Yet another Marvel Cinematic Universe movie has been banned in Saudi Arabia as the country bars Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness from theaters because of America Chavez for the same reason that Eternals has been pulled out: she is a member of the LGBTQ+ in the comics which is illegal in the said territory.
In a beat from The Hollywood Reporter, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will not be coming out in theaters in Saudi Arabia after it has been banned for having an LGBTQ+ character in the film like that of Eternals and West Side Story. It is under the laws of the place that homosexuality in media shall be deemed illegal all over the place. Thus, the movie will not be coming out on May 5 as scheduled.
Movie theaters and ticketing websites in Qatar and Kuwait has since removed the film from their storefronts but still, the tickets remain available in United Arab Emirates.
In the comics, America Chavez is a gay character, the very first Latina LGBTQ+ heroine to have her own series, and this is what is illegal in Saudi Arabia. Eternals was banned in the country as well because of Phastos and his husband being openly gay and sharing a kiss.
Related: Doctor Strange 2: Bruce Campbell Reveals Last-Minute Changes Were Made in the Upcoming Sequel
America Chavez will play a pivotal role in the movie given her abilities of interdimensional travel and with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has in its title the very place that the film will explore, the Multiverse, Chavez’s experience travelling to-and-fro in it would make a lot of sense and importance.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the sequel of Doctor Strange who opens the doors between the different universes in existence after he casts a forbidden spell that he crafted using his powers to manipulate time and space.
Facing the consequences of his actions, together with the current Sorcerer Supreme, Wong, and the most powerful Avenger, Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, they deal with one of the most powerful threats to ever arrive in the MCU.
Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his role as Doctor Strange and he would be joined by Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/ Scarlet Witch, Benedict Wong as Wong, Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo, and Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer, possibly Clea, too. Sam Raimi sits on the director’s chair.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in theaters on May 6, 2022.
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