A controversial show has been axed by Universal Studios Hollywood after it was branded homophobic by furious LGBT groups.
In a pantomime-y adventure, Bill & Ted Halloween Horror Nights show featured a Superman, who was "turned gay" afters being sprinkled with "fairy dust," according to reports.
The Superman character then displayed a series of offensive gay stereotypes.
Superman's voice and posture changes. His lips purse, his toes point inward, and his wrists become limp. His new voice sounds like a homophobic uncle doing a drunken impression of Richard Simmons, complete with lisps and frequent use of the word "faaaaaaabulous!"... Then, because Superman is now gay, he minces over to Bill and Ted, blows kisses at them, and slaps Ted on the ass. As he does this, Bill and Ted say "awwww dude!" with disgusted voices... General Zod tells Superman to get on his knees. Because Superman is now gay, he assumes this is an invitation to give Zod oral sex. "Finally!" he squeals.
Bill and Ted, understandably, are bummed. Their initial excitement at having Superman with them on their quest turns to disappointment as, obviously, now that Superman is gay, he is not going to be of any use to them. "Who could possibly make a worse Superman?" asks Bill. "Ben Affleck?" responds Ted.
LGBT rights group GLAAD expressed concerns to NBCUniversal about the show and referred to it as "anti-gay" in a story on its website. The organisation praised the decision to pull the show.
"This type of content should be removed. Many have voiced strong concerns regarding the decision to include such outdated stereotypes and this outcry should inform future programming as well," GLAAD's Vice President of Communications Rich Ferraro said.
"After thoughtful consideration, Universal Studios Hollywood has made the decision to discontinue production of the Halloween Horror Nights' 'Bill & Ted' show for the remainder of its limited run," Universal Studios Hollywood said in a statement.
"NBCUniversal has taken quick and strong action regarding this matter and also started a productive dialogue around future 'Bill & Ted' programming to ensure that all park visitors can have an enjoyable experience," GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz said.
"This decision falls in line with NBCUniversal's history of including groundbreaking and positive depictions of LGBT people across its brands."