Some regions have banned Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

While Sony Animation flying the blue, pink, and white of the trans flag in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse might be a big step in terms of diversity, it looks like proudly waving its colours has led to it being banned in some countries. Gwen Stacy might be a trans ally, but not everyone is.

As the sequel to 2018's Into the Spider-Verse, Across once again picks up the adventures of Shameik Moore's Miles Morales. Also back for more is Hailee Steinfeld's Gwen Stacy, who gets more of a starring role as her story intersects with Miles'. Although it's looking like one of the year's biggest movies, not everyone is a fan.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is banned in some countries

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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse passed the box office totals of its predecessor in just 12 days, and has slowly been rolling out across the world. Its release was originally delayed in the United Arab Emirates, but now, has been completely pulled.

Variety broke the news, while claiming that the ban is likely to do with Across the Spider-Verse being a pro-LGBTQ+ movie. Although none of the main characters are openly LGBTQ+, one scene features a "Protect Trans Lives" poster in Gwen's bedroom.

2022's Lightyear wasn't released because it featured a same-sex kiss between two women. Despite this blink-and-you'll-miss-it inclusion, Lightyear was also banned in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Malaysia. It's unclear whether Saudi Arabia will follow suit of the UAE, but as their censorship boards often agree, it's probable. 

Is Gwen Stacy trans in Across the Spider-Verse?

More than just Gwen's poster supporting trans rights, there has been rife speculation that Gwen herself is trans or trans-coded. Captain Stacy (Shea Whigham) has a trans flag patch on his uniform, while the idea Gwen conceals her "true" identity has been interpreted as an allegory for coming out.

The colours of Gwen's Earth-65 have a lot of blue, pink, and white hues, but others have tied this to the fact that Spider-Gwen's character is known for her pink and white costume. The writers haven't confirmed whether Gwen is trans-coded, meaning it's little more than a fan theory right now.

It would present and interesting prospect if the team had hired the cis Steinfeld to voice a trans character, however, most are just enjoying the idea that a Hollywood blockbuster could have a trans lead. Whatever you want to or refuse to believe, Gwen Stacy can be anything you want her to be right now.