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West Side Story Banned In These Countries Over New Trans Character
Not everyone appreciates Speilberg's change to the original story.
Steven Spielberg's adaption of the classic musical West Side Story includes a brand new transgender character – and that addition has landed it in hot water in six Middle Eastern countries.
The original Broadway production and 1961 film adaptation depicted the minor character Anybodys as a tomboy who is repeatedly rejected from joining the Jets gang because she's a girl. Spielberg updated the character to be transgender and they will be played by nonbinary actor Iris Menas in the upcoming film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, censors in the six countries objected to the portrayal of Anybodys as transgender. Disney reportedly refused to edit the character out of the movie. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have banned the release of the movie in their countries.
Neither Disney, Spielberg or the stars have commented on the controversy just yet. Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, and Rita Moreno star in the film.
West Side Story opens in theaters December 10. Watch the trailer below:
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
