The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) has confirmed the suspension of the new Marvels superhero movie ‘Eternals’ in cinemas theatres.
The new Marvels movie ‘Eternals’ has created an uproar since its release.
There were reports that the Nigerian National Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCG) had banned the movie from viewers due to its gay sex scenes.
According to reports, the movie has been banned from countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and now in Nigeria.
Reacting to the suspension, the Chairman of Cinema Association of Nigeria, Patrick Lee, in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, said they are working alongside Disney to confirm a release date.
Lee said the movie release is not happening in a good time considering cinemas experienced a major setback due to COVID-19 and It’s just starting to pick its pace.
He said he hopes Disney cooperates with them so they can remove the sex scenes in order to bring the movie back to the cinema.
He said they await for response from Disney.
Lee said, “We are working on suspension of ‘The Eternals’ in cinemas, we are talking to Disney because this may not be the best time to bring such controversial scenes as cinemas are just coming out of COVID-19.
“We hope they listen to our concerns in Nigeria as this is not the right time. We are worried about it.
“Eternals was one of the movies that was supposed to yield revenue from November till December in cinemas but this issue is a setback for us.
“We screened the movie and concerns were raised on censors board and the board insisted they are ready to work with us but within confined law.
“We discussed with censors board on age rating but we’ve not been able to come to an agreement.
“We expect an agreement with Disney that ‘The Eternals’ will be shown sooner than later. Hopefully this week we might get a date for the release.”
