Disney/Pixar's 'Lightyear,' with same-sex couple, will not play in Malaysia and 13 countries; China in question

The United Arab Emirates said the couple's relationship violated the country's media content standards. Homosexuality is considered criminal in many Middle Eastern countries. Representatives of other countries, including Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Lebanon, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why they would not allow the film to be exhibited (pic shows producer Galyn Susman and Director Angus MacLane posing for a photo, as they arrive for the UK premiere of 'Lightyear' in London, Britain June 13, 2022. = REUTERS)

LOS ANGELES: Walt Disney Co has been unable to obtain permission to show its new Pixar movie "Lightyear" in 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries, a source said on Monday, and the animated film appeared unlikely to open in China, the world's largest movie market.

A "Lightyear" producer told Reuters that authorities in China had asked for cuts to the movie, which Disney declined to make, and she assumed the movie would not open there either. The animated film depicts a same-sex couple who share a brief kiss, which prompted the United Arab Emirates to ban the film.