Marvel’s latest film Eternals has been banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, according to reports.
Citing sources, the Hollywood Reporter stated the decision could likely have been caused by Disney’s refusal to censor a same-sex couple in the film. In one scene, the character, Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), and his on-screen husband, Ben (Haaz Sleiman), share a passionate kiss. Phastos is the first openly gay superhero in a Marvel movie. Last year, Pixar’s Onward was banned across Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia over a line referencing a lesbian relationship.
However, tickets for Eternals are currently available in the UAE.
Directed by Chloé Zhao, Eternals stars an ensemble cast including Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie.
The Eternals are an alien race living on Earth for over 7,000 years who team up to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants.
Zhao had earlier said she always wanted to direct a film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is known for its blockbuster superhero movies. "I wanted this so bad because I wanted to work with the team at Marvel because I love the movies... Also with this particular story, I felt like I have something to offer. And it's a story that would address questions that I have for myself as a human being. So, I knew the making of that will allow me to grow," she said.
-with PTI inputs