‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Now Banned in at Least Two Countries for LGBTQ+ Character
The highly anticipated next installment of the MCU’s vast saga is embroiled in some controversy as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has now been banned in two countries following its inclusion of an LGBTQ+ character.
There are few films in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that could stand to have as big of an impact on the future direction of the entire Universe as that of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Source: Marvel Studios
Picking up where the record-breaking Spider-Man: No Way Home left off, the long-awaited Doctor Strange sequel will see Marvel’s resident sorcerer battle against the unraveling multiverse as alternate realities seemingly cascade in upon themselves.
It is safe to say that the film will undoubtedly be a must-see event for Marvel fans, due to the massive repercussions of the story, but a few countries will be unable to access it, unfortunately, as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been banned in two countries.
Source: Marvel Studios
First reported by The Hollywood Reporter, it film will be kept out of theaters in Saudi Arabia, with ComicBook.com reporting Egypt quickly followed suit via a Tweet from IMAX theaters in the country.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that “Rumores began emerging online early on Friday, with The Hollywood Reporter now officially confirming the decision. THR has heard that the ban also applies to Kuwait, although that hasn’t yet been confirmed.”
Source: Marvel Studios
AS for the reasoning for the film banning in several countries, it appears as though the inclusion of LGBTQ+ character America Chavez stands at the heart of the issue.
The publication reporting the banning continued by stating, “While the film is yet to be released and also hasn’t yet been reviewed, the decision is once again said to be related to LTBGQ issues, according to Middle East sources, with the new sequel introducing the character America Chavez.”
Source: Marvel Studios
THR concludes by stating, “With homosexuality officially illegal across the Gulf, films that feature any LGBTQ references or issues often fail to get past censors.”
It is unfortunate that individuals in those countries will not have access to this latest MCU entry, but it is an understandable price to pay for Marvel Studio’s commitment to inclusion and representation.
Source: Marvel Studios
