Doctor Strange 2 is now running in the theaters worldwide. However, the film will not get a screening for the fans in the Middle East. Countries like Egypt, Kuwait, Brunei, and Qatar have refused to release the films. The reason is LGBTQIA+ reference and representation. Last week, Saudi Arabia asked Disney to cut the “12 seconds” LGBTQIA+ reference. However, Disney has refused to make any cuts to the film. Homosexuality is still a capital offense in the country due to the prevalent Sharia laws. Xochitl Gomez debuted in the MCU as America Chavez, a lesbian character. The countries are asking to ax a scene with Gomez in it. Kevin Feige, the head honcho at Marvel Studios came in support of Gomez. Benedict Cumberbatch, too, defended Xochitl’s portrayal. Recently, Benedict Wong was seen supporting Gomez.
“It’s Not Okay”: Benedict Wong Defended Xochitl’s Portrayal Of America Chavez In Doctor Strange 2
While fans and audiences all around the world are excited for watching some action-packed drama that will unfold in Doctor Strange 2. However, unfortunately, there is a parallel drama that is taking place in reality. The young actor, Xochitl Gomez is all set to make her MCU debut with America Chavez’s portrayal. In the Comics, America Chavez AKA Miss America made her debut with Vengeance #1.
Joe Cassey and Nick Dragotta created the character. She is the first Lesbian Latin Superhero. The story is that America Chavez, along with her family, including her sister and mothers Amalia and Elena Chavez, come to a private island. The purpose of arrival is to find a cure for Edges Syndrome that the sisters are suffering from. However, a greedy and evil entrepreneur wants to exploit the powers of the sisters, but the mothers protest. This leads to the separation of the family leaving America stranded on the island.
Audiences have praised the intersectionality of the marginalized communities with America Chavez’s character. However, some countries have backed out and will not screen Doctor Strange 2. The reason is the refusal of Disney to cut a “12 seconds” scene, where America Chavez refers to her mothers. Nawaf Al Sabhan, General Supervisor Of Cinema Classification has started, “It’s just her talking about her moms, because she has two moms, And being in the Middle East, it’s very tough to pass something like this.”
He added, “We sent it to the distributor, and the distributor sent it to Disney, and Disney has told us they are not willing.” Najaf also assured that the film is not being “banned.” He said, “It will never be banned. There’s no reason to ban the film. It’s a simple edit. So far they have refused. But we haven’t closed the door. We’re still trying.” During a promotional interview, Chavez openly addressed the virtual hate that the character is garnering. She said, “It’s a big deal that America is in this movie. It’s just huge. And I’m just so happy that Marvel has stuck to it and kept the scene in there.”
She continued, “And it’s just pretty crazy that I get to be the one who plays America. Although, yes, my name may be circled within hate and stuff, but it’s okay.” Benedict Wong, who will be seen reprising his role of Wong in the film pitched in and expressed his protest against the homophobic trolling, “It’s not okay. It’s not okay. We have to all collectively understand that. She auditioned aged 13 and she joined us aged 14, one of the youngest actors to join the MCU of a film of that magnitude. You know, she’s just a young girl playing her role and full praise for that.”
Benedict added, “There’s a real level of shame for all those trolls that are cowards not to actually put their face [out there], and they should feel a deep shame of what they’re doing. Let’s all just play nice. Let’s all just enjoy what we are representing. Sadly, fans in that country won’t get to see this. But all we are doing is radiating representation, voicing the voiceless. And that’s all that we can do- represent people so that they can be seen.” Xochitl has been optimistic amidst the trolling and expressed her desire to fight for inclusion.
She said, “I understand that certain lands have certain rules and I live in a land where our rules are that of inclusion. And we will continue to fight for inclusion in every place, city, and state so that every kid that doesn’t see themselves can at least see a tiny little bit of who they can become.”
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