Lightyear is the latest Disney film to be banned in Saudi Arabia.
As reported by THR, Pixar’s animated blockbuster will not be permitted in the country due to its inclusion of a same-sex kiss. The scene in question sees Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba), one of Buzz’s allies, having an intimate moment with her partner. Lightyear is also banned in the United Arab Emirates, as its Media Regulatory Office stated that it was not licensing the movie because of its “violation of the country’s media content standards.”
This isn’t the first time Lightyear‘s same-sex kiss has sparked controversy. In early 2022, it came to light that Disney requested that the scene be cut from the theatrical release. Following backlash from both fans and Pixar itself, largely prompted by Disney’s controversial response to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill aka the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, the scene was ultimately added back into the film.
Speaking about the importance of the scene’s restoration, Lightyear producer Galyn Susman stated the moment was always a part of the film’s story. “Being able to put back the kiss was important to us — it’s a touching moment. It helps Buzz to see what it is that he’s [missing]. It’s the life that’s being lived in front of him by his best friend that he’s not having,” Susman said.
Lightyear isn’t Disney’s first major 2022 release to be effectively prohibited due to its inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes. Most recently, the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was banned in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait for featuring a scene where protagonist America Chavez reveals the unfortunate fate of her “two moms.” While authorities asked that Disney and Marvel Studios edit out the moment, both companies denied the request.
Speaking about the situation regarding the banning of films that feature LGBTQ+ content, Multiverse of Madness star Benedict Cumberbatch stated that it was an expected disappointment. “We’ve come to know from those repressive regimes that their lack of tolerance is exclusionary to people who deserve to be not only included, but celebrated for who they are and made to feel part of a society and a culture and not punished for their sexuality.”
Lightyear tells the origin story of the titular Space Ranger, focusing on the character that spawned the action figure audiences will likely recognize from Toy Story. While that iteration of Buzz is voiced by Tim Allen, Chris Evans is lending his vocal talents to Pixar’s sci-fi blockbuster. “We needed a new voice for Buzz. He needed to have a nice, rich sound, able to be both dramatic and comedic, and most importantly, he needed to be heroic without coming off as arrogant or dense,” Susman explained when asked about the decision to cast Evans.
Lightyear blasts into theaters on June 17.
Source: THR