Disney and Pixar's new movie Lightyear has reportedly been banned from 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries.
Producers could not obtain permission the show the animated Toy Story prequel in several countries because of a same-sex couple who share a brief on-screen kiss during the film.
Per Sky News, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Lebanon are among the countries refusing the show the movie. It also appears unlikely to open in China, although Chinese officials have not yet given Disney an official answer as to whether it will be banned.
Lightyear fills in the background of one of Disney-Pixar's most beloved characters, space ranger Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans). One of Buzz's closest companions is a female character called Alisha Hawthorne, who marries her female partner and is shown kissing her on-screen.
Disney studios refused to cut the scene from the film so it could be distributed in countries where homosexuality is still viewed as criminal or not condoned by authorities.
The UAE - which includes Abu Dhabi and Dubai - therefore announced through the Ministry of Youth and Culture's Media Regulatory Office that it would not open there.
In a tweet, the office explained the movie is "not licensed for public screening" because of its "violation of the country's media content standards."
"The office confirms that all films screened in cinemas across the country are subject to follow-up and evaluation before the date of screening to the public, to ensure the safety of the circulated content according to the appropriate age classification," the statement added.
Lightyear producer Galyn Susman told Reuters that she assumed the film would not open in China - the world's largest movie market. Despite this, she was adamant that the movie should not be cut to meet requirements.
"We're not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he's missing by the choices that he's making, so that's not getting cut," Susman told the outlet.
"It's great that we are a part of something that's making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity, but it's frustrating that there are still places that aren't where they should be," she added.
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