Kuwait and Lebanon Ban "Barbie" ahead of Film's Mideast Release

Kuwait has banned the blockbuster movie "Barbie", with Lebanon moving to do the same, amid claims the movie contradicts religious values.

Kuwait announced its ban late Wednesday, saying the movie promotes “ideas and beliefs that are alien to the Kuwaiti society and public order,” without elaborating, according to a statement published by the state-run KUNA news agency.

In Lebanon, Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada said the movie was found to “contradict values of faith and morality” and to “promote homosexuality and sexual transformation.” 

His request to ban the film was forwarded to Lebanon’s General Security agency, which falls under the Interior Ministry and traditionally handles censorship decisions.

The rapturously reviewed “Barbie” opened on July 21 and smashed expectations with its $155 million domestic debut, ranking as the biggest opening weekend of 2023, as well as the best start for a movie directed by a woman.

It arrived as a full-fledged phenomenon, thanks to the marketing campaign of the year and stellar word-of-mouth to match. There was also hype from “Barbenheimer,” the nickname for the twin release date with Christopher Nolan’s dark historical drama “Oppenheimer.”

The Warner Bros. movie has grossed over $1 billion in less than a month since opening in other markets. The movie — led and produced by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, directed and co-written by Gerwig — crossed $400 million domestically and $500 million internationally faster than any other movie at the studio, including the Harry Potter franchise.

Gerwig, the Oscar-nominated director of “Lady Bird” and “Little Women,” co-wrote the screenplay with her partner Noah Baumbach.

Robbie and Gosling star as the stereotypical versions of Barbie and Ken, who leave behind the Dreamhouse on a quest for self-discovery in the real world. Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Dua Lipa, Simu Liu, Michael Cera, Helen Mirren, John Cena, and Will Ferrell round out the cast.