Lightyear, a Disney/Pixar film, will be released in theaters throughout the world this week, but not in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, or Qatar. It will not be shown in Malaysian or Indonesian cinemas. The picture has yet to secure distribution certificates in these territories. The problem is thought to be tied to LGBTQ material, as it has been in other recent Hollywood blockbusters.
The new film follows the origin story of the astronaut who inspired the toy in Toy Story
In a tweet, the office said the film “is not licensed for public screening in all cinemas in the UAE,” the office said in a tweet.
“The office confirms that all films screened in cinemas across the country are subject to follow-up and evaluation before the screening date to the public, to ensure the safety of the circulated content according to the appropriate age classification.”
The new film, which stars Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear, is a spin-off of the highly successful "Toy Story" franchise, exploring the genesis story of the Buzz Lightyear character.
Material that violates the UAE's media content regulations, such as homosexuality and other topics deemed to "offend Islamic principles," is frequently censored.
Films with trans and homosexual characters, such as "West Side Story," "Doctor Strange 2," and "Eternals," have been prohibited in several nations around the region, including the UAE.
The UAE eventually lifted the restriction on "Doctor Strange 2," opting for a 21+ rating. The UAE also stated in December of last year that it will no longer censor films distributed in theaters, instead of instituting a 21+ age classification regulation.
Adult and explicit content would not be removed from films as a result of the ruling.