HoursTV.com is in the business of keeping its readers happy. (One regional cinema chain told THR that "Eternals" had been "banned," but did not confirm the reasoning behind the ban.) Sleiman, who is of Lebanese origin, is also openly gay. 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. We know how the game of breaking news is actually played. The film also has an MCU low of a Rotten 51% Rotten Tomatoes score. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. Post by Mark. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. The genre-busting dramedy has been hailed by a number of critics for its themes of queer acceptance and identity. Meanwhile,United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt will enjoy the movie without thescenes of intimacy seeing as this is a normal practice for such markets. The cosmic epic has been hyped up by those involved for a long time now, so it's weird to think that it's actually almost time to watch it. I never thought I would see that, let alone that I got to do it., Sleiman is also confident that Eternals will be seen, even in countries where its banned. Sources suggest the decision was likely made over the inclusion of a same-gender couple in the film and the MCUs first gay superhero. Everything to Know About Police Line Mosque Blast in Peshawar, What Are the 7 Seas and 5 Oceans of the World, Why Pakistani Meme Wow Grape Went Viral on Social Media. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Marvel Studios' next film, Eternals, wasbanned inSaudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Homosexuality is illegal across the Gulf and films that feature any LGBTQ themes often dont get past the censors. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. Its global box office take is now a much more interesting question following news that the movie has been pulled from theaters in several countries in the Middle East, apparently due to the films content including an openly gay character. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. And in an alternate universe, Brian Tyree Henry's Phastos wouldn't have been the first LGBTQ superhero in the MCU: Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie character from "Thor: Ragnarok"was going to be bisexual, but the final cut of the movie ended up removing a scene which confirmed her sexuality. For Disney, a studio which has previously earned its fair share of bad press for kowtowing to international censoring requests in order to maximize global profits, this is a somewhat surprising (and welcome) instance of the studio showing some backbone and putting creative integrity over transparent greed. They have displayed to the world that they are not only a disgrace to humanity, but to God. Marvel Studios is getting ready to release its next big screen blockbuster, and while Eternals will almost certainly be the number one move at the domestic box office this weekend. Property Brothers Preschool Series Builder Brothers Dream Factory Sets Premiere (Exclusive), Viagra Trial Drama Men Up Coming to BBC From Russell T. 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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. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. 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 Only time will tell. The newspaper didnt give any reason for the ban but its most likely because of the character Phastos who is the first openly gay hero. Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle Editor. My god. Sleiman, who is of Lebanese origin, is also openly gay. They stood their ground and said, Nope, we are not going to compromise the integrity of our film, Sleiman told me Friday afternoon. Disney held firm on that movie and refused to censor it, so hopefully this is proof that the studio is entering a new era in which it supports its filmmakers' visions and won't compromise its movies to achieve the widest possible appeal. 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. Portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry, Phastos is a superhero who appears in Eternals and is married to Ben who is depicted by Haaz Sleiman. The streaming platform received multiple requests from the local censors but it did not comply with any of the edit requests. The streaming platform has been gaining much attention due to its latest projects that include certain Disney plus series and movies. Marvel'sEternalsis all set to release in theatres on November 5 in the US and in India. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The ban was prompted by Lebanese group Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon because the pics lead actress, Gal Gadot, is Israeli and a former soldier in that countrys army. Movie studios, and Disney specifically have dealt with this before and they likely expected this sort of pushback. As per the report, censors soughtfurther cuts beyond any scenes of intimacy inSaudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. Post by Mark. Copyright 2020 The Direct Media Group LLC. Marvel Studios latest Eternals has reportedly been banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as per The Hollywood Reporter. By Kofi Outlaw - November 4, 2021 11:57 am EDT. The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. Upon the news about Eternals getting banned in multiple Arab countries, some Hollywood celebrities spoke about it. The film is one of A24s biggest-budget productions to date. MCU All Rights Reserved. And now they get to see this its above and beyond., When we talked Friday, Sleiman recalled how it was his idea to have his character speak some Arabic in the film. Current box office estimates for Eternalsthis weekend offer anywhere from $67 million to $92 million, with Deadlines estimates offering $75 million. 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. Is Elon Musk Going to Buy Manchester United Football Club? Celebrities Against the ban. Eternals Marvel's first gay superhero also got his movie banned. 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. In recent days, Eternals has made headlines across the Middle East region after it was banned in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek starrer was also blocked inKuwait and Qatar. 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. Marvel Studios latest Eternals has reportedly been banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The UAE announced six months ago that it would do away with film censorship and instead introduce a 21+ rating. 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. This is the first time that a same-sex couple has been depicted in a Marvel film. ' Eternals ' didn't make it to box-offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. We have reached out to A24 and Saudi Arabias General Commission for Audiovisual Media for comment. By Kofi Outlaw - November 4, 2021 11:57 am EDT. Update: THR is stating their own sources are saying the inclusion of the MCUs first same-gender couple is causing issues in the Gulf. Portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry, Phastos is a superhero who appears in Eternals and is married to Ben who is depicted by Haaz Sleiman. 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. Sleiman said that he doesnt support or respect the governments with a mindset negating LGBT and that these authorities have showcased how they are just a disgrace to both humanity and God. Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. 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. It's quite notable how Marvel Studios and Disney are putting their footdown and refusing to make any changes or edits that wouldget rid of the important representation held withinEternals. What is really going to hurt Eternals, and it is something that hurt both Black Widow and Shang-Chi, is not getting a China release, as if we compare these flicks box offices to that of the Ant-Man movies, China made up around 20% of the gross, so Eternals, Black Widow, and Shang-Chi are probably losing out on close to $100 million or more each. The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. The outlet also releases a set of factors that could have contributed to the theatrical ban of Eternals in these Middle East countries. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. "Eternals"arrives in U.S. theaters on November 5, 2021. 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 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. Marvel Studios latest Eternals has reportedly been banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Its not like this was unexpected. While financial considerations were almost certainly weighed her, those arent always the only concerns to be considered. The anticipated robust overseas box office of Disney/MarvelsEternals,which posted a first day of $7.6M, will definitely not have Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman in its future release plans. Marvels Eternals will not hit cinema screens in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Qatar, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. '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 Marvel Studios' "Eternals" will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. The intensity of legal actions against the disapproved acts in GULF countries can be understood through another incident that happened in the recent past. All Rights Reserved. Please refresh the page and try again. 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. One regional cinema explained to the site that Eternalshad been "banned" but was not told why. (Photo: Marvel Studios), Peter Pan and Wendy first trailer: Jude Laws nefarious Captain Hook wont let the Darling siblings bask in the magic of Neverland, Spider-Man India to be voiced by Deadpool actor Karan Soni in Across the Spider-Verse, Selena Gomez regrets losing touch with her Disney family after Wizards of Waverly Place ended, Get a monthy Indian Express digital subscription, Eternals actor Lauren Ridloff on turning into superhero Makkari: At that moment, it started to feel so real, Tom Sizemores family deciding end of life matters. The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. As a result, the movie was removed from the websites and platforms in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Theyre going to find a way to watch it, even if its illegal, he said. The latter is hosting the World Cup later this year. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. Reportedly, he said that the ban on the film across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar brought tears to his eyes. 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. Eternals was originally scheduled to open in the region on Nov. 11. 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. 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). However, Disney opted not to make the dits resulting indistribution certificates not being issued. If any particular country or region is scared of whatEternalshas to show the world, then they're only calling themselves out for the rest of the world to see. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. Marvel Studios' "Eternals" will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. In the meantime, the rest of the world will get to watchEternalson November 5, 2021. EXCLUSIVE:A24s fantasy hit Everything Everywhere All At Once has been banned in parts of the Middle East, we understand. In 2021, Marvel released The Eternals, which featured Phastos, a gay, married man, and his husband. We want, more than anything else, is for you to love, cherish, engage and criticize HoursTV.com so we can always deliver the best to you. One regional cinema chain explained that Eternals had been banned but said they hadnt been told why. All Rights Reserved. Were told theres hope that some territories in the region may still release the film, but the word is that key markets such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait wont be showing it. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. IfAvengers 5features him and the Eternals, will Marvel and Disney be willing to let a massive film such as that go unreleased in several places around the world? Eternals Marvel's first gay superhero also got his movie banned. Last year, Disney/Pixar's "Onward"was banned in the countries of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia because of a single line that alluded to a lesbian relationship. 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