Like its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is all about reminding us that anyone can be beneath Spider-Man's mask. In terms of representation, the sequel does a great job, though that's proven to be an issue in the United Arab Emirates.
According to Variety (via Toonado.com), the movie will not be released there after failing to pass the country's censorship requirements.
When it comes to the scenes which were deemed problematic, it's the fact there's a poster in the background of one sequence (in Gwen Stacy's bedroom, to be precise) which features the transgender flag and reads "Protect Trans Lives."
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse had been scheduled to open in the United Arab Emirates on June 22, though it's common for last-minute cancellations like this to take place once the country's censorship board zeroes in on LGBTQ+ content.
In 2018, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse made only $1.7 million in the territory, so we'd guess that's why Sony Pictures hasn't agreed to censor the sequel. However, a ban in Saudi Arabia is likely imminent.
Recently, there's been a lot of chatter online about the possibility Spider-Gwen may, in fact, be transgender. No one involved with the movie has commented either way, but it's a popular theory which has only served to inspire many fans who now see themselves in the character.
"A contender for the best Spider-Man film yet and easily the greatest animated movie ever made," we said in our review of the sequel, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a jaw-dropping spectacle, a feast for the senses, and an instant Marvel classic."
While we're still waiting on updated box office numbers, the movie recently passed $400 million worldwide and will likely surpass $500 million this weekend despite facing competition from The Flash and Pixar's Elemental. We should have more details to share with you about that soon.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now playing in theaters.