China Sets Day-and-Date Releases for ‘Transformers,’ ‘Despicable Me 3’
At least four major Hollywood films – “Wonder Woman,” “Cars 3,” “Transformers: The Last Knight” and “Despicable Me 3” – will enjoy day-and-date theatrical releases in China in June.
Warner Bros.’ “Wonder Woman” will release in China on June 2, in a day-and-date outing aligned with the North American and international releases.
Disney’s “Cars 3” is scheduled for June 16, simultaneous with the sequel’s North American release.
"Transformers” has been given a June 23 slot, again a day-and-date with North America.
Universal’s Illumination Entertainment-produced “Despicable Me” will reach Chinese audiences on June 30.
In an earlier announcement, Disney revealed that Shanghai will host the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” on May 11, ahead of a commercial release on May 26.
Hollywood studios are not permitted to handle release of their own films in China. Those titles imported under the revenue-sharing quota are distributed by state-owned enterprise China Film Co., often in association with Huaxia Distribution. Release dates for quota import titles are set centrally, typically with four to six weeks’ advanced notice.