Unforeseen Twist: Barbie's Box Office Triumph Sparks Potential Middle East Ban

Highlights

Barbie film faces bans in the Middle East due to regional censorship, raising concerns about LGBTQ+ content.

Vietnam and the Philippines posed previous international hurdles due to political reasons, along with potential bans across Asia. Nevertheless, Barbie has persevered and achieved remarkable success for Warner Bros., while also amassing a dedicated fanbase.

The highly successful Barbie film, which has been dominating the box office, now faces potential bans in the Middle East due to regional censorship requirements. This threat arises after Warner Bros.' Middle Eastern distribution partners caused a delay in the film's premiere.

Barbie, a fantasy comedy released in 2023, is based on the beloved doll of the same name. The toy line, which has been a staple in children's play since its creation in 1959, has been adapted in various forms, including 42 animated movies. However, the 2023 live-action adaptation of Barbie aimed to be more ambitious, exploring existential issues faced by Barbie and Ken as they encounter the real world, which differs greatly from their idealized home in Barbieland. The movie boasted an impressive ensemble cast, including renowned actors such as Simu Liu alongside the leads, Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

Warner Bros.' unveiling of Robbie as Barbie has sparked widespread excitement, making the film a hot topic of discussion. Surpassing all expectations, it has already surpassed box office predictions and captivated audiences from unexpected backgrounds. However, the film's radiance has failed to reach one important market. Vox Cinemas, Warner Bros.' distribution partner in the Middle East, has postponed its release due to concerns surrounding LGBTQ+ representation. Recent reports from Variety indicate that Saudi Arabia may even consider banning the film altogether, with other countries like the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Egypt potentially following suit.

Barbie has encountered similar obstacles in the past, as the movie had been banned in Vietnam and the Philippines prior to its release for promoting Chinese territorial claims. Additionally, it faced the possibility of being banned in other Asian countries due to a controversial scene. The delay in the Middle Eastern release was intended to allow for modifications to create a more suitable version for stricter censors. However, various entertainment news sources in the region, as well as some Western counterparts, believe that Warner Bros will not be making any significant changes to the film.

Robbie, who frequently found humor on the Barbie set while filming her leading role, has refuted claims of LGBTQ+ messages in the movie by stating that the characters have no sexual orientation. During an interview with Vogue, she explained, "She is a doll. A plastic doll without organs. If she doesn't have reproductive organs, would she even experience sexual desire? No, I don't think she could." Robbie emphasized that while Barbie may be sexualized, she should never be portrayed as sexy. She clarified, "People may interpret her as sexy, but she can wear a short skirt because it's fun and pink, not because she wants you to focus on her buttocks."

Barbie continues to shine at Warner Bros., even in light of the Middle East situation. This can be attributed, in large part, to the phenomenon known as Barbenheimer, where fans have combined the seemingly conflicting films into a single cinematic experience. The release of Barbie and Oppenheimer has received support from director Christopher Nolan, resulting in an increase in box office earnings. Don't miss Barbie, now playing in theaters.

Source: Variety, Vogue