Hollywood Films Return to Chinese Cinemas as Controls Ease

Hollywood films are set to make a comeback in mainland China‘s cinemas next month. The tightly regulated film market in China, which exercises control over content through script approvals and censorship, is slowly easing its restrictions on imported foreign films. In an attempt to revive the struggling sector, several Hollywood studios have already started planning for upcoming releases and marketing campaigns in collaboration with the state-owned company that handles revenue-sharing releases.

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Universal’s “Argylle” is scheduled for release in China on February 23, followed by Sony’s “Madame Web” and the reissue of “Oppenheimer” a week later. “Oppenheimer,” directed by Denis Villeneuve, was a surprise hit in China last year, earning $65 million and garnering praise for its originality. The highly anticipated “Dune” will also be re-released in China on March 1, allowing viewers to catch up before the release of “Dune 2” on March 8.

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Other Hollywood films that have been given the green light for release in China include Dreamworks Animation/Universal’s “Kung Fu Panda 4,” set to hit theaters on March 22, and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” which will be released on March 29.

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However, these Hollywood releases will have to wait their turn as local productions dominate the screens during the Chinese New Year holiday period, which is the busiest cinema-going season in China. This year, at least eight major films will compete for audience attention, including “Pegasus 2,” “Yolo,” and “Article 20” by renowned director Zhang Yimou. Some of the Hollywood films have Chinese connections, such as “Dune” and “Godzilla x Kong,” which are backed by Legendary East, a China subsidiary of Legendary Entertainment.

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As the Chinese film market slowly opens up to international releases, Hollywood studios see a glimmer of hope for success in one of the world’s largest cinema markets.