The highly-anticipated Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The film featuring an all-star cast including Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as the iconic couple Barbie and Ken, is set to hit theaters later this month but has already faced significant setbacks.

Rolling Stone said that with Greta Gerwig, “the Brain Behind Barbie” at the helm the movie promises to be a summer blockbuster.

The release date is just around the corner. And the film has already been banned in multiple countries, sparking a heated controversy that has taken social media by storm.

One particular scene in the film, which shows a map featuring China's claims to the South China Sea, has caused outrage and led to the ban in Vietnam. 

The map includes the disputed territory of other nations, prompting concerns over sovereignty and territorial disputes. 

Barbie movie shows map

Vietnam was the first country to ban the Barbie movie, citing the inclusion of the controversial map as the reason for the ban. 

Lawmakers in the Philippines have also expressed their disapproval and hinted at the possibility of following suit in limiting the movie's reach.

 Senator Francis Tolentino emphasized the importance of protecting Philippine sovereignty and urged the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board to take action.

The disputed map scene in the Barbie movie revolves around the infamous "nine-dash line," which represents China's expansive claim over a significant portion of the South China Sea. 

This claim is contested by several countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

An international tribunal at The Hague previously ruled against China's claim, deeming it illegal. However, Beijing dismissed the ruling and maintains its position on the issue.

Despite the controversy, excitement for the Barbie movie remains high. Fans eagerly await the release, hoping the bans will be lifted in the affected countries. 

The movie's plot follows Barbie as she ventures beyond Barbieland into the Real World, embarking on an exciting adventure. And Rolling Stone said that with Greta Gerwig, “the Brain Behind Barbie” at the helm the Barbie movie promises to be a summer blockbuster.

The release date for the Barbie movie is set for July 21, 2023.