Disney’s Lightyear Gets a Middle Eastern Ban…Because of a Kiss
Picture this: a brand‑new Pixar adventure, cast with soaring space‑faring heroes, and the simple, heart‑warming moment of a same‑sex kiss that ends up sparking a full‑blown censorship episode. Yep, that’s the story behind the latest ban on “Lightyear” in the Middle East.
Why the Ban?
- Same‑sex kiss previewed—the scene between Uzo Aduba’s character Hawthorne and her partner was the tipping point.
- This marks the fourth consecutive Disney film that’s met with backlash in the region for LGBTQ representation.
- Other Disney hits that joined the “no‑release” list include Eternals, Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, and West Side Story.
Regulators on the Fence
When it comes to LGBTQ content, regulators seem to have a hard time figuring out what’s “safe” for the audience. Here’s what’s happened with other Disney titles:
- Eternals featured a same‑sex kiss between Phatos (played by Brian Tyree Henry) and his partner, earning an M18 rating in Singapore.
- In Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, the fact that America Chavez’s parents are both women was more implied than shown. The film got a PG13 rating in Singapore, but the Middle East still found it unacceptable.
- For Lightyear, the kiss isn’t overt—yet, just enough for the ban. There’s no official rating announced for Singapore, but the pattern suggests another M18 might be on the cards.
Disney+ Surprise Twist
Adding to the comedic irony, Disney’s documentary Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey To Lightyear is also slapped with an M18 rating, even though the film barely hints at any of the controversial content.
What’s Next?
So, while our Middle Eastern friends continue to roll out the red carpet cannon, all of us are left asking the same question: How do we get to see Lightyear in theaters? The Streisand Effect seems to be doing its magic—an increase in curiosity because of the ban. Let’s hope Fast & Furious meets its destiny and lands on the big screen soon.
