Barbie movie makers react after Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie banned in Vietnam

Warner Bros.’s upcoming Barbie film featured a map that the company described as a “childlike crayon drawing” and of no particular significance. The statement came in response to Vietnam’s decision to ban the film due to the perception that the map depicts the disputed South China Sea region.

The film Barbie has recently caused controversy in Vietnam and the Philippines due to its depiction of a map that includes China’s “nine-dash line”. The line marks China’s claim of ownership over a large part of the South China Sea, which is contested by several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam. Reportedly, the studio defended the map and published a statement. He added, “The map of Barbie Land is a whimsical, childlike crayon drawing. The doodle depicts Barbie’s imaginary journey from Barbie Land to the real world. It was not intended to make a statement of any kind.”

Local media in Vietnam reported that a July 21 release of Barbie has been cancelled. Additionally, film distributors have removed posters advertising the film from their websites.

Some senators in the Philippines have suggested either banning Barbie or including a disclaimer to address concerns about the map’s depiction in the film. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board of the Philippines is currently reviewing the film.

Barbie stars Margot Robbie, Kate McKinnon, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Will Ferrell, Hari Neff, Issa Rae, and Simu Liu. The film will be released in theaters on 21 July.

See also: Billie Eilish announces song ‘What Was I Made For’ for Barbie film.