Spider-Man film faces boycott calls across Arab world

Pro-Palestinian activist groups in Lebanon, Jordan, and other Arab nations are calling for a boycott of the film ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’. The campaign targets producer Avi Arad, a former Marvel Studios executive with dual Israeli and U.S. citizenship, due to his public political stances regarding Israel.

In Lebanon, the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel has urged audiences to avoid purchasing tickets, arguing that financial support for the production constitutes ‘cultural normalization’ of Israel. Similarly, the Taharrak anti-normalization group in Jordan has called on cinema operators and arts organizations to remove the film from their schedules.

The controversy focuses on Arad’s personal history and political expressions rather than the film's plot or cast. Arad, who served in the Israeli military during the 1967 Six-Day War, recently drew scrutiny for a 2024 letter criticizing U.S. political figures regarding their stance on Israeli elections and the conflict in Gaza. While the boycott has gained traction on social media, early reports from cinema chains in Lebanon suggest that demand for the film remains high.