The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been banned in Saudi Arabia. While screenings for the sequel haven't begun (and won't until the world premiere on May 2), the decision has been made due to the presence of an LGBTQ+ character: America Chavez.
While there had been some chatter about the presence of a rainbow flag on America's jacket being problematic in some countries, this suggests her sexuality will be addressed in a significant way in the Doctor Strange sequel. Homosexuality is officially illegal across the Gulf, meaning Marvel Studios fans in Saudi, Kuwait, and Quatar will no longer be able to watch the movie.
As of right now, it appears Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will still be released in the United Arab Emirates. Eternals was also banned across much of the Gulf due to the inclusion of a same-sex couple. Censors previously requested edits to that movie Disney/Marvel Studios refused to make, and we're assuming that's also been the case here.
Newcomer Xochitl Gomez will play America Chavez in the movie, and given her ability to punch her way through realities, she's likely to be a major player in the MCU moving forward. Had COVID not thrown the Phase 4 schedule into disarray, America would have actually made her debut in Spider-Man: No Way Home, as that was supposed to be released after In The Multiverse of Madness.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in (most) theaters on May 6.
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