'Multiverse of Madness' faces ban in Gulf countries over gay character

Benedict Cumberbatch's upcoming superhero film 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' will not see the light of day in Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries due to the inclusion a gay character, reports 'Variety'.

A source told 'Variety' that Saudi Arabian censors held back their permit to release the film in the kingdom as the changes they requested were not approved by Disney.

The new Sam Raimi-directed sequel stars Cumberbatch as the titular character, and it also features the new hero America Chavez, played by 'The Baby-Sitters Club' star Xochitl Gomez.

As per reports cited by 'Variety', Gomez's character in the movie is reportedly gay, true to how she is portrayed in the Marvel comics.

The 'Doctor Strange' sequel, which is scheduled to release in the US on May 6, was initially slated for release in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on May 5.

But in the region, which maintain a conservative outlook on movies concerning or containing sex, homosexuality and religious issues are routinely cut to comply with censorship rules.