For the first time since 2019, a Marvel movie has a release date in China

After three-and-a-half years of shutting out Marvel movies, China has finally lifted the protector Calling it a “de facto ban” on superhero movie studios.A release date has been set for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantum Fever.

These two MCU films are headed to China in February, which could be a box office booster for Disney.The last time a Marvel movie was released in China was in 2019 Spider-Man: Far From Homebut the state’s grasp of the box office revenue of MCU movies is through Avengers: Endgame. breaks almost every box office record The superhero blockbuster as we know it has grossed $2.798 billion worldwide — thanks in part to $629.1 million in China, reporter Forbes.

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Marvel has been doing well in China so far in 2019, but every year since has pitted Marvel against China Strict Review Regulations(It’s also worth noting that during that time, China had stricter Covid restrictions than the U.S., theaters closes often for short periods of time, and even domestic films. ) from black widow arrive Thor: Love and Thundernone of the recent MCU films have been able to pass the China Film Administration’s regulations, which determine which films are allowed to be released in the world’s second-largest film market.

While the CFA has never revealed why these Marvel films did not pass censorship, the country’s response to criticism of the Chinese government, overt American patriotism and LGBTQ+ media. Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverThe previous ban from China appeared to be the result of a (barely on-screen) romantic relationship between Dora Miraghi’s character Annika (Michael Cole) and Ayo (Florence Kasumba). source, so the scene is likely to be cut before it hits theaters in February.

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If this is the direction Marvel and China are heading in resuming their previously lucrative box office partnership, we won’t know for sure until there’s a steady stream of MCU movies ready to take on their biggest rivals in Chinese theaters: avatarof many upcoming sequels.

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