Best-performing Hollywood Studio in China is not Disney?
In 2018, China box office totaled 60.6 billion yuan. Imported films contributed 23.3 billion yuan with about 80% generated by the six Hollywood studios. Surprisingly, Disney’s dominant position in the China market is replaced by Warner Brothers, which made 6.4 billion yuan in China thanks to box office hits, such as Aquaman, Ready Player One, Rampage and The Meg. Despite its success in the North American market, Crazy Rich Asians is the worst performing Warner Brothers film in China in 2018. Warner Brothers is followed by Disney, which made 4.73 billion yuan with Avengers: Infinity War being the highest-grossing Disney film in China. No. 3 on the list is Sony Pictures, which made 2.95 billion yuan with Vemon being most successful. Next on the list is Universal Pictures, which made 4.7 billion in 2017 but only managed to make 1.9 billion in 2018. Paramount Pictures, which only released two films in China last year, made 1.46 billion yuan. Last one on the list is 21st Century Fox. This is not surprising as the company is going through an acquisition and will soon become a Disney company. Read more on Mtime
‘Captain Marvel’ Scores March 8 China Release
It has been confirmed that Marvel’s Captain Marvel will be released in Chinese theaters on March 8, day-and-date with its North American opening. Captain Marvel is based on Marvel Comics character Carol Danvers, who becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. The film is written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck with Brie Larson staring as Danvers. Other cast members include Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Annette Bening, Clark Gregg, and Jude Law. Read more on Mtime
Shunji Iwai’s Classic ‘Love Letter’ Getting Chinese Remake
China will remake the 1995 Japanese romantic drama film Love Letter, which is originally directed by acclaimed Japanese director Shunji Iwai. The remake will be written by Oscar nominee Wang Hui-lin (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Love, Caution) and directed by female helmet Liu Yulin. The shooting of the film will start in June 2019. Currently, the production team is casting actors in China. The film is eying 2020 Valentine’s Day release. Read more on Sina Movie
