Angelina Jolie Reacts To 'Eternals' Ban In Gulf Countries, Says They Are 'Ignorant'

Marvel's newly released "Eternals" has been banned in several gulf countries as it has scenes showing same-sex love-making. Angelina Jolie, who played superhero Thena in the movie, criticized the decision to ban the movie and said those countries are "ignorant."

"I'm sad for [those audiences]. And I'm proud of Marvel for refusing to cut those scenes out," Jolie told Australian outlet News.com on Thursday.

The 46-year-old actress went on to add that she still "don't understand how we live in a world today where there's still [people who] would not see the family Phastos [referring to the superhero character who played gay in the movie] has and the beauty of that relationship and that love."

She wondered how anyone can be angry about same-sex love or get "threatened" by it, adding, those who don't approve or appreciate it are "ignorant."

It was reported by multiple outlets Thursday that "Eternals" won't release in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. The movie was slated to release in the Gulf region on Nov. 11, only after the edit requests made by the local censor board are fulfilled.

While other countries removed the "Eternals" listing from their cinemas, the United Arab Emirates is still looking forward to releasing the movie next Thursday.

There is a scene in the movie when superhero Phastos – portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry – passionately kisses his on-screen husband Ben, played by Haaz Sleiman.

This is not the first time Marvel has received backlash due to LGBTQ representation. Some fans shared their disapproval for making superhero Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) a queer in the latest Disney series "Loki."

The star-studded "Eternals" features Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Salma Hayek as Ajak and Kit Harington as Black Knight. The movie is helmed by Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao.

Following "Eternals," Marvel is all set to release another highly anticipated movie, "Spider-Man: No Way Home," on Dec. 17. It will be the fourth movie in the fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.