According to Al Arabiya News, the Saudi and UAE cinemas have officially banned screening the new Spiderman movie, Spiderman: Across The Spider-Verse due to it not passing certain censorships in the region.

‘Saudi Cinema’, managed by the the General Commission for Audiovisual Media released a statement on the issue this Tuesday

They stated, “Out of our keenness on the safety of the content shown in cinemas, and our responsibility towards the viewers, we would like to point out that we will not permit or license any film that contradicts the content controls in force in the media system… and its implementing regulations, unless the production companies commit to implementing the required amendments.”

According to Esquire Middle East, many are speculating the ban is due to trans-representation in the movie

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The movie actually features scenes that include Trans-representation and flags that goes against the Gulf’s religious beliefs and customs. Although no official statement has been made on the exact reason, the movie will not be screened anywhere in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates. Some even reported getting re-funds after purchasing a ticket, as the movie is no longer showing up on cinema websites in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.