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. Marvel Studios'Eternalswill be arriving for many fans across the world soon. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. Sleiman, who was raised in a Muslim family in Lebanon before moving to the U.S. when he was 21, came out as gay in 2017 after first gaining attention playing Tarek, an undocumented Syrian immigrant in 2007s The Visitor., At the Eternals world premiere last month, Sleiman spoke passionately about how much representation and visibility matter. One of the Hollywood stars, Haaz Sleiman who also happens to be the gay superhero in the Marvel movie Eternals slammed the Arab nations. '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 These fantastic milestones, however, haven'tbeen embraced by everyone around the world. This is after 225 reviews. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. The film was recently released in different parts of the world but got banned in some Arab countries. In Kuwait and Qatar, its claimed the issue wasnt the homosexual scenes, but that the region has historically had a problem with the depiction of gods and prophets, something they consider blasphemous., RELATED:Deadpool 3: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Get Jacked. As per Disney plus, it doesnt wish to break the viewership in any of GULF countries. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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 reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The outlet reportedthat Disney declined requests from local censors to edit certain scenes fromthe film, hence leading to Eternals being banned. One of the biggest aspects of the project is how insanely diverse the entire cast is; it's refreshing, to say the least. Portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry, Phastos is a superhero who appears in Eternals and is married to Ben who is depicted by Haaz Sleiman. ' Eternals ' didn't make it to box-offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. It's always important not to give in to censorship, as the practice is the antithesis of art itself. The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. (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. We know how the game of breaking news is actually played. Marvel Studios' "Eternals" will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. 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. Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Gil Birmingham, Harish Patel, and Kit Harington also star. The distributor is lining up a 100+ screen rollout from May 13th. The outlet reported that the issue may not be limited to the same-sex kiss shown in the film but alsothe history of these countries having problems with thedepiction of gods and prophets. Marvel Studios' "Eternals" will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. MCU 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 features a huge ensemble cast of actors. Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. We want to hear from you! Send us a tip using our annonymous form. One key territory that the film has struggled to find a distributor in is the UK. Why are the US Tech Giants Downsizing despite Making Profits? US City Takes Stand Against Caste Discrimination Despite Opposition from Hindu Nationalists, Mohammad Hasnain Overshadows Peshawar Zalmis Victory. 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. Sleiman, who is of Lebanese origin, is also openly gay. Written by Zhao, Ryan Firpo, and Kaz Firpo, Eternals introduces a new group of superheroes, the titular Eternals, who have lived in secret on earth for 7000 years. There was a problem. Copyright 2020 The Direct Media Group LLC. The outlet also releases a set of factors that could have contributed to the theatrical ban of Eternals in these Middle East countries. Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. While no official ban is in place, the word is that Disney was asked to make edits to the film regarding the films gay character Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry. Rahul Gandhi now appears on rally posters in Bihar post criticism, Bihar rally clash: Amit Shah, Nitish-Tejashwi duo to demonstrate political strength today, 'Eternals' to not release in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman; Here's why, 'Eternals': Here are the Bollywood references made in upcoming Marvel movie, New 'Eternals' clip 'Bollywood' disappoints Indian fans for stereotypical content. Angelina Jolie, who played Thena in the movie, criticized peoples way of thinking about homosexuality. In the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt we understand that a version of the film will be released that removes all scenes of intimacy be they heterosexual or homosexual. NY 10036. Marvel Cinematic Universe's star-studded action-adventure flick Eternals is enjoying a theatrical release across the USA as well as India on November 5. The film is one of A24s biggest-budget productions to date. Marvel Studios latest Eternals has reportedly been banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The intensity of legal actions against the disapproved acts in GULF countries can be understood through another incident that happened in the recent past. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. Is Akshay Kumar Supporting War with Pakistan? This is the first time that a same-sex couple has been depicted in a Marvel film. The Eternal Phastos has a husband and children. By Anthony D'Alessandro, Nancy Tartaglione. '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 The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. This is good news for those that want to see representation increase on the big screen. 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. The good news for UK cinema-goers is that A24 itself will release the film this month. Angelina Jolie reacted to the news that her new Marvel movie, Etertnals, has been banned by several countries in the Middle East over the portrayal of gay couple. One regional cinema chain explained that Eternals had been banned but said they hadnt been told why. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. ' Eternals ' didn't make it to box-offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. In the movie, Phastos shares a kiss with his husband Ben (Haaz Sleiman), there are several references to their marriage, and we see them in domestic life raising their son. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. Why Drake Lost His Bet on Argentina in World Cup Final? 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. Directed by Chlo 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 Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Marvel's Eternals banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait for this reason? The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. Marvel'sEternalsis all set to release in theatres on November 5 in the US and in India. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. 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. Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. It was originally set to hit theaters on November 11, 2021. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. Lastly, she appreciated Disney for not backing down and censoring the scenes. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. 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. The Eternal Phastos is in an openly gay relationship with anther man in Eternals, and in one scene they share a kiss. All Rights Reserved. In fact, they despised the fact that such countries are negligent towards accepting LGBT existence. As per the report, censors soughtfurther cuts beyond any scenes of intimacy inSaudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. 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. 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. In the Chlo Zhao-directed movie, Sleiman plays Ben, the husband of Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry). Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness is playing in the country but has been banned in Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Angelina Jolie is responding to her new movie Eternals apparently being banned by certain Gulf Nations. Jolie was surprised to see how can someone be so threatened, angry, or against something so beautiful like love. MCU: Steven Yeun's Big Superhero Revealed by New Rumor, Ant-Man Quantumania Bad Reviews: Writer Breaks Silence on Negative Reaction, The Mandalorian Director Breaks Silence Following Gina Carano's Firing, The Mandalorian Season 3 Premiere: Exact TIME of Release on Disney+, James Cameron Responds to Big Complaint About Avatar 2, The Flash Movie Synopsis References Henry Cavill's Superman. The reason: depicting a same-sex relationship. Eternals is still slated to release domestically on November 5, 2021. ' Eternals ' didn't make it to box-offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. The streaming platform received multiple requests from the local censors but it did not comply with any of the edit requests. 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. In recent days, Eternals has made headlines across the Middle East region after it was banned in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. While official reasons werent provided by either the studio or the local territories, heres our understanding of what went down: In Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, the censors were seeking further cuts beyond any scenes of intimacy and that Disney opted not to make the edits, hence distribution certificates werent issued. However, Disney opted not to make the dits resulting indistribution certificates not being issued. 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. How ChatGPT is Reshaping the Future of These 5 Jobs? Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. In the meantime, the rest of the world will get to watchEternalson November 5, 2021. In 2021, Marvel released The Eternals, which featured Phastos, a gay, married man, and his husband. Marvel Studios Eternals was banned from cinemas in the Gulf, a response likely given due to the inclusion of a same-sex couple. Its a kissing scene involving Brian Tyree Henry AKA Phastos in the Eternals and Haaz Sleiman who plays Ben. It looks like there are more countries that may be having issues with it as well; namely the Gulf region. Eternals Marvel's first gay superhero also got his movie banned. 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. Why is MrBeast Facing Backlash over Blindness Treatment Video? 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