Morocco Clears ‘Exodus: Gods And Kings’ For Release, With Audio Tweaks

Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods And Kings has received approval from Moroccan censors to be screened in the country’s cinemas following an edit of some dialogue. The film was originally approved, but was then pulled from theaters on December 27 amid objections from a review board over a scene in which a child reveals himself as God to Christian Bale’s Moses. The Moroccan Cinematography Center said in a statement that dialogue has been removed which implied the apparition represented God. After “multiple courteous and professional exchanges” with Fox and Scott, they “made the requested change, removing two audio passages that alluded to the personification of the Divine,” the statement said.

Islam prohibits figural representations of God, but the Moroccan film body contends the initial move to ban the film late last year was done out of respect for people’s beliefs, rather than outright censorship. “This shows that the respect for freedom of creation, like all freedoms, does not mean ignoring the sentiments of citizens, particularly religious ones,” it said, and thanked both Fox and Scott for their “understanding and collaboration.”

Exodus remains banned in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates over what have been described as historical and religious inaccuracies. As of this past weekend, Exodus was showing in 58 overseas markets and had taken $141.5M at the box office. It has six additional markets to release this month, including Italy and Japan.