Universal may have a global hit on its hands with the animated sequel Despicable Me 2, but it will have to do without the Chinese box office. China has denied the film a theatrical release.
Despicable Me 2 has already grossed $308 million in foreign markets and Universal had to be hoping that China, the world’s second-largest movie audience, would bring in even more, especially since the Chinese have a love affair with 3D films. But TheWrap reported Monday that the Steve Carell film won’t get a China release and it’s not clear why. A Chinese film executive confirmed the news to the site, but offered no explanation about the decision.
Universal has had a hard time with China recently. Its only 2013 blockbuster that earned a Chinese release is Fast & Furious 6, which won’t open until Friday. On top of that, it’s not in 3D and has been out for months outside China, so pirated copies may hurt the film’s box office in theaters.
While Universal may be annoyed, Sony can breathe a little easier knowing that Smurfs 2has been approved, notes Variety. The first Smurfs movie grossed $40 million in china in January 2012.
Despicable Me 2 isn’t the only summer blockbuster that China blocked. Brad Pitt and Paramount’s World War Z was denied access to the country. DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods was mysteriously pulled from theaters two weeks early and the government also played around with Django Unchained’s release.
For Disney, China is making The Lone Ranger fiasco harder to take. The government has moved that release around, meaning that the studio had to cancel a promotional appearance from Johnny Depp.
image: Universal/image.net