A movement in Lebanon to ban Wonder Woman because star Gal Gadot is Israeli has been successful, according to Variety. Though news of the potential for a ban had spread recently, the decision appeared to be a last minute one, with Patty Jenkins’ film scheduled to begin screening at one Beirut theater Wednesday. However, the country’s Grand Cinemas tweeted out the news that its release had been blocked. Gadot served in the Israeli army; Israel and Lebanon are at war.
According to the Associated Press, a six-member Ministry of Economy committee had to recommend a ban, which would ultimately be approved by the interior minister. However, the most vocal opponent of Wonder Woman had been Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon, which had previously tried to stop Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, the first movie to feature Gadot in her role as Diana Prince, from showing in Lebanon. That previous DCEU project, as well as other films featuring Gadot, including multiple Fast And The Furious movies, had made their way to Lebanon, Deadline reports. The publication also notes that 15 Lebanese theaters were supposed to screen the superhero movie.