"Doctor Strange" absence from the box office in some Middle Eastern countries stirs debate

Record ID: 1671473

  • Title: "Doctor Strange" absence from the box office in some Middle Eastern countries stirs debate
  • Date: 4th May 2022
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) ACTOR, BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH, SAYING: “A sort of expected disappointment, I guess. These are countries that are deeply intolerant to any homosexuality, gayness, anything that reflects the LGBTQ+ community. It just makes it all the more important I guess that we have this inclusion of diversity in our cast. However, you know, I would love to get to the point where this isn’t a topic of conversation. But sadly, it really, it really still is, and I hope those fans and I hope people who are being persecuted for their sexuality can somehow find a way of existing in those repressive regimes, and they have mine and the filmmakers’ and the studio’s full support. And I hope they get to see the film regardless, and I hope they get to see it safely somewhere, whether it’s in their country or not. I’m very sorry this is the state of affairs that it is and I can’t believe that we are having this conversation in this year.”
  • Embargoed: 18th May 2022 16:09
  • Keywords: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Egypt Marvel Studios Saudi Arabia Walt Disney Pictures
  • Location: VARIOUS
  • City: VARIOUS
  • Country: Various
  • Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Film
  • Reuters ID: LVA007511501052022RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Some fans of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” say they are disappointed after the movie was reportedly banned in a number of Arab states, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
    In Egypt, IMAX cinemas announced that the movie, which begins its global cinema rollout on May 4, will not be screened, without giving any reasons. Officials at the country’s censorship board on artistic production were not available for comment.
    The Hollywood Reporter said last month the movie had been banned in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government communication office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters on Tuesday (April 26).
    “I have been waiting for this film for two or three years. Why was it banned? For a 10-second scene? I was planning with my friends to go and watch it during Eid. By the time it would be available via online streaming, spoilers would have already been everywhere,” a movie fan from Egypt, Mohamed Alkady, told Reuters.
    Nevertheless, others took to Twitter supporting not screening the movie.
    “Thank you for respecting our culture,” Hussein Wahba said on Twitter.
    “We’re happy with that decision,” Roaa added.
    Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his superhero role in the hotly-anticipated sequel which has fans guessing which Marvel characters might make surprise appearances.
    Xochitl Gomez debuts as America Chavez, a character who is gay in the comic books.
    Asked about reports of the ban during a fan event held in London on Tuesday (April 26), Cumberbatch said it was an “expected disappointment”.
    “However, I would love to get to the point where this isn’t a topic of conversation.”
    (Production: Mohammed Benmansour, Ahmed Fahmy, Mai Shams El-Din)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2022. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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