Superhero blockbuster Deadpool 2 is set to be released in the original version across the UAE on May 17 as part of a close collaboration with the National Media Council.

Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas’ film distribution arm is working with the National Media Council to bring movies to the Middle East that are close to the original and released on the same date as the rest of the world.

In March, delegates of the UAE’s National Media Council were invited to attend a screening for Deadpool 2 while the film was still in post-production, a level of collaboration between the parties that had not been seen before in the industry. Collaboration well in advance of the anticipated release date enabled the classification process to begin before the post production processes were finished. The National Media Council representatives recommended an 18+ certificate for the original version, in contrast to Deadpool’s first release.

“It is all about collaboration” said Luke Vetere, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas’ film distribution business, the licensee for 20th Century Fox in the Middle East. “We have involved The National Media Council early in the process to work together to achieve the best outcome for the movie and audiences,” said Mr. Vetere. “This is just the beginning and we are excited to pave the way forward on all future releases to bring audiences great moments and the best in entertainment.”

“We are proud to be working with studios such as 20th Century Fox to deliver the best in world class entertainment to audiences in the UAE while being considerate of cultural dynamics. Due to the success and popularity of the first film, Deadpool now has a cult following so it was important to please fans and show the movie in all its glory,” said Dr Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, NMC’s Executive Director, Media Division.

After breaking box office records in 2016, Ryan Reynolds returns as “Deadpool” and this time the movie is bigger than ever. In the second instalment of the hit franchise, a super soldier arrives on a murderous mission and Deadpool is forced to think about friendship, family and what it means to be a hero. At the helm is David Leitch, director of “John Wick” and “Atomic Blonde,” to bring more stunts, more style and more action.

Deadpool 2 releases in the UAE on the 17^th May 2018 in 2D, IMAX and 4D. Tickets are now on sale through all cinemas in the UAE.