A Lebanese campaign to boycott supporters of Israel is calling on audiences to shun the new film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” because of the involvement of Israeli-American producer Avi Arad.
The campaign was highlighted Thursday by the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which reported growing opposition to the film’s screening in the country over Arad’s support for Israel.
Arad is listed by Sony Pictures as one of the producers of the film, which is scheduled for international theatrical release on July 31. “Boycott ‘Spider-Man,’” the Lebanese boycott campaign wrote on Facebook ahead of the film’s scheduled July 30 release in Lebanon.
“As the new film in the series prepares to open in Lebanese theaters, we must ask ourselves: Do we want to support a production involving individuals who have publicly expressed political support for Israel?”
The post described Arad as “a key producer in the Spider-Man film series since 2002” and an American producer of Israeli origin who had repeatedly voiced support for Israel. “Based on our position opposing the normalization of the occupation or its policies, and our refusal to support anyone who backs it, we call for a boycott of the film,” the campaign said.
It also urged the public not to support the movie financially by purchasing tickets or contributing to paid viewings.
Al-Akhbar cited a strongly worded letter Arad published in 2024 criticizing U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer after the Democratic lawmaker condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for elections in Israel.
According to the Lebanese newspaper, Arad accused Schumer of betraying Israel, rejected criticism of Netanyahu and defended the Israeli prime minister during the war.
From 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'
(Photo: Courtesy of Forum Film)
The boycott campaign said it was confronting continued efforts to advance normalization through “soft” cultural and professional channels.
Earlier this month, it reportedly succeeded in canceling the participation of Israeli physician Sharona Ross in a conference in Lebanon.
“The release of the new film coincides with the continuing war in the Gaza Strip, which is approaching its third year, alongside the continuing cleansing of southern Lebanon and the systematic destruction of tens of thousands of homes, schools, cultural centers and cemeteries,” Al-Akhbar wrote.