To no surprise, Universal has decided to skip a Middle East release for Bros, its upcoming gay rom-com with gay sex scenes that would surely be censored or blocked, as confirmed by Variety. The film will hit the U.S. on September 30 and start hitting international markets between October and November.
No specific countries were listed in the report. Variety did note that the most likely Middle East countries that Bros will skip will include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Kuwait. Each of the countries is known for censoring films over LGBT content or has been skipped over by studios that refuse to re-cut the films to remove any LGBT content.
Bros to skip a release in the Middle East due to gay sex scenes
While LGBT content and themes are growing in the film industry, even in Western countries like the U.S., they can be more subtle or toned down. As the Middle East is known for blocking the smallest of hints, Bros is the boldest LGBT film in years, which can be seen through its trailer and poster. As the first R-rated gay rom-com, it will be making history.
Other films in the industry have been hitting roadblocks by various countries in the Middle East, not just Bros. Earlier this year, Lightyear skipped select countries over a lesbian kiss that was not going to be cut out of the film. Marvel Studios has taken a hard stance of diversifying its cast and stories, which has resulted in films like Eternals being banned by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors) directed the film that he wrote with Billy Eichner (The Lion King), who stars in the film. Following two men with commitment issues, it also stars Luke Macfarlane (Killjoys), Kristin Chenoweth (Schmigadoon!), Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), and Jim Rash (Community).
