The Pixar animation “Year of Light” has been banned in Saudi Arabia for containing a kissing scene between same-sex characters.
This information was released by The Hollywood reporter which also claims that the film has been banned in other Middle Eastern countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, where the Media Regulatory Bureau said it would not license “Lightyear” to premiere in the country for its “violation of the country’s media content standards”.
The scene in question shows Alisha Hawthorne, a Space Ranger ally and friend of Buzz Lightyear, in a moment with her partner, as the two form a family.
It’s not the first time this scene has sparked controversy within Disney and Pixar. In early 2022, information leaked that Disney had requested the cut of the scene in the version that would be released in theaters. As a result, the company faced protests from fans and Pixar itself (which is owned by Disney), and the scene was added back to the film.
To be able to return the kiss [ao filme] it was important to us: it’s a touching moment, “the producer of” Lightyear “said in an interview with /movie. “Help Buzz see what he’s missing. It is the life lived in front of him by his best friend, which he is not having. “
According to Variety, “Year of Light” was never subjected to censorship review by Saudi Arabia, as Disney understood that the film would not be approved for release in the country. However, the film was initially approved for screening there, with the country’s censorship restrictions eased. But in the end, the license of the exhibition was revoked, after requests on social networks, which accused “Lightyear” of insulting Muslims and Islam.
“Lightyear” tells the story of space cop Buzz Lightyear, focusing on the character who gave rise to the toy he plays in the “Toy Story” films alongside Woody.
Disney recently faced another case of a ban on the inclusion of LGBT + themes. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” has been banned from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait due to a scene in which America Chavez talks about the fate of her “two mothers”. Authorities even requested that the scene be edited, but Disney and Marvel Studios refused to comply.
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange in the MCU, commented on the situation. “We have come to know from those repressive regimes that their lack of tolerance excludes people who deserve not only to be included, but celebrated for who they are and made to feel part of a society and culture, and not punished for their sexuality. . “
“Lightyear” will be released in Brazilian theaters on June 16th.
The “Lightyear” post was banned in Saudi Arabia for gay kissing which first appeared on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Emily Jhon is a product and service reviewer at Gossipify, known for her honest evaluations and thorough analysis. With a background in marketing and consumer research, she offers valuable insights to readers. She has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Marketing and Consumer Research from the University of Oxford.
