The upcoming Biblical blockbuster Noah has divided the faith community before its March 28 release date.
Several Middle Eastern countries didn’t wait that long before casting judgment on director Darren Aronofsky’s film.
Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates will not show the Russell Crowe movie because it apparently contradicts Islamic law, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The studio behind the project, Paramount, expects similar rulings to come down in Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait.
In Egypt, the leading Sunni Muslim institute Al-Azhar issued a statement on Thursday condemning the Paramount movie, saying it should be banned in that country.
“Al-Azhar renews its rejection to the screening of any production that characterizes Allah’s prophets and messengers and the companions of the Prophet [Mohammed],” the statement read. “Therefore, Al-Azhar announces the prohibition of the upcoming film about the Allah’s messenger Noah — peace be upon him.”
U.S. based church groups have shared their concerns about the film, fearing Aronofsy turned a powerful Biblical tale into one that focuses more on global warming woes than spirituality.