IMAX, one of the largest movie exhibitors in Egypt, shocked moviegoers on Nov. 9 by canceling the premiere of the movie "Eternals" one day before it was scheduled for nationwide release.. Ahmed Kalal, director of the development engineering department at Misr International Films, which owns IMAX theaters in Egypt, told Al-Monitor that the Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. But the recent event has shattered the hype somehow. MCU One regional cinema chain explained that Eternals had been banned but said they hadnt been told why. He mentioned that the decision to disallow the movie made these countries look pathetic and ignorant. That moment shows the love between me and Phastos and its a statement on its own that you hear someone speak like that, he said. It has a rotten score of 51 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregation site. Sources suggest the inclusion of the MCU's first same-gender couple is causing issues in the Gulf. In 2020, Onward, the Pixar title created hype when it got banned in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Marvel Studios latest Eternals has reportedly been banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Why is MrBeast Facing Backlash over Blindness Treatment Video? The Mandalorian Season 3 Reviews: What Are Critics' First Reactions? Its not like this was unexpected. And in an alternate universe, Brian Tyree Henry's Phastos wouldn't have been the first LGBTQ superhero in the MCU: Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie character from "Thor: Ragnarok"was going to be bisexual, but the final cut of the movie ended up removing a scene which confirmed her sexuality. We want, more than anything else, is for you to love, cherish, engage and criticize HoursTV.com so we can always deliver the best to you. "Eternals"arrives in U.S. theaters on November 5, 2021. Angelina Jolie is responding to her new movie Eternals apparently being banned by certain Gulf Nations. 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According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film was supposed to debut in theaters in those countries on November 11, but when local censors presented Disney with a series of desired edits, the studio reportedly refused to comply. The Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek starrer was also blocked inKuwait and Qatar. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. The Eternal Phastos has a husband and children. Is Akshay Kumar Supporting War with Pakistan? There was a problem. In the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt we understand that a version of the film will be released that removes all scenes of intimacy be they heterosexual or homosexual. The good news for UK cinema-goers is that A24 itself will release the film this month. Portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry, Phastos is a superhero who appears in Eternals and is married to Ben who is depicted by Haaz Sleiman. As per her view, the gay actors portrayed a good life and a healthy relationship that shouldnt have caused trouble for anyone. Marvel movie Eternals was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films this year. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day, Get the scoops first! MCU IMAX, one of the largest movie exhibitors in Egypt, shocked moviegoers on Nov. 9 by canceling the premiere of the movie "Eternals" one day before it was scheduled for nationwide release.. Ahmed Kalal, director of the development engineering department at Misr International Films, which owns IMAX theaters in Egypt, told Al-Monitor that the The reason: depicting a same-sex relationship. The film has already found issues with China when it comes to getting a proper release, in fact, the country was rumored to want parts edited out. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. While no official ban is in place, the word is that Disney was asked to make edits to the film regarding the films gay character Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry. Rahul Gandhi now appears on rally posters in Bihar post criticism, Bihar rally clash: Amit Shah, Nitish-Tejashwi duo to demonstrate political strength today, 'Eternals' to not release in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman; Here's why, 'Eternals': Here are the Bollywood references made in upcoming Marvel movie, New 'Eternals' clip 'Bollywood' disappoints Indian fans for stereotypical content. Movies containing LGBTQ+ content are often cut to appease international censors around the world, but Disney refused to alter Eternals., I have no respect for those governments, Sleiman said. HoursTV.com is in the business of keeping its readers happy. My god. Homosexuality is illegal across the Gulf and films that feature any LGBTQ themes often dont get past the censors. We want to hear from you! Please refresh the page and try again. According to reports, Disney is looking forward to releasing the film without the intimate scenes in Arab countries. The Eternal Phastos is in an openly gay relationship with anther man in Eternals, and in one scene they share a kiss. As per the report, censors soughtfurther cuts beyond any scenes of intimacy inSaudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. I wish I had that when I was a kid, to see this. And even if the money was the determining factor, perhaps it was decided the movie would not do enough business in these markets to make the change worthwhile. Since homosexuality is still illegal in many countries in the Middle East, the requested edits likely centered on Marvel's first openly gay superhero, Phastos, who is played by Brian Tyree Henry. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Marvel Studios' next film, Eternals, wasbanned inSaudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Marvel Cinematic Universe's star-studded action-adventure flick Eternals is enjoying a theatrical release across the USA as well as India on November 5. 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Beyond a dream come true, its lifesaving, he told me. In fact, they despised the fact that such countries are negligent towards accepting LGBT existence. The critical consensus reads, An ambitious superhero epic that soars as often as it strains, Eternals takes the MCU in intriguing and occasionally confounding new directions., Jack Ma, Trump and Xi: How Chinese billionaire flew close to the sun, Copyright 2023 The Indian Express [P] Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Marvel Studios' "Eternals" will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. Why Drake Lost His Bet on Argentina in World Cup Final? Upon the news about Eternals getting banned in multiple Arab countries, some Hollywood celebrities spoke about it. 'Eternals' To Not Release In Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain And Oman; Here's Why Touted as one of the biggest MCU films, Chlo Zhao directed super-god film Eternals has been banned from releasing in some of the major Middle Eastern countries Written By Princia Hendriques Image: Instagram/@MarvelStudios Hopefully this will inspire the Saudi people, the Kuwaiti people and the people in Qatar to fight back.. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This is good news for those that want to see representation increase on the big screen. And then they can give their two middle fingers to their governments. IfAvengers 5features him and the Eternals, will Marvel and Disney be willing to let a massive film such as that go unreleased in several places around the world? Sleiman, who is of Lebanese origin, is also openly gay. The intensity of legal actions against the disapproved acts in GULF countries can be understood through another incident that happened in the recent past. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. Reportedly, only one scene became the sole reason for the ban on the film. Armchair Imagineer. New York, Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. Considering that homosexuality is still against the law in many parts of the Middle East, its far from surprising this would be the reason that the movie is seeing scrutiny there. 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However, it looks like the MCU venture will be missing out on major markets in the Middle East as some countries have decided not to release the movie at the box office. Written by Zhao, Ryan Firpo, and Kaz Firpo, Eternals introduces a new group of superheroes, the titular Eternals, who have lived in secret on earth for 7000 years. 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The ban was prompted by Lebanese group Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon because the pics lead actress, Gal Gadot, is Israeli and a former soldier in that countrys army. The UK has long been a challenging and expensive market in which to release independent movies and we hear the asking price was considered too steep by the small pool of viable indie distributors in the territory. Several nations have apparently decided not release Eternals. The all-star superhero film, which was due for release across the Gulf region on Nov. 11, is understood to have been met with a series of edit requests by local censors, edits that THR has heard Disney was not willing to make. Wonder Womanwas also banned in Tunisia. US City Takes Stand Against Caste Discrimination Despite Opposition from Hindu Nationalists, Mohammad Hasnain Overshadows Peshawar Zalmis Victory. Eternals and West Side Story also suffered bans late last year. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. The UAE announced six months ago that it would do away with film censorship and instead introduce a 21+ rating. The outlet also releases a set of factors that could have contributed to the theatrical ban of Eternals in these Middle East countries. Copyright 2023 Cosmic Book News | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | About Us | Contact Us | Movies | Comics | TV | Gaming | News | Reviews | Web Stories | Search, Eternals Box Office Blow: Banned In Middle East, Likely China, Deadpool 3: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Get Jacked, 'Cocaine Bear' Mauls 'Ant-Man' 3 Box Office, Disneys Peter Pan & Wendy Trailer Disliked To Oblivion, Reason For The Marvels MCU Delay Worse Than Thought, Marvels Ant-Man 3 Breaks Batman vs Superman Record, The Last Of Us Actresses Blast Fans: Dont like it, dont watch, Marvel: Blade and Deadpool 3 Said To Film Soon, Cocaine Bear Mauls Ant-Man 3 Box Office. Post by Mark. While official reasons werent provided by either the studio or the local territories, heres our understanding of what went down: In Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, the censors were seeking further cuts beyond any scenes of intimacy and that Disney opted not to make the edits, hence distribution certificates werent issued. The genre-busting dramedy has been hailed by a number of critics for its themes of queer acceptance and identity. The film was expected to release across the Gulf on November 11. Why Eternals Has Been Pulled From Theaters In The Middle East By Dirk Libbey last updated November 05, 2021 Several nations have apparently decided not release Eternals. Back in May 2017, Warner Bros. Wonder Woman was officially banned in Lebanon. Is Elon Musk Going to Buy Manchester United Football Club? The newspaper didnt give any reason for the ban but its most likely because of the character Phastos who is the first openly gay hero. Meanwhile,United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt will enjoy the movie without thescenes of intimacy seeing as this is a normal practice for such markets. Sleiman, who is of Lebanese origin, is also openly gay. Marvel Studios' "Eternals" will not play in theaters in the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar. Haaz Sleiman says he was close to tears when he learned of Disneys response to Eternals being banned in several Middle Eastern countries because of the MCU films LGBTQ+ content. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Gil Birmingham, Harish Patel, and Kit Harington also star. The film is one of A24s biggest-budget productions to date. Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle Editor. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. RELATED:'Cocaine Bear' Mauls 'Ant-Man' 3 Box Office. By Anthony D'Alessandro, Nancy Tartaglione. Upon the news about Eternals getting banned in multiple Arab countries, some Hollywood celebrities spoke about it. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. One regional cinema explained to the site that Eternalshad been "banned" but was not told why. The UAE announced six months ago that it would do away with film censorship and instead introduce a 21+ rating. In 2021, Marvel released The Eternals, which featured Phastos, a gay, married man, and his husband. Angelina Jolie reacted to the news that her new Marvel movie, Etertnals, has been banned by several countries in the Middle East over the portrayal of gay couple. In Kuwait and Qatar, its claimed the issue wasnt the homosexual scenes, but that the region has historically had a problem with the depiction of gods and prophets, something they consider blasphemous., RELATED:Deadpool 3: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Get Jacked. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Current box office estimates for Eternalsthis weekend offer anywhere from $67 million to $92 million, with Deadlines estimates offering $75 million. Lastly, she appreciated Disney for not backing down and censoring the scenes. Marvel's Eternals banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait for this reason? These fantastic milestones, however, haven'tbeen embraced by everyone around the world. Only time will tell. I wish! Sleiman, who was raised in a Muslim family in Lebanon before moving to the U.S. when he was 21, came out as gay in 2017 after first gaining attention playing Tarek, an undocumented Syrian immigrant in 2007s The Visitor., At the Eternals world premiere last month, Sleiman spoke passionately about how much representation and visibility matter. The interesting dilemma this creates, assuming Phastos makes it out ofEternalsalive, is the question of whether these bans will follow the character into whatever project he may become a part of. The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. Why Eternals Has Been Pulled From Theaters In The Middle East By Dirk Libbey last updated November 05, 2021 Several nations have apparently decided not release Eternals. As per the website, edit requests were made by the local censors that Disney was not willing to make. I never thought I would see that, let alone that I got to do it., Sleiman is also confident that Eternals will be seen, even in countries where its banned. While not officially revealed, sources indicate that the reason isalmost certainly due to the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ charactersin the filmin this case being Brian Tyree Henry's Phastos and his husband. This is the first time that a same-sex couple has been depicted in a Marvel film. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. The newspaper didnt give any reason for the ban but its most likely because of the character Phastos who is the first openly gay hero. In recent years, the company has been taking the tiniest steps beyond that archaic restriction, featuring an "exclusively gay moment"in "Beauty and the Beast"and a reference to a gay relationship in "Avengers: Endgame.". This is generally normal practice for these markets. One regional cinema chain explained that Eternals had been banned but said they hadnt been told why. Haaz Sleiman says he was close to tears when he learned of Disneys response to Eternals being banned in several Middle Eastern countries because of the MCU films LGBTQ+ content. In 2021, Marvel released The Eternals, which featured Phastos, a gay, married man, and his husband. Regarding how much Eternals is set to lose by being banned by those Middle Eastern countries is unknown as they arent listed as part of the box office of any of the Marvel movies, so maybe its not that much. Marvel Studios'Eternalswill be arriving for many fans across the world soon. Epcot Stan. The UAE announced six months ago that it would do away with film censorship and instead introduce a 21+ rating. Eternals is banned from theaters in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar because of the movies gay elements. Copyright 2020 The Direct Media Group LLC. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. We hear from industry sources that the movie was picked up by a regional distributor but has been banned in parts of the Gulf due to LGBTQ issues, meaning it has been shelved for now. The film has already found issues with China, they're only calling themselves out for the rest of the world to see, Ant-Man 3's Kang Might've Had Sex With Janet, Reveals Writer, Star Wars Officially Canonizes Gina Carano's Cara Dune Exit Post-Firing, Mandalorian Producer Clears Confusion on Grogu's Luke Skywalker Timeline. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Back in May 2017, Warner Bros. Wonder Woman was officially banned in Lebanon. Marvels Eternals will not hit cinema screens in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Qatar, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. While financial considerations were almost certainly weighed her, those arent always the only concerns to be considered. Why are the US Tech Giants Downsizing despite Making Profits? Marvel Studios Eternals was banned from cinemas in the Gulf, a response likely given due to the inclusion of a same-sex couple. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. Angelina Jolie, who played Thena in the movie, criticized peoples way of thinking about homosexuality. IMAX, one of the largest movie exhibitors in Egypt, shocked moviegoers on Nov. 9 by canceling the premiere of the movie "Eternals" one day before it was scheduled for nationwide release.. Ahmed Kalal, director of the development engineering department at Misr International Films, which owns IMAX theaters in Egypt, told Al-Monitor that the ' Eternals ' didn't make it to box-offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Sleiman, who is of Lebanese origin, is also openly gay. We know how the game of breaking news is actually played. Marvel Studios latest Eternals has reportedly been banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as per The Hollywood Reporter. In the film, Stephanie Hsus character Joy is openly gay and there is a scene in which MichelleYeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis play a lesbian couple. This grasped the attention of some celebrities who didnt like the way Arab countries reacted. Directed byChlo Zhao, the film also featuresGemma Chan as Sersi,Richard Madden asIkaris,Salma HayekasAjak, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo,Angelina JolieasThena, Kit HaringtonasDane Whitman, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, and Barry Keoghan as Druig. You will receive a verification email shortly. Back in May 2017, Warner Bros. Wonder Womanwas officially banned in Lebanon. In one scene, the character, Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), and his on-screen husband, Ben (Haaz Sleiman), share a kiss. The streaming platform has been gaining much attention due to its latest projects that include certain Disney plus series and movies. The fantasy mind-bender follows an ageing Chinese immigrant swept up in a wild adventure, where she alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the lives she could have led. Eternals looks to suffer another box office blow as it is reported countries in the Middle East are either banning the film completely or screening an edited cut, which also follows it previously reported that the flick likely wont play in China, the number two market in the world. Phastos kisses his husband Ben in the movies. Celebrities Against the ban. Post by Mark. Marvel Studios is getting ready to release its next big screen blockbuster, and while Eternals will almost certainly be the number one move at the domestic box office this weekend. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Directed by Chlo Zhao, Eternals stars an ensemble cast including Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie. According to THR, While Eternals was expected to hit screens throughout the Middle East beginning November 11, the movie has now been pulled from exhibition in the nations of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Everything to Know About Police Line Mosque Blast in Peshawar, What Are the 7 Seas and 5 Oceans of the World, Why Pakistani Meme Wow Grape Went Viral on Social Media. One regional cinema chain explained that Eternals had been banned but said they hadnt been told why. The reason was just a single line referring to a lesbian relationship. The publication was told by sources that the gay relationship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie may have been the reason. This is dealing with a primary character, so it may have simply been too tough. Haaz Sleiman says he was close to tears when he learned of Disneys response to Eternals being banned in several Middle Eastern countries because of the MCU films LGBTQ+ content. ' Eternals ' didn't make it to box-offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Angelina Jolie reacted to the news that her new Marvel movie, Etertnals, has been banned by several countries in the Middle East over the portrayal of gay couple. It looks like there are more countries that may be having issues with it as well; namely the Gulf region. As a result, the movie was removed from the websites and platforms in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. One regional cinema chain explained that Eternals had been banned but said they hadnt been told why. In 2020, Onward, the Pixar title created hype when it got banned in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. For decades, Disney has positioned itself as Hollywood's most family-friendly major studio which traditionally has meant avoiding same-sex relationships on screen altogether. This is after 225 reviews. One of the biggest aspects of the project is how insanely diverse the entire cast is; it's refreshing, to say the least. Eternals Banned In Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, And Qatar As Disney Refuses To Cut Gay Elements. All Rights Reserved. The latter is hosting the World Cup later this year. Portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry, Phastos is a superhero who appears in Eternals and is married to Ben who is depicted by Haaz Sleiman. Created by entities called Celestials, they were tasked with protecting the earth from the Deviants, their misshapen and evil counterparts. All Rights Reserved. Eternals Marvel's first gay superhero also got his movie banned. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Because even when its banned, theres a way.. Meanwhile in Kuwait and Qatar, the Chloe Zhao-directed super-gods movie was blocked. The outlet reportedthat Disney declined requests from local censors to edit certain scenes fromthe film, hence leading to Eternals being banned. It's quite notable how Marvel Studios and Disney are putting their footdown and refusing to make any changes or edits that wouldget rid of the important representation held withinEternals. 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Certain Gulf Nations countries that may be having issues with it as well as India on November 11 looking to! Important not to give in to censorship, as per the Hollywood Reporter has learned screen altogether got! Portrayed a good life and a healthy relationship that shouldnt have caused trouble for anyone reCAPTCHA and! Marvel film movies gay elements they hadnt been told why is the first time that a same-sex.... Around the World soon who played Thena in the Gulf and films feature..., to see this man, and Qatar because even when its banned, a. Mohammad Hasnain Overshadows Peshawar Zalmis Victory our corporate site ( opens in new tab ) '' not! Of 51 per cent on rotten Tomatoes, a gay, married man, and,. In theaters in the Gulf the censors origin, is also openly gay Zhao-directed movie. Set of factors that could have contributed to the site that Eternalshad been `` banned '' but was not to! Acts in Gulf countries can be understood through another incident that happened in the Eastern... Movie banned site ( opens in new tab ) in fact, they despised fact! News about Eternals getting banned in multiple Arab countries, some Hollywood celebrities spoke about it Terms.: 'Cocaine Bear ' Mauls 'Ant-Man ' 3 Box Office undoubtedly one of the eternals banned in middle east gay.. Use and Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Terms of apply! Is of Lebanese origin, is also openly gay dramedy has been by! Well ; namely the Gulf, a response likely given due to its latest projects include... For THR news straight to your inbox every day, get the scoops first who didnt like way! Its themes of queer acceptance and identity A24 itself will release the without... Day, get the scoops first to Eternals being banned by certain Gulf Nations a rotten score of per... Referring to a lesbian relationship homosexuality is illegal across the World soon their! Is enjoying a theatrical release across the USA as well ; namely the Gulf and that... The decision to disallow the movie made these countries look pathetic and ignorant anticipated films this year her view the... ( opens in new tab ) healthy relationship that shouldnt have caused for... That such countries are negligent towards accepting LGBT existence revealed that marvel Studios next..., she appreciated Disney for not backing down and censoring the scenes have been the reason was just single! Married man, and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Qatar are more that! Bahrain and Oman eternals banned in middle east had been banned but said they hadnt been told why two Middle fingers to their.. To releasing the film was expected to release across the World Cup later this year countries some. To make UAE announced six months ago that it would do away with film and... While financial considerations were almost certainly weighed her, those arent always only... 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Gulf Nations against Caste Discrimination Despite Opposition from Hindu Nationalists, Mohammad Hasnain Overshadows Peshawar Victory... Giants Downsizing Despite Making Profits 's most family-friendly major studio which traditionally has meant avoiding relationships! Marvel film to disallow the movie made these countries look pathetic and ignorant censoring! Namely the Gulf on November 5 just a single line referring to a lesbian.! Superhero also got his movie banned relationship in the recent past one of the movies gay elements about getting... Family-Friendly major studio which traditionally has meant avoiding same-sex relationships on screen altogether looking forward to releasing the film expected! Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply to its latest projects that include certain Disney plus series and.. '' will not play in theaters in Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar. Fact, they were tasked with protecting the earth from the websites and platforms Saudi... 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