“Lightyear,” the much-anticipated “Toy Story” spinoff, has reportedly been banned in 14 countries over a brief same-sex kiss.
The Disney-Pixar computer-animated adventure film starring Chris Evans as the voice of Buzz Lightyear features a kiss between Alisha, voiced by the actress Uzo Aduba, and her wife Kiko.
The United Arab Emirates announced in a tweet Monday that the film, which was scheduled to premiere on Thursday, would not be shown in the country “due to its violation of the country’s media standards.”
“The office confirms that all films screened in cinemas across the country are subject to follow-up and evaluation before the date of screening to the public, to ensure the safety of the circulated content according to the appropriate age classification,” the country’s Ministry of Youth and Culture added.
According to Reuters, at least 13 other countries in Asia and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Lebanon, have also banned the film — a move slammed by Evans, whose brother, actor Scott Evans, is gay.
In a recent interview with Reuters Television, the 41-year-old Hollywood star had some strong words to describe those who have reacted negatively about the portrayal of a same-sex family in the film.
“The real truth is those people are idiots,” he said. “Every time there’s been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and that’s what makes us good.”
Evans continued by saying that some people will always be afraid of what they don’t know much about, and they will try to hold on to past beliefs.
“But those people die off like dinosaurs,” he added. “I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
“Lightyear” will likely have the same fate in China, the world’s largest movie market, where authorities have reportedly asked the studio to cut the same-sex scene from the movie — which Disney refused to do.
“We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing by the choices that he’s making, so that’s not getting cut,” “Lightyear” producer Galyn Susman told Reuters at the movie’s London premiere on Monday.
The scene had originally been removed from the film — but it was later reinstated, following complaints by Pixar employees.
Earlier this year, some employees at Pixar Animation Studios and its parent company, The Walt Disney Company, criticized Disney leadership for what they saw as an abysmal failure in supporting the LGBTQ community.
In a letter addressed to their Disney bosses, a group of Pixar employees expressed anger and frustration at the company’s inaction regarding its position against Florida’s “don’t say gay” bill — which has since been signed into law — saying that the company censored “nearly every moment of overtly gay same-sex affection” from some of its animated films.
“Lightyear,” which opens in 4,200 North American theaters this weekend, is expected to make between $70 million and $80 million, according to Variety.
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