‘Doctor Strange’ sequel banned in Saudi Arabia for including LGBT character

Benedict Cumberbatch's much-awaited movie "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" has been banned in Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries due to the inclusion of an LGBT character. According to sources, Disney did not approve the changes requested by Saudi Arabian censor board and thus, the film did not receive screening permissions.

The Marvel franchise sequel also stars the new superhero America Chavez, played by "The Baby-Sitters Club" star Xochitl Gomez. According to the Marvel Comics, Chavez is homosexual, and keeping true to the original character, the film also portrayed her the same way.  

The film, which will be released on May 6 in the US, was initially slated for release in the Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on May 5. However, rules and regulations state that movies containing sexual content, homosexuality and other religious issues are strictly prohibited in the region and the producers have to comply with the censorship rules if they wish to release their production in these regions. For this "Doctor Strange" sequel, Disney was either unwilling or unable make edits requested by censors.

Prior to 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness', 'The Eternals' was banned in Saudi Arabia due to the projection of a same sex couple. They had also said 'no' to "West Side Story," as it features a transgender character.

Advanced tickets sales of the "Doctor Strange" sequel are not available in Saudi, Kuwait and Qatar. However, they are available in the United Arab Emirates, which says that the film will be released there.