THE Walt Disney Company has failed to receive permission to screen its new Pixar movie Lightyear in 14 Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Malaysia, a source was quoted as saying yesterday by Reuters.

The animated movie also appears unlikely to open in China, the largest movie market in the world.

Chinese authorities asked for cuts to the film but Disney declined the request, so it is assumed that it will not be screened there, a Lightyear producer told Reuters.

Representatives of Malaysia and other countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why they would not allow the movie to open.

Lightyear is a prequel to the acclaimed Toy Story franchise by Pixar. Chris Evans voices lead character Buzz Lightyear, a legendary space ranger.

Buzz’s close friend is a woman space ranger who marries another woman. The film shows the couple sharing a brief kiss.

Evans said any objections to Lightyear over LGBTQ issues are “frustrating”.

“It is great that we are part of something that is making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity, but frustrating that there are still places that are not where they should be.”

“We are not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as a loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing by the choices that he is making,” Lightyear producer Galyn Susman told Reuters.

Lightyear is set to debut in theatres in Canada and the United States on Friday.

Disney also refused requests to cut same-sex references in Marvel movie Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness in May. Saudi Arabia and several Middle Eastern countries did not screen the movie. – June 14, 2022.