PARIS, France - Spider-Man fans in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are in for a disappointment as the latest animated film in the franchise, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, has been banned from release in the region. The movie, which is a sequel to the acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, has been pulled from cinemas due to it not being able to pass censorship requirements.
Why Is The Movie Banned?
The exact reason for the ban is not officially confirmed, but many speculate that it is related to the movie’s brief inclusion of a pro-trans flag. In one scene, Gwen Stacy, one of the alternate universe Spider-People, is shown to have a flag reading “Protect Trans Kids” hanging on the wall of her room. Some fans have suggested that Gwen’s character is transgender, based on her struggles with her identity and her relationship with her father.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strict laws and regulations regarding LGBTQ+ rights and representation, and any content that contradicts their values or norms is usually censored or banned. According to Saudi Cinema, which is managed by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, they will not permit or license any film that contradicts the content controls in force in the media system.
How Did Fans React?
The news of the ban has caused a lot of frustration and disappointment among Spider-Man fans in the region, who were eagerly waiting for the movie’s release. The movie was initially set to debut in the UAE on June 22, ahead of the Eid Al-Adha holiday, but all promotional materials and pre-booked tickets were cancelled earlier this week.
Many fans took to social media platforms such as Reddit and Twitter to express their opinions and feelings about the ban. Some fans criticized the decision and called it unfair and unjustified, while others expressed their hope that the movie would eventually be released with some edits or cuts. Some fans also suggested alternative ways to watch the movie, such as using VPNs or streaming services.
What Is The Movie About?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an animated superhero film that follows Miles Morales, a teenager who gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He discovers that there are multiple universes with different versions of Spider-Man, and he teams up with them to stop a threat that endangers all realities. The movie features a diverse cast of voice actors, including Shameik More as Miles Morales, Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy, Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara /Spider-Man 2099, Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker, and Nicolas Cage as Peter Parker/Spider-man Nor.
The movie is directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, and produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who also wrote the screenplay. The movie is praised for its innovative and immersive animation style, its engaging and humorous storytelling, and its representation of different cultures and identities. The movie is part of a planned trilogy that will conclude with Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
The movie has been released in cinemas in the US and Canada on June 10, 2023, and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It has a 9.1 rating on IMDb and a 96% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has also been nominated for several awards, including Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Will The Movie Ever Be Released In The Region?
There is no official confirmation or announcement regarding whether the movie will ever be released in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, or if it will be edited or censored to meet regional standards. However, some fans are hopeful that the movie will eventually make its way to cinemas or streaming platforms in some form or another.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a highly anticipated and acclaimed film that showcases the diversity and creativity of the Spider-Man franchise. It is unfortunate that some fans in the region will not be able to enjoy it on the big screen due to censorship issues. However, fans can still look forward to watching other upcoming Marvel movies such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, and The Marvels.
