‘Barbie’ Release Postponed in Middle East as Potential Ban Looms in Saudi Arabia and More Territories
variety.comNick Vivarelli International Correspondent “Barbie” is running into censorship headaches in the Middle East. Leading regional exhibitor Vox Cinemas – which is Warner Bros.’ local distribution partner – has pushed back the release of the hit Greta Gerwig film to Aug.
31 after initially setting a July 19 rollout out date for “Barbie” in the Middle East that would have allowed local audiences to see the film two days before its U.S.
release. The reason for the delay, according to a knowledgeable source, is that Warner Bros. has been trying to work out edits requested by censors related to alleged LGBTQ-related narration and dialogue in “Barbie.” These requested cuts do not seem likely to be approved by the studio.
Therefore it’s likely, though not certain, that “Barbie” will not be released in at least some Middle East territories, including in Saudi Arabia, which is the region’s top market, as well as possibly other territories including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Egypt.
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