16-6-2023 (ABU DHABI) The latest installment in the Spider-Man franchise, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” will not be hitting screens in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as confirmed by a cinema company on Friday. This decision comes in the wake of a backlash over an expression of support for transgender rights within the film.
Originally scheduled for release on June 22 across the UAE, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has now been removed from the lists of upcoming films on major cinema operators’ websites in the Gulf state.
Responding to an inquiry on Facebook, VOX Cinemas stated, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will not be releasing in the UAE.” However, the cinema company did not provide a specific reason for this decision.
Despite requests for comment, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, the owner of VOX Cinemas, remained unresponsive.
The superhero film, which premiered late last month, sparked controversy in the UAE due to a scene featuring a flag with the words “protect trans kids.” Social media posts expressing concern over the film’s content, claiming that it promotes homosexuality and gender transformation, gained significant traction, being shared hundreds of times.
In 2021, the UAE had declared that it would no longer censor cinematic releases. However, on Monday, the UAE Media Council issued a statement asserting that it would not allow the circulation or publication of content conflicting with the values and principles of the UAE. The council did not elaborate on the reasons for its statement and did not respond to requests for further comment.
It is worth noting that last year, Disney’s animated movie “Lightyear,” which features a kiss between two women, was banned across much of the Middle East, including the UAE.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Saudi Arabia, the film vetting body declined to comment on whether “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” would be shown in cinemas.
Furthermore, VOX Cinemas has removed the film from the “coming soon” pages of its websites in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
