The highly acclaimed animated film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” has encountered a major setback as it gets pulled from the release schedule in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East region.
Despite its global success, the sequel to the 2018 hit “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” will not have a theatrical run in these territories due to failing to meet censorship requirements.
A Highly Anticipated Sequel
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” serves as a sequel to the 2018 film, introducing Miles Morales as a new Spider-Man who teams up with alternate versions of the character from different universes.
With its scheduled release date set around the Eid Al Adha holiday, the film generated significant anticipation among fans in the region.
Censorship Restrictions Impede Release on Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The film’s withdrawal from the Middle East stems from its failure to pass censorship requirements imposed by local authorities. Although the movie has been widely praised internationally, garnering a 9.1 rating on IMDb and a 96% ‘Certified Fresh’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, it did not meet the necessary standards for release in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and neighboring countries.
A Promising Franchise in the Region
The previous installment enjoyed a successful theatrical run in the Middle East from 2018 to early 2019, creating a strong foundation for the sequel’s anticipated release. While “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” will not see the light of day in the region, plans remain intact for the subsequent sequel scheduled for 2024.
Confirmation Amid Speculation Around Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Speculation surrounding the film’s fate had circulated on platforms like Reddit and social media, leading concerned individuals to reach out to local exhibitors, including Vox Cinemas, a leading theatrical firm in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, official confirmation from these sources confirmed the film’s cancellation in the region.
Despite its critical acclaim and global popularity, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” faces a disappointing setback as it gets banned from release in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East region due to failure to meet censorship requirements. While fans will miss out on this highly anticipated sequel, the franchise remains poised for future success with a scheduled sequel set for 2024.