‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Banned in Saudi Arabia Due to Gay Character
Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentMarvel’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” won’t be playing in Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries due to the inclusion of a gay character.Saudi Arabian censors did not issue a permit to release the film in the kingdom, since the changes they requested were not approved by Disney, according to a source.The new Sam Raimi-directed sequel stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character, and it also features the new hero America Chavez, played by “The Baby-Sitters Club” star Xochitl Gomez.
Her character in the movie is reportedly gay, true to how she is portrayed in the Marvel comics.The “Doctor Strange” sequel, which will go on release in the U.S.
on May 6, was initially slated for release in the Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on May 5. But in the region, movies concerning or containing sex, homosexuality and religious issues are routinely cut to comply with censorship rules.
In this case Disney was either unwilling or unable make edits requested by censors. Censorship in Saudi Arabia has recently also kept local audiences from watching Marvel’s “Eternals,” after Disney refused to make edits that included the pic’s same-sex kiss, and “West Side Story,” because it features a transgender character.
