Angelina Jolie’s new movie ‘Eternals’ has been reportedly banned in Gulf Nations and she is not having it.
Eternals Stars Same Sex Marriage
‘Eternals’ is directed by Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao and Angelina plays the role of the warrior, Thena. The movie tells the story of ten immortals who are fighting the Deviants.
In the movie, Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry is in a same-sex marriage with Haaz Sleiman. As one would have taken notice, it is marvel’s first gay role in a starring character.
Although the movie received mixed reviews, it was able to come across as impactful. On different levels, it has been praised for its acute and unaltered representation of marginalized communities.
The cast the movie features is diverse and takes in some of the most talented individuals in the entertainment world including Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Don Lee, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, and Brian Tyree Henry.
Some Communities Got Offended
However well the movie was recognized on a huge global level, some communities and countries were outright offended.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar have reportedly demanded the new film to be banned since it features a lot of instances of ‘same-sex couples’.
Marvel And Jolie Make A Good Pair
These ‘allegations’ sound more than absurd in today’s scenario, and Marvel agrees, which is exactly they denied this baseless ‘request.’
Angelina, more disappointed than furious said, “I am disappointed. But above all, I am extremely sad for the people who live there and the keen audience that wishes to explore this territory. Obviously, goes without saying that I am very proud of Marvel for refusing to cut those scenes out. I respect that.”
Jolie continued, “It’s still very difficult for me to understand how in today’s day and age how we live in a world where there are still people who would not see the family Phastos has and the beauty of the relationship they have and that love the love they explore.”
We Saw It Coming
However, the backlash was not entirely unexpected. The Oscar-winning director and the mastermind behind the movie, Chloe was very well aware of the possibility that the depiction of a same-sex relationship might run afoul of specific countries, especially the ones that still hold to orthodox practices in the name of ‘traditional roots.’
Earlier this year, the award-winning director told IndieWire, “I am unaware of very specific details but I do know there were conversations. We understand what this is about, but we also think it is unfair to keep people away from what they deserve to know and see. After careful consideration, there is a big desire of Marvel —to not change the cut of the movie.”
Public Interest Matters
It is not unheard of that Hollywood studios often make cuts to their movies in order to appeal to a certain audience and specific communities.
The cuts are made so movies can be released in accordance with respective censorship rules. For instance, Bohemian Rhapsody removed references to Freddie Mercury’s sexuality when people in China stirred a backlash.
