Guard your pockets, Hollywood. China likes to hit where it hurts.
It’s no secret that China is heavy on the control of the content that its citizens can access. Superhero movies are no different. The move to restrict these movies from hitting theatres costs studios tens of millions.
Despite allowing the first Black Panther movie to be distributed, the latest installment is denied without much insight into the decision. Several in the industry suspect that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is facing backlash due to the depiction of the character Aneka, played by Michaela Cole and fellow Dora bodyguard Ayo, played by Florence Kasumba, in a gay relationship. Other movies like Thor: Love and Thunder and Pixar’s Lightyear have met the same fate.
While Black Panther: Wakanda Forever likely survives without that revenue, Black Adam needed a serious boost. The film has earned $321 million globally, but production costs were a whopping $200 million. In addition, there is suspicion that this film is facing a battle because of the inclusion of Pierce Brosnan. Brosnan posted a photo two years ago with the Dalai Lama, a public figure viewed in Beijing as a “dangerous separatist.” In years past, the Chinese box office for superhero films worked out to be a significant portion of the global take. With
It’s your move, Disney and Warner Brothers.
