Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Only less than a week before its worldwide release, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been finding itself embroiled in one controversy after another. The Benedict Cumberbatch starrer is all set to hit the theatres on May 6, 2022, but before it does, let us let you in on some of the controversies it has stirred.
China controversy
According to a report, China will no longer screen Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness because of a sequence in which a newspaper kiosk with Chinese characters for The Epoch Times is featured. The publication is well-known for its criticism of the Chinese Communist Party. It is facing blowback as a result of this, particularly by supporters of the government.
Middle East controversy
For containing an LGBTQ+ character, the film has already been banned in a few countries, including Egypt, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, is a lesbian, and Marvel has decided not to censor her part.
This resulted in some fans hating the 15-year-old actress, blaming her for the cancellation of one of the most-anticipated films of 2022, even though it is her character that is gay in the comics.
Gargantos controversy
Early on in production, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness faced a slew of legal concerns and copyright warnings.
Marvel decided to reject the initial idea after much deliberation and chose to rewrite the role due to a lengthy copyright dispute.
And this is the character of "Gargantos", the movie's big-eyed monster.
Shuma-Gorath, the ancient evil god of the earth, was originally intended as the villain of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Marvel, on the other hand, discovered after the filming began that this character was a timebomb.
This all starts from the early history of Marvel. The copyrights of many Marvel characters are not owned by Marvel, as everyone thinks.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of cinema and entertainment, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and passion for the intricacies of film production, controversies, and the interplay between creative decisions and societal reactions. My extensive understanding of the film industry positions me to dissect and elaborate on the nuances surrounding "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."
The movie, slated for a May 6, 2022 release, has generated a series of controversies, each adding layers to the anticipation surrounding the Benedict Cumberbatch starrer. Let's delve into the key controversies that have been making headlines.
China Controversy: Reports reveal that China will not screen "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" due to a specific sequence featuring a newspaper kiosk with Chinese characters for The Epoch Times. This publication is notable for its criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, leading to blowback, particularly from government supporters. The controversy highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must navigate when incorporating real-world elements that may have geopolitical implications.
Middle East Controversy: The film has faced bans in several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, due to the inclusion of an LGBTQ+ character. America Chavez, portrayed by Xochitl Gomez, is a lesbian, and Marvel's decision not to censor her character has resulted in the film's prohibition in these regions. The controversy extends beyond the film itself, as fans express their opinions, sometimes misdirecting frustration towards the 15-year-old actress, highlighting the challenges of pushing societal boundaries in cinematic representation.
Gargantos Controversy: Early in the production phase, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" grappled with legal concerns and copyright warnings related to the character "Gargantos," the movie's envisioned big-eyed monster. Marvel opted to reject the initial concept and rewrite the role due to a protracted copyright dispute. Originally, Shuma-Gorath, the ancient evil god of the earth, was intended as the film's villain. The revelation that Marvel doesn't own the copyrights to many of its characters adds a layer of complexity to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of creating a Marvel cinematic experience.
In conclusion, the controversies surrounding "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" underscore the intricate challenges faced by filmmakers in navigating geopolitical sensitivities, societal expectations, and legal complexities. These controversies contribute to the film's narrative even before its release, showcasing the broader impact and significance of cinematic storytelling in our interconnected world.
