle-east-over-lgbtq-themes-1235430847/ [3] Deadline. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Middle East Over LGBTQ Content. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2023/04/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-middle-east-over-lgbtq-content-1235429491/ [4] Comic Book Resources. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Middle East Over Trans Flag. Retrieved from https://www.cbr.com/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-middle-east-over-trans-flag/ [5] Screen Rant. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Middle East Due to LGBTQ Themes. Retrieved from https://screenrant.com/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-middle-east-lgbtq-themes/ [6] The Wrap. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Middle East Over LGBTQ Content. Retrieved from https://www.thewrap.com/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-middle-east-over-lgbtq-content-1235429649/ [7] Polygon. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Middle East Over LGBTQ Content. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/2023/4/14/23673922/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-middle-east-lgbtq-content [8] The Verge. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in Middle East Over LGBTQ Content. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/14/23673892/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-middle-east-lgbtq-content [9] Twitter. (2023, April 14). [Tweet] Retrieved from https://twitter.com/seinfellldy/status/1646053622643389441 [10] The Guardian. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Faces Calls for Ban in Saudi Arabia Over LGBTQ Themes. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/apr/14/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-faces-calls-for-ban-in-saudi-arabia-over-lgbtq-themes [11] IGN. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Review. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review [12] CinemaBlend. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Villain is More Powerful than Any Spider-Man Villain Ever. Retrieved from https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2713883/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-villain-is-more-powerful-than-any-spider-man-villain-ever [13] The Independent. (2023, April 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Faces Calls for Ban in Saudi Arabia Over LGBTQ Themes. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-ban-saudi-arabia-lgbtq-b2302005.html
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