Disney caves to censorship calls, won't stream Lightyear or Baymax in Middle East countries

Jenny Goldsberry

August 06, 04:17 PM August 06, 04:17 PM

Disney will not be streaming its latest animated film Lightyear on its streaming service in the Middle East after it was banned in theaters.

Lightyear featured a kiss between two lesbian characters. The United Arab Emirates announced its ban on the film through the Media Regulatory Office of the country's Ministry of Culture and Youth. Saudi Arabia followed suit, announcing its own ban soon after.

The Disney+ series Baymax will also not be released since it includes also LGBT characters. However, movies such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Eternals will remain on the service, as they skew to older audiences and were shown in Emirati theaters with various instances of censorship throughout.

DISNEY WORLD GUESTS STUCK ON 'TORTURE' SMALL WORLD RIDE FOR OVER AN HOUR

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait banned the latest Doctor Strange film, but it will continued to be included on Disney+.

"Content offerings differ across our many Disney+ markets, based upon a number of factors. Content available should align with local regulatory requirements," a Disney representative said in a statement.

G3 Box News

West Side Story and Thor: Love and Thunder also did not premiere in movie theaters in the Middle East over their displays of affection.