Pro-Palestine campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and other Arab countries have launched calls for a Spider-Man boycott over producer Avi Arad’s public support for Israel and his statements concerning the Gaza war.
The Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon urged people not to purchase tickets for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The group argued that paying to watch the film could contribute to what it describes as cultural normalisation of Israel.
In Jordan, the Taharrak anti-normalisation group separately called for a Spider-Man boycott and urged cinemas not to include the movie in their screening schedules. The group also appealed to artists, cinema operators and other relevant organisations to oppose its showing.
The campaign centres on Arad’s political record rather than the film’s storyline or the positions of its other cast and production members. Arad, who holds Israeli and US citizenship, previously served in the Israeli military and was involved in the 1967 Six-Day War.
In a 2024 letter published by entertainment outlet TheWrap, Arad criticised then-US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after Schumer described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace and called for new elections in Israel. Arad rejected Schumer’s intervention and defended his own connection to Israel and military service.
Campaigners argue that Arad’s public statements demonstrate support for Israel’s conduct during the Gaza war. They say audiences should avoid financially supporting productions connected with individuals who have publicly expressed such views.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The film was released internationally on July 31, with Marvel listing Arad among its four producers alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor.
The impact of the Spider-Man boycott remains uncertain. The film has continued screening in Lebanon despite the campaign, and a representative of the Grand Cinemas chain told local media after its release that audience demand remained strong.
