Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” has secured a theatrical release in mainland China, according to Chinese state media.
Official news agency Xinhua reported Friday that brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, the film’s co-directors, will be in China and hold a promotional event in Beijing on April 19. At that event, which will also involve “Civil War” stars Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, the exact release date will be revealed.
Contacted by Variety, Disney did not confirm the release date for “Civil War.” But other sources set the film’s Middle Kingdom opening as May 6. If confirmed, that would put “Captain America” on a day and date outing, synchronized with its wide release in North America.
The film has a premiere on April 12 in Los Angeles. It is scheduled to release in many international territories in the last week of April and the first week of May.
The Russo brothers are also preparing to become producers in China under their Anthem & Song banner. They have backing from local production partner United Entertainment and finance from fund HQDH.
“Civil War” predecessor, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” was released in China in an almost identical slot two years ago (May 4, 2014.) It opened with $38.8 million, before running on to a $116 million cumulative.
Disney’s “Alice Through The Looking Glass,” may also be on track for release in China. While sources close to the studio told Variety that the film has not yet been submitted for censorship, private sector media this week carried Chinese-language posters for the film and reported the existence of a Chinese-language trailer.
Other Disney titles already released in China this year include “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which earned $125 million, and “Zootopia” which has reclaimed the box office record for an animated feature in China, with a cumulative to date of $207 million.
Day and date releasing does not always deliver huge numbers in China. “Batman V Superman” last week launched in Chinese cinemas at the same time as in the U.S., but after a decent first weekend is rapidly losing force. It enjoyed $56.5 million in its three-day weekend, but has fallen back each day since then and stands on $72.9 million after seven days. Preliminary indications for Friday (April 1,) its eighth day of release, show it being demoted into fourth place behind three new release Chinese titles.
