Film distributor The Walt Disney Co (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd told FMT in an email that the nationwide release of the movie originally slated for March 16 has been deferred pending an internal review.

“The movie release has been postponed until further notice. We are reviewing it internally and will update once we have more information on the new release date,” it said in the email.

No explanation was given for the postponement.

The title has been removed from the movie listings of major cinema chains MBO and TGV, checks by FMT discovered.

The live-action remake of the Disney classic recently courted international controversy after its director Bill Condon told UK magazine Attitude that the character of Le Fou, played by Josh Gad, would have a “nice exclusive gay moment” in the movie.

In response, Russia barred children under the age of 16 from viewing the movie.

Social media users meanwhile have expressed anger and disappointment over the postponement of the movie screening.

Facebook user Foo Pei Yi said: “I really don’t care about this movie but seriously, stop being homophobic.”

Michelle Goay posted on Facebook: “This is too bad, I was initially excited for its release.”

Others responded with sarcasm with Facebook user Nur Hayani calling the postponement a joke.

“Malaysia is getting funnier day by day. Banning The Beauty and the Beast just because one of its characters is gay”.

Another user Brandon Yeo commented: “Good job Malaysia. You just did another great job to spoil our childhood memory.”