Marvel Studios' 'Eternals' Banned In Saudi Arabia, Qatar, And Kuwait Over LGBTQ Issues!

Mumbai, November 5 - Marvel Studios' next superhero offering, "Eternals" won't be released in theaters in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. While the reason behind the ban has not been revealed, a THR report suggests the decision was likely made over the inclusion of a same-sex couple in the film and the MCU's first gay superhero.

"Eternals", which was due to release in Gulf on November 11, was asked the make some edits by the local censors, but Disney was not willing to make those edits and decided to pull the film from the said countries. In the United Arab Emirates, however, the film is still listed as among the titles coming soon.



Homosexuality is still officially illegal across the Gulf, and films containing anything related to LGBTQ issues are frequently pulled from release. Last year, the Pixar title Onward was banned across Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia over a single line referencing a lesbian relationship.

In "Eternals", one of the scenes shows the character, Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), and his on-screen husband, Ben (Haaz Sleiman), share a passionate kiss.

Directed by Academy Award-Winning director, Chloé 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. Part of Phase Four of the MCU, it releases on Nov. 5 in the USA and other countries including India.

Stay tuned...