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‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Is in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH: Legend Olympia hosted a high-security screening of ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ last night 4 May 2022. Fans rushed to the theater for the opportunity to be the first ones to watch this highly anticipated film and a chance to be interviewed for a premium item from Legend Cinema. Unfortunately, not all fans have access to this movie.

After being embroiled in the 'Don't Say Gay' bill in Florida, Disney isn't backing away from saying gay with 'Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness'.

The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film introduces new character America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) who is being pursued for her superpower - the ability to cross the multiverse - until Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) jumps in to help.

The movie has sparked objections in some parts of the Middle East, according to media reports.

An official in Saudi Arabia told The Guardian newspaper that Disney was asked to remove a brief clip that makes "LGBTQ references." In the clip, Chavez's younger self is seen with two moms.

Disney declined to cut same-sex references in the film, and it will not be released in Saudi Arabia or a handful of other Middle Eastern countries, a source familiar with the matter said. A representative for Saudi Arabia's government did not respond to a request for comment.

Frustrated fans took to social media to express their disappointment on Twitter and in videos. One Marvel fan, Marwan Iman, couldn’t understand the dispute over a 10-second scene.

Iman said, "As a Marvel fan and as a fan of cinema in general, this is incredibly disappointing because honestly, we, who live in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are huge cinema fans and huge Marvel fans and to have a dispute over a film over a short scene or a specific character with specific tendencies in 2022 is kind of ridiculous to be honest."

The cast and crew of the movie expected this backlash but stand firm in their story. Benedict Cumberbatch said that it’s important to include a diversity in the cast and hope that the fans will be able to see film sometimes somewhere.

He said, “It just makes it all the more important I guess that we have this inclusion of diversity in our cast. However, you know, I would love to get to the point where this isn’t a topic of conversation. But sadly, it really, it really still is, and I hope those fans and I hope people who are being persecuted for their sexuality can somehow find a way of existing in those repressive regimes, and they have mine and the filmmakers’ and the studio’s full support. And I hope they get to see the film regardless, and I hope they get to see it safely somewhere, whether it’s in their country or not.”

Fans in Cambodia have fully booked tickets for ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness’ on the opening day to avoid spoilers. Legend Cinemas is hosting a lucky draw for all fans who purchased tickets to see the movie at all 12 branches for a chance to win premium items from the movie.

‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness’ is available in all cinemas in Cambodia.



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