On January 18, Euronews reported that Marvel and Disney could potentially “break the ice” as China has lifted its three-year ban on the distribution of Marvel films in the country.
Up next, over three years since 2019, Marvel Studios’ first product will be released in major theaters across China. Two of the highly anticipated blockbusters set to premiere after the Lunar New Year are Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Marvel is no longer banned in China. Image: Euronews
This marks Marvel’s first release of its titles in the Chinese market since Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019.
Previously, the films that were banned in China included Black Widow, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Eternals, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Thor: Love and Thunder.
Before this announcement, distributors in China had not clearly stated the reasons behind the ban on Marvel films. However, media speculation suggests that the ban was linked to the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China.
Moreover, the prioritization of the domestic film industry in China and certain censorship practices within the film sector were also viewed as significant reasons. For instance, scenes containing LGBTQ content in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Thor: Love and Thunder were considered incompatible with Chinese culture.
The lifting of the ban on Marvel films is particularly meaningful for Marvel Studios. Until now, China was viewed as a lucrative market for all major film studios, including Marvel specifically and Hollywood in general.
Before Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Avatar: The Way of Water had already been released in the country. This film by director James Cameron is regarded as a significant milestone for Hollywood releases and is expected to pave the way for future blockbusters, as Hollywood films contribute to the box office in China.
According to Euronews
