Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness might be one of the most highly anticipated films this year but the Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel will not be screening in some territories. Now Benedict Cumberbatch has spoken up about the film being banned in certain countries, stating that he had expected it to happen.
It was previously revealed that Doctor Strange 2 is being banned in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Benedict Cumberbatch is currently on a press tour for the MCU flick and when asked about the ban, the Spider-Man: No Way Home star expressed his thoughts.
"It is, I’m afraid, an expected disappointment," Cumberbatch said. "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."
He continued, "It feels truly out of step with everything that we’ve experienced as a species, let alone where we’re at globally more as a culture, but frankly, it’s just even more reason why this isn’t tokenism to include an LGBTQ+ community member."
Cumberbatch also pointed out that Doctor Strange 2 added the openly gay America Chavez for a reason.
"This character is that from the comics. It’s not something we’ve created for the sake of diversity," Cumberbatch said. "We’ve included her because of how awesome she is as a character. And that’s just one aspect of her character and that’s all it should be, but sadly, it’s also now, politically, very charged. And I wish it wasn’t."
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also stars Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. The film will finally hit theaters on May 6, 2022.
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