KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Thor: Love and Thunder, the latest offering from Marvel Studios, will not be screened in Malaysia, following weeks of speculation about whether it would be aired in the nation.
Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), Malaysia’s largest theater chain, confirmed via social media on Thursday (Jul 28) that the film will not be screened in the nation.
GSC stated in a brief statement: “Thor: Takde (Malay for “no longer”). Officially”.
According to the social media post, “Disney has updated that Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder will not be distributed in Malaysia after all.”
“We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.”
TGV cinemas also announced on social media that the film would not be screened.
The confirmation came two weeks after it was announced that the film’s screening in Malaysia would be postponed.
The film was released on July 6 in most parts of the world. The release date in Malaysia was initially set for July 7.
The Walt Disney Company (M) Sdn Bhd, the film’s distributor, said on July 1 that the release date had been pushed back to July 21, according to the New Straits Times.
The reason for the postponement was not provided.
Days later, it was revealed that the release had been “indefinitely postponed,” forcing cinema operators who had sold advance tickets for the film to give refunds.
Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, is shown with his buttocks bare in the film.
CNA has contacted Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Disney for comment on why the film was withdrawn from release.
This is the second time in a month that Disney has decided not to release new films in Malaysia.
It canceled the release of the animated film Lightyear in June.
According to the New Straits Times, Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board (LPF) stated that the film distributor refused to comply with certain restrictions in order for the film to be played in the nation.
Thor: Love and Thunder is the fourth entry in the Thor film series, starring Natalie Portman and Christian Bale.
Source: CNA News