“Lightyear” will not be shown in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, among other Southeast Asian territories. The information comes from Variety magazine.
According to the publication, the film was banned for the scene of a lesbian kiss between character Alisha Hawthorne and her friend.
The scene where the two start a family and kiss in celebration was originally cut from the film by Disney. But the deletion was protested by animation studio staff, and Pixar decided to keep it.
In March, LGBTQIA+ employees and Pixar partners signed an open letter accusing Disney of censoring homosexual affections.
The letter was part of a major movement in the United States weeks earlier. The Conservatives had launched another movement called Don’t Say Gay, aimed at eliminating discussions about homosexuality in the country’s schools. In response, several sectors manifested themselves. Pixar was one of them.
“Lightyear” is scheduled to premiere on June 17 in the United States.
According to Variety magazine, the publication had originally been approved for exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, but the license was revoked for offending Muslims and Islam.
Check out the Lightyear teaser