Headlines from China: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Finishes Theatrical Run in China Without Extension 

‘Avengers: Endgame’ Finishes Theatrical Run in China Without Extension 

On May 24, the theatrical run of Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame is officially over with a total revenue of RMB 4.24 billion ($615 million) at the box office. This is the first time an Avengers film stays in Chinese theaters for only one month. Although one month is the length of a film’s theatrical window in China. Films that perform well and have the potential to attract a sizable audience after one month will get extensions. The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron stayed in Chinese theaters for two months, and Avengers: Infinity War played for three months in China. Read more on Mtime

Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘Spirited Away’ Set for June 21 China Release

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 animated classic Spirited Away has been scheduled to release in Chinese theaters on June 21. This is the first time Spirited Away is released theatrically  in China and the second time a film by Hayao Miyazaki is released in China. In December last year, the filmmaker’s 1988 classic My Neighbor Totoro was brought to China for a wide release and earned RMB 173 million ($25 million) at the box office. Spirited Away is the highest-grossing film of all time in Japan. Stay tuned to see how the film performs in China. Read more on Mtime

Chinese Arthouse Films Attract Audience With Popular Stars

In recent years, it seems to have become a trend that more and more arthouse films recruit popular mainstream stars in the cast. Wang Xiaoshui’s Song Long My Son, which premiered at Berlinale, stars teen idol Roy Wang. The Shadow Play, last year’s drama film directed by Lou Ye, casted heartthrob Jing Boran. While arthouse films hope to attract more audiences through this effort, it may also indicate the fierce competition and tough market conditions arthouse films are facing in China  Read more on Ent Group