Not everyone around the world is watching much of Disney’s latest movies. In huge parts of the world, Disney is losing cultural influence as censors ban their content.
There are those who have been pushing The Walt Disney Company and Disney+ to feature content of a particular bent. That does not seem to be happening in particular regions where the phraseology in use is “regional sensitivity.” That seems to be a round-about-way of expressing that Disney doesn’t want to be banned in areas where morality and government misalign with Disney’s values expressed in some of their content. The practical effect is that movies like Lightyear, The Eternals and Thor: Love and Thunder are nowhere to be seen in many Middle Eastern countries. Of course there is a way for citizens of those countries to get around the issue with a VPN, but some nations could punish such activities for indecent viewing.
Disney+ Middle East announced that the company will not release “Lightyear” or “Baymax” on its platform. The decision stems from the platform not releasing Pixar’s “Lightyear” in the region, due to the film featuring a same-sex kiss. The Disney+ series “Baymax” will also not be released since it includes LGBTQ characters.
— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox Business
Disney+ Middle East to Align With Local Censorship Rules, ‘Lightyear’ Won’t Appear on Streamer https://t.co/C97l66Xz4f
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) August 5, 2022
In the case of removing material completely from Disney+, I’m not a fan. No, I did not enjoy Lightyear and I found it problematic for a number of reasons. No, the Eternals is objectively not a well-made film. But at the same time, I’m not into book burning. I don’t know that I want five year-olds asking mommies about how two women can be pregnant. That said, I know the danger of expelling media that I disagree with, just like I know the danger of others expelling media I do like. It leads to bad places. I’m glad I live in a place where we’re not quite at the point of banning material… even if we are in the midst of cancel culture.
I understand that Disney faces being removed in countries where they might refuse to take down material the government and the majority might find objectionable, even immoral. I just hope that Disney will moderate overall so that universal truths are more likely to disseminate and resonate with people who perhaps never considered a higher moral ideal. As long as we’re pushing things so far to the left even in the United States, there’s no way any of this is going to see the light of day in many regions of the world. That’s bad for ROI and that’s bad for making the world a better place.
For all the news that should be fun, keep reading That Park Place. As always, drop a comment down below and let me know your thoughts. I had intended to write about another Disney World expansion that may be on the way to answer Epic Universe, but I’ll hold that for another day or two. Manu has the day off and I needed to cover this breaking news. Hope you enjoy, we’ll talk again soon.
I guess Disney will not be financially successful for a long time. And I blame Bob Iger for it. It’s his fault he made Disney into a political and ideological company.
Very well said, all of it WDW Pro! Particularly ” I just hope that Disney will moderate overall so that universal truths are more likely to disseminate and resonate with people who perhaps never considered a higher moral ideal.” is marvelous!
ROI is extremely important to Chapek. I know things will improve – get on track – balance out…I just hope it’s sooner versus later.
Greatly appreciated!
We are sensitive in the USA too, but Disney is forcing the groomer Woke agenda. What a disgrace to an once proud American company.
Blame Bob Iger for it.
There seems to be a consistent non-American bent to all of this. Odd.
American here.
Nah, you’re just seeing the forest for the trees.