Steven Spielberg's West Side Story hits U.S. cinemas on Friday, December 10—but has been banned from some theaters in other countries.
Despite being delayed because of the ongoing pandemic, the wait is finally over and fans of the Broadway musical will get to see the original story brought to life on the big screen (again).
However, despite the popularity of the story and its accompanying musical score, some countries in the Middle East have opted not to show the movie.
Here's why the West Side Story remake has been banned in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
Why The Middle East Has Banned The West Side Story Remake
Musical theater enthusiasts and West Side Story fans located in parts of the Middle East will not be able to see Maria (Rachel Zegler) and Tony's (Ansel Elgort) ill-fated love story on the big screen, as Steven Spielberg's take on the 1957 musical has been banned in six countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ban is in response to the film's inclusion of a transgender character.
Variety also reported that West Side Story was not granted a release certificate in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and in Qatar and Oman, Disney refused censor requests to cut the scenes in question.
In the Middle East, where homosexuality is outlawed, there are strict censorship rules regarding sexuality, which may explain the ban.
Spielberg's remake features the character Anybodys, played by non-binary actor Iris Menas, whose credits include Broadway's Jagged Little Pill.
Based on the tomboy character of the same name in the Broadway musical and the 1961 film, who wants to be a part of the all-male Jets, the gender of the 2021 iteration of Anybodys is never addressed on-screen.
David Saint, executor of West Side Story author Arthur Laurents' estate, confirmed that Anybodys is "a character who was a man born in a female's body. End of story."
He also said Laurents would have approved of the decision to make Anybodys transgender.
At the official premiere of the film in Los Angeles on Tuesday, December 7 producer Kevin McCollum told The Hollywood Reporter he believes West Side Story will "overcome any border".
He said: "So this being a film that exists in the world, it might try to be stopped in certain places, but it will be found. I believe that love will win, and this is a story about love, made with love, and what happens when you try to keep people from loving freely.
"I think we've done our jobs as artists to make this film, and the world will discover it even if certain cultures decide they don't want it in their borders. This film will overcome any border because it will be seen."
David Alvarez, who plays Sharks leader Bernardo in the film, added: "It's a little sad that that still exists around the world, and I think that's why movies like this are so important. This movie has so many different messages and layers that really resonate with people around the world."
West Side Story is not the first time a film with LGBTQ+ content has been banned in the Middle East.
For example, Disney's Eternals did not have a release in parts of the region due to the inclusion of Marvel's first-ever same-sex couple, superhero Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), and his husband Ben (Haaz Sleiman), and a same-sex kiss.
West Side Story premieres in U.S. theatres on Friday, December 10.
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