Kuwait has banned blockbuster film Barbie, with Lebanon moving to do the same, amid claims the movie contradicts religious values. 

The film, which has grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office, was set to open across the Middle East on Thursday. 

In Kuwait, officials announced the ban late on Wednesday, saying the movie promoted “ideas and beliefs that are alien to the Kuwaiti society and public order”, according to a statement published by the state-run KUNA news agency. 

Lebanon Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada said the film “promotes homosexuality and sexual transformation”. 

His request to ban the film was forwarded to Lebanon’s General Security agency, which handles censorship decisions.

The ban is surprising given the film has no overt sexuality or references to LGBTQI+ rights, and the doll famously has no anatomy.

Vietnam banned Barbie last month because it included a view of a map showing disputed Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Nearby Muslim-majority Malaysia banned all Swatch products that contain LGBTQI+ elements, with possession punishable by up to three years in prison on Thursday. 

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was also abruptly pulled from cinemas across the Middle East in June.

The ban was apparently over a transgender poster that briefly appeared in the background.

Warner Bros did not respond to requests for comments about whether or not the movie was censored for release in the region.

AP