Pro-Palestine campaigners call for Spider-Man film boycott over producer’s Israel support

Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and elsewhere in the Arab world have called for a boycott of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” over producer Avi Arad’s support for Israel and his rejection of criticism directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the war on Gaza.

The Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon urged audiences not to purchase tickets for the film, arguing that financially supporting a production involving figures who have publicly backed Israel amounts to “cultural normalisation.”

“Do we want to support a production involving individuals who have publicly expressed political support for Israel?” the group said in a social media statement ahead of the film’s release.

The campaign called on the public to avoid paid screenings and said its position reflected its opposition to normalising Israel or its policies.

In Jordan, the Taharrak anti-normalisation group issued a separate statement calling for the film to be boycotted and excluded from the schedules of Jordanian cinemas.

The group also urged the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, cinema operators and other relevant bodies to take a position against its screening. The calls have since been amplified by activists and content creators in other Arab countries.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” released internationally on July 31, stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Marvel lists Arad as one of its four producers alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor.

Arad served in Israeli army