Pro-Palestine activists launch boycott of Spider-Man film

Campaign targets producer Evi Erad over alleged support for Israel
Beirut, Amman and other Arab regions — Pro-Palestine activists have launched a boycott campaign against the new Hollywood release “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” urging cinemas and audiences in Lebanon, Jordan and elsewhere in the Arab world to refuse screenings and ticket purchases. The campaign targets producer Evi Erad, citing his past support for Israel and comments critics say amount to endorsing Israeli actions during the Gaza war.
Lebanon’s “Boycott Supporters of Israel” campaign said financially backing productions involving individuals who have openly backed Israel amounts to normalizing those positions culturally. On social media the group asked: “Do we want to support productions that include people who have publicly expressed political support for Israel?” Jordan’s anti-normalization group “Taharruk” issued a separate statement calling for the film’s removal from Jordanian cinema schedules and urged unions, cinema operators and cultural bodies to oppose screenings.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” premiered internationally on July 31, starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Marvel credited Evi Erad among four producers; boycott organizers say their complaint is aimed at Erad’s political record rather than the film’s plot or other cast and crew.
Erad holds both Israeli and U.S. citizenship and served in the Israeli military from 1965–68, including participation in the 1967 Six-Day War. In a 2024 letter published on The Wrap, Erad criticized then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for comments about Benjamin Netanyahu, saying “this is not your war,” remarks that opponents cite as evidence of his alignment with pro-Israel positions.
Organizers say Erad’s statements signal support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and that purchasing tickets would financially benefit productions linked to him. The impact of the boycott on box office figures remains uncertain; several Lebanese cinemas reported sustained demand and continued screenings after the film’s release.