Arab groups boycott Spider-Man film over producer's Israel ties

The Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon and allied groups in Jordan have called for a boycott of the Hollywood blockbuster "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," citing producer Avi Arad's public backing of Israel. The campaign targets Arad's previous service in the Israeli military during the 1967 Six-Day War and his recent political statements supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The film, which stars Tom Holland and was released internationally on July 31, has become a target of regional anti-normalization efforts despite continuing to screen in Lebanese cinemas.

Regional boycott campaigns

Speaking on social media ahead of the film's release, the Lebanese campaign questioned whether audiences wished to financially support productions involving figures who have expressed political backing for Israel. "Do we want to support a production involving individuals who have publicly expressed political support for Israel?" the group said, describing ticket purchases as a form of "cultural normalization" with Israeli policies. In Jordan, the Taharrak anti-normalization group issued a separate statement calling for the film's exclusion from cinema schedules and urging the Jordanian Artists Syndicate to take a position against its screening.

Producer's political statements

The boycott focuses on Arad, a former Marvel Studios chief who holds Israeli and US citizenship, rather than the film's cast or plot. In a 2024 letter to entertainment outlet TheWrap, Arad rebuked US Senator Chuck Schumer for criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for new elections. "It's not your war. It is not your country. And it is not you who is at risk," Arad wrote, arguing that Schumer had no right to influence Israel's electoral process while describing himself as a proud former member of the Israeli military who rejected calls for a ceasefire.

Box office impact

Campaigners argue that Arad's statements demonstrate support for Israel's conduct during the Gaza war and that audiences should avoid paid screenings. The effect of the boycott calls on attendance remains unclear, with a representative of Lebanon's Grand Cinemas chain telling L'Orient Today shortly after the July 31 release that demand remained high despite the controversy. Marvel lists Arad as one of four producers alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O'Connor.