The Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting a little smaller, as thousands of theaters around
the world decline to screen its recent movies.
Here's why countries around the world are apparently banning the series' new movies,
and what it might mean for the future of the MCU.
"Thor: Love and Thunder" is finally here, and the film's early box office numbers indicate
that it's going to be another financial success story for Marvel and Disney.
According to The Numbers, Taika Waititi's follow-up to "Thor: Ragnarok" gave the god
of thunder's solo franchise its biggest opening to date, having made over $300 million after
its first weekend in theaters.
That's a lot of dough for the space Viking.
This is despite the fact that "Thor: Love and Thunder" has divided critics and fans
alike.
While some people enjoy the humorous take on the Thor mythos, others feel like the movie
is too jokey for its own good.
However, mixed reviews could be the least of the film's concerns as it continues to
roll out in theaters worldwide.
While "Thor: Love and Thunder" is shaping up to be an international super hit, the movie
looks set to be banned in certain regions that have been profitable for Hollywood blockbusters
in recent years.
If the movie does indeed face the chopping block in these regions, it will mark yet another
Disney release to be banned for the same reason in 2022.
"Let's bring the rainbow."
"'Bring the rainbow,' is that her catchphrase or something?"
"Thor: Love and Thunder" is the latest Disney release to feature brief moments of LGBTQ
representation, which could prevent the movie from being granted a release in China and
other territories.
The latest Marvel release implies that Valkyrie is bisexual, with her mentioning she had a
girlfriend back in the day.
It also reveals that Korg is effectively gay, being a part of a species that only has one
gender.
Industry experts believe that these aspects will be enough to stop the movie from being
released in certain regions.
Taika Waititi and Natalie Portman have also been celebrating the LGBTQ aspects of "Thor:
Love and Thunder," with the pair having recently described the movie as, quote, "so gay," and
quote, "super gay," at a Q&A and screening.
However, they were subsequently criticized by Marvel fans as scenes involving positive
LGBTQ representation in the movie are actually few and far between, which is unfortunate
considering the film is reported to have originally included a significant romantic scene involving
Valkyrie that was cut, presumably to appease censors.
It's an unfortunate happenstance, especially seeing as how Valkyrie was supposed to have
her sexuality play a more prominent role in "Thor: Ragnarok," but that ended up getting
cut, as well.
If the situation follows the same trajectory as "Lightyear," which includes a same-gender
kissing scene, "Thor: Love and Thunder" could also be banned in territories such as the
Middle East, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Reportedly, the Disney-Pixar release is currently banned in 14 countries.
"Flick!"
"Okay, we should go."
"Thor: Love and Thunder" isn't the first Marvel film to have an issue getting released in
other countries, and if current trajectories are any indication, it certainly won't be
the last.
Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been faced with bans around the globe, particularly
when it came to the release of "Eternals."
That film faced bans in Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia due to the inclusion of a same-sex
relationship.
In that movie, Phastos is married to a man named Ben, and the two share a kiss.
Homosexuality is banned through much of the region, and movies depicting LGBTQ relationships
tend to get banned.
That was the case with the most recent Marvel flick before "Thor 4" — "Doctor Strange
in the Multiverse of Madness."
That film was banned in the same countries, seemingly due to America Chavez' parents being
in a lesbian relationship.
Additionally, those movies, as well as "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" were banned
in China for various reasons.
It remains to be seen if the next movie in the MCU, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,"
will make its way to China's shores, but things aren't looking hopeful.
Despite that, these movies seem to still be making plenty of money no matter what.
Check out one of our newest videos right here!
Plus, even more Looper videos about the Marvel Cinematic Universe are coming soon.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell so you don't miss a single one.