‘Lightyear’ gets ban in 14 countries

Walt Disney Co has been unable to obtain permission to show its new Pixar movie ‘Lightyear’ in 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries, a source said on Monday, and the animated film appeared unlikely to open in China, the world’s largest movie market.

A ‘Lightyear’ producer told Reuters that authorities in China had asked for cuts to the movie, which Disney declined to make, and she assumed the movie would not release in China either.

In the film, Buzz’s close friend is a female space ranger who marries another woman. A scene showing milestones in the couple’s relationship includes 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 as homosexuality is considered criminal act in many Middle Eastern countries.

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 exhibited. ‘Lightyear’ is a prequel to Pixar’s acclaimed ‘Toy Story’ franchise. Chris Evans voices the lead character.

Disney has not received an answer from Chinese authorities on whether they would allow the film in cinemas, ‘Lightyear’ producer Galyn Susman said. But she said filmmakers would not make changes to the movie. China has rejected other on-screen depictions of homosexuality in the past.

‘Lightyear’ is set to release in the United States and Canada on June 17.