Disney Middle East agrees with censorship standards; Lightyear won’t be available for streaming

Disney Middle East declared that it will not make “Lightyear” or “Baymax” available on its platform.

The decision was made after the platform refused to release Pixar’s “Lightyear” in the area because it contained a same-sex kiss. Additionally, “Baymax,” a Disney television series, won’t air because it features LGBTQ characters.

Chris Evans plays the notorious spaceman from the 1995 Disney animated film “Toy Story,” which audiences grew to love, in the new film “Lightyear.”

Chris Evans on the red carpet

The site apparently modifies its content to avoid regional sensitivities, although Disney Middle East content will adhere to local regulatory standards. according to The Hollywood Reporter.

LOWER DOMESTIC BOX OFFICE SHOWING IN PIXAR’S “LIGHTYEAR” IS RELATED TO A LOT OF PROBLEMS

However, the site will feature movies like “Doctor Strange and the Multitude of Madness,” which was banned from theaters in some Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Disney Middle East does not display kid-focused entertainment containing LGBTQ allusions.

Buzz Lightyear and Sox in the animated film "Lightyear"

Over the past year, Disney has censored several movies across the Gulf, as films including “Thor: Love and Thunder,” “West Side Story,” and “Eternals” did not release in theaters due to their features of LGBTQ scenes and topics.

The move seemingly comes on the heels of the release strategy for the platform with the standards of the United Arab Emirates.

Disney  logo on a smartphone screen

Despite the failure of “Lightyear,” “Baymax,” and “Doctor Strange and the Multitude of Madness” to play in local theaters, UAE-produced films with an adult-oriented target audience were shown there.

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