Several Gulf countries have reportedly banned Marvel's fantasy flick "Eternals" because local censors demanded alterations to the motion picture, particularly its depiction of same-sex love.
In a report by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the movie will not be released in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or Kuwait.
The much-awaited film was slated to be released in the Gulf region. After local censors required certain edit demands, which Disney apparently ignored, it will no longer be released.
Sources said the decision to block the showing of the film was influenced at least in part by the fact that it featured a same-sex relationship and the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first homosexual superhero.
Phastos, portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry, has a kiss with his on-screen husband, Ben, played by Haaz Sleiman, in one scene.
The Deadline has reported distribution certificates for the film were not obtained in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain and film censors in those countries requested edits beyond the intimate sequences.
"Eternals" was reportedly banned in Qatar and Kuwait because of its representation of gods, according to the publication. In certain nations, depicting gods and prophets on television is deemed blasphemy.
Deadline added that the film will be released in the Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Lebanon but there will be no depictions of intimacy, whether heterosexual or homosexual.
In the Gulf countries, homosexuality is banned, and the restriction follows prior cuts in the region for films showing images of intimacy and same-sex relationships.
A Forbes report said a same-sex kiss was removed from "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" in the UAE in 2019, while a heterosexual kiss between Lupita Nyong'o and Chadwick Boseman from "Black Panther" was also omitted.
Variety said "Eternals" director Chloé Zhao has stated in multiple interviews that she urged Marvel not to change or cut the film.
"Eternals," a Marvel Phase 4 film starring Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and Kumail Nanjiani as superpowered ancient beings who defend humanity, premiered in 14 global markets on Wednesday.
In the final cut in the United States, title character Phastos is seen at home with his mortal husband and their child.
