Mind-Blowing News: Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Shatters all UAE Boundaries!

Sony's hit sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has received mixed reviews, with the film facing a ban in the United Arab Emirates for undisclosed reasons. While the movie has left fans with numerous unanswered questions, such as the story behind Spider-Punk and the potential romance between Miles and Gwen in the next installment of the Spider-Verse series, there is one intriguing aspect of Gwen's personal identity that may have gone unnoticed by many and could potentially explain the UAE ban.

As mentioned by Variety, it appears that the ban is likely related to a scene in "Across the Spider-Verse" featuring a "Protect Trans Lives" poster. This isn't the first time that the UAE has banned a film for including even the slightest reference to LGBTQ+ themes, as they previously banned Pixar's Toy Story spinoff, Lightyear, due to a same-sex kiss. This news will disappoint many UAE residents who were eagerly anticipating the sequel, especially considering that the first film, "Into the Spider-Verse," was released there. However, it's important to consider that the presence of the flag in the scene may not be an isolated incident.

Speculation has been circulating among viewers regarding Gwen's potential transgender-coded identity in Across the Spider-Verse. Many trans fans have resonated with Gwen's personal story arc, which mirrors their own experiences. Gwen, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, conceals her true self from her father, causing a rift in their relationship. When she eventually reveals her identity, this divide appears to widen initially. The presence of the trans flag colors in certain scenes, including Gwen's hair prominently featuring those colors, further fuels the speculation. While Gwen's transgender status is never explicitly confirmed, it is not far-fetched to consider that these themes were intentionally included. The meticulous craftsmanship of both Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse suggests that every detail is purposeful, making it difficult to dismiss the possibility of deliberate trans-coding. Given the ongoing global struggle faced by transgender individuals, particularly young people, against discriminatory legislation, it would not be surprising if writers and producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wanted to address this issue, even subtly.

It's unfortunate that people in the UAE will not have the opportunity to fully appreciate the humor and guest appearances in Across the Spider-Verse, as it is truly enjoyable (despite the audio mixing problems). Let's remain optimistic that the situation will improve in the future. There are undoubtedly certain causes that are worth advocating for, and safeguarding the lives of transgender individuals is unquestionably one of them.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is currently being screened in cinemas.

Source: Variety