Disney-Pixar has reportedly been unable to obtain permission to show its new movie, Lightyear, in 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries.

Key points:

• The animated film depicts a same-sex couple who share a brief kiss
• The United Arab Emirates announced it would not show the film earlier this week
• Disney says it is not sure if the film will be shown in China

A source said the animated film also appeared unlikely to open in China, the world's largest movie market.

The animated film depicts a same-sex couple who share a brief kiss, which prompted the United Arab Emirates to ban the film.

The United Arab Emirates said the couple's relationship violated the country's media content standards.

Homosexuality is considered criminal in many Middle Eastern countries.

Representatives of other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Lebanon, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why they would not allow the film to be exhibited.

A Lightyear producer said Chinese authorities had asked for cuts to the movie, which Disney declined to make, and she assumed the movie would not open there either.

Lightyear is a prequel to Pixar's acclaimed Toy Story franchise.

Marvel franchise star Chris Evans voices the lead character Buzz Lightyear, a legendary space ranger.

In the film, Buzz's close friend is a female space ranger who marries another woman.

A scene showing milestones in the couple's relationship includes a brief kiss.

Disney has not received an answer from Chinese authorities on whether they would allow the film in cinemas, producer Galyn Susman said.

China has rejected other on-screen depictions of homosexuality in the past.

"We're not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he's missing by the choices that he's making, so that's not getting cut," Ms Susman said.

Any objections to the film over LGBTQI issues were "frustrating," Evans said.

"It's great that we are a part of something that's making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity, but it's frustrating that there are still places that aren't where they should be."

In May, Disney refused requests to cut same-sex references in the Marvel movie, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.

Saudi Arabia and a handful of other Middle Eastern countries did not show the film.