A Movie Theater in Alabama Is Refusing to Show 'Beauty and the Beast' Because of Its Gay Character
The owner is claiming it is no longer a "wholesome" choice.
Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast will make history by featuring a gay character for the first time. But at least one theater is refusing to show the highly anticipated movie because of it.
WHNT News 19 reports that the new owner of the Henagar Drive-In Theatre in Alabama is refusing to show Beauty and the Beast now that the movie's director, Bill Condon, has confirmed that LeFou, played by Josh Gad, will be the center of an "exclusively gay moment."
The theater owner wrote on Facebook that Disney is hinting "there will be a surprise for same-sex couples." And because the owner is religious and opposed to same-sex relationships, the theater will not show the movie. "If we cannot take our 11-year-old granddaughter and 8-year-old grandson to see a movie, we have no business watching it," the post on the theater's Facebook page reads. "We will continue to show family-oriented films so you can feel free to come watch wholesome movies without worrying about sex, nudity, homosexuality, and foul language." The post has received hundreds of comments, some defending the theater for taking a personal stand, while others condemning what they call a homophobic decision.
(Spoilers ahead: In reality, the "surprise for gay couples" is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment. LeFou possibly gazes a little too long at Gaston at times, and at the very end he dances with a man, but it's not a major part of the movie by any means.)
The theater generally sticks to movies catered to families and kids, and is promoting the new Smurfs and Despicable Me movies as coming soon. Its website still promotes Beauty and the Beast as "coming in March." But surprisingly, the site also promotes the drag documentary Fierce as a coming attraction, despite taking a stand against Disney's gay character. But the theater is under new ownership, so that may be subject to change.
Cosmopolitan.com has reached out to the Henagar Drive-In Theatre for comment and will update if they respond.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
How 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' Pulled Off Its Iconic Wardrobe With Gowns From the Mall of America and Crafting
As the cult classic turns 25, its costume designer opens up about creating magic on a scrappy production.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How the 'Twisters' Soundtrack Rides Country Music's Mainstream Storm
The summer blockbuster is blowing into theaters with storm-wrangling sequences and killer needle drops.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Breaking Down the Shocking, Satanic Ending of ‘Longlegs’
The horror film and box-office hit stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent hunting a serial killer played by Nicolas Cage.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Maxxxine' Is an Homage to the Sleazy Horror Genre Giallo—But Does Away With Its Violence Against Women Cliché
The new 'X' movie is inspired by the sleazy Giallo genre, but its lead flips the misogynistic horror style on its head.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Maika Monroe Opens Up About Crafting a Nuanced Final Girl in Her 'Longlegs' Character Lee Harker
The actress opens up about her affinity for playing final girls and crafting her character in this year’s runaway horror hit.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
32 Movies to Watch if You Like Sci-Fi
Whether you're into films set in space or time travel.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The 17 Best Feminist Horror Movies Ever
Calling all scream queens.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Janet Planet' Is the Latest Must-See Entry in the Mother-Daughter Movie Canon
The sweet A24 movie marks the feature debut of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker.
By Sadie Bell Published