Lebanese activists call for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' boycott over producer's support for Israel

A campaign in Lebanon is urging audiences to boycott Spider-Man: Brand New Day, accusing Israeli-American producer Avi Arad of publicly supporting Israel and calling on cinemagoers not to buy tickets for the Marvel blockbuster.

According to Israeli outlet Ynet, the campaign has been promoted by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which reported growing opposition to the film's release in Lebanon. Organisers behind the boycott argued that audiences should not financially support productions involving individuals who have expressed support for Israel.

In a Facebook post shared ahead of the film's release in Lebanese cinemas, the campaign described Arad as a long-time producer on the Spider-Man franchise who has "repeatedly voiced support for Israel". It urged the public to boycott the film, saying it opposed what it called the "normalisation" of Israel through cultural productions.

The campaign also referenced an open letter Arad published in 2024 criticising US Senator Chuck Schumer after the Democratic lawmaker called for new elections in Israel. According to Al-Akhbar, Arad defended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rejected Schumer's criticism during the ongoing conflict.

The boycott comes as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, opens internationally. Sony Pictures lists Arad among the film's producers, continuing a role he has held across the Spider-Man franchise for more than two decades.