Disney Refuses to Make BEAUTY & THE BEAST Cuts for Malaysian Censors; Pulls Film

Earlier in the week, the Malaysian Censorship Board approved Disney's live-action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST provided that the studio make "a minor cut involving a gay moment." However its release was later postponed pending an "internal review." The scene in question involves Josh Gad's portrayal of the character LeFou, who is smitten by the handsome Gaston, played by Luke Evans. Last week, a Christian-owned drive-in theater in Alabama announced it would not show the film due to what is being called a "gay moment." Russia also gave the film a 16+ certificate, similar to an 'R' rating in the U.S.

Today, Deadline reports that Disney has confirmed "the film has not been and will not be cut for Malaysia." The studio's decision is part of a growing movement among multinational groups against intolerant rules in markets where they conduct business. Disney's refusal to edit the film and subsequent decision to pull its release from Malaysian theaters is not expected to have any significant impact on the movie's global success.

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Disney's highly anticipated live-action film hits theaters on March 17th and is a live-action re-telling of the studio's animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. "Beauty and the Beast" is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winnerKevin Kline as Maurice, BELLE'S eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston's long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, "Beauty and the Beast" is produced by Mandeville Films' David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winnerTim Rice.

Image courtesy of ABC