'Eternals' Is Being Banned From Several Arab Countries

Eternals will not be screening in certain territories.

The Marvel movie, which features the MCU’s first gay superhero, will not be played in Saudi Arabia and “several other Arab countries” this month, Variety reported.

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According to the outlet, despite the film’s promotion on the websites of local chains in the countries, Eternals won’t be playing in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Tickets for the movie are still available for purchase at Vox cinemas in the UAE.

Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry, is married with a child in the movie.

Deadline adds that Qatar, Bahrain and Oman will also not be showcasing the movie.

The outlet also reports that the issue “may not solely be the same-sex kiss, rather overall these markets have historically had a problem with the depiction of gods and prophets, something they consider blasphemous.”

In some Arab countries, movies concerning or containing sex, homosexuality and religious issues are often edited to comply with censorship rules. In the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt, a version of the film will be released that “removes all scenes of intimacy — be they heterosexual or homosexual.”

Director Chloé Zhao previously said in interviews that she would not like the movie altered to appeal to different markets.

See what the critics are saying about the movie.