UAE Bans: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

By: Sophia Pacaigue

Published: June 25, 2023

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KEY POINTS

1. the banning of the movie due to unconfirmed reasons but according to the media, it may be because of the showing of the trans flag in a frame

2. UAE did not allow prohibit certain clips from the movie making it not show in the state

3. Other middle eastern countries besides UAE also banned this movie because of its promotion of the LGBTQ+ wherein their laws do not support this

The latest Miles Morales movie, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, has been a hit all over the world with its eye-catching animation along with its interesting storyline. Countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, and numerous fans wishing to see this film in the theaters. However, amidst its global success, certain states have chosen to halt the screening of this film.

The UAE along with several Middle Eastern countries such as Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have deemed Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse unfit for public viewing. With these countries being predominantly Muslim and governed with stern censorship regulations, these nations have banned this movie without providing a clear and unconfirmed statement for this decision. Due to this, a speculation on to why this film has been banned arose a discussion amongst the media.

One of the few reasons as to why the journalists and social media users say that it may be due to one of the frames wherein it shows the room of Gwen Stacy with the subtle trans flag hung on the wall with the message, “protect trans kids.”

Middle Eastern countries that have banned the movie have strict laws against the promotion or endorsement of the LGBTQ+ community for Pride comes into contrast to their cultural, religious, and traditional measures. As a result, multiple social media users on a stream of platforms have suspected the trans flag as the reason why this movie triggered the banning of this movie from the theaters in these regions but the real reason continues to remain hidden and unconfirmed.

Thus, with the great impact the movie, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse gave quite the reaction to the people and the government. However, the reason for the banning of the said movie in the Middle Eastern by their Government created a great amount of controversy within the media. Trying to get more of a say as to why it is banned may be quite crucial given the stern laws of these countries when it comes to the LGBTQ+ representation.

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Resources:

Mullally, W. (2023, June 14). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse banned from release in UAE, Saudi Arabia https://www.esquireme.com/culture/film-and-tv/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-from-release-in-uae-saudi-arabia

Gupta, S. (2023, June 15). Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse BANNED In UAE, Saudi Arabia Over Trans Flag https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-uae-saudi-arabia-over-trans-flag-article-101007443

Sabarwal, R. (2023, June 15). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse banned in UAE over trans flag https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-banned-in-uae-over-trans-flag-2176722/