The Walt Disney Company (DIS.N) has been unable to obtain permission to show its new Pixar film "Lightyear" in 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries, a source said on Monday, and the animated film is unlikely to open in China. The world's largest film market.
A "lightyear" producer told Reuters that Chinese officials had asked to cut the film, which Disney declined to make, and assumed the film would not open there either. The animated film featured a gay couple sharing a brief kiss, which prompted the United Arab Emirates to ban the film.
The United Arab Emirates said the couple's relationship violated the country's media content standards. Homosexuality is considered criminal in many Middle Eastern countries.
Representatives from other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Lebanon, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why they would not allow the film to be screened.
"Lightyear" is a prequel to Pixar's acclaimed "Toy Story" franchise. Chris Evans voices the main character, Buzz Lightyear, a legendary space ranger.