Hollywood is making a grand return to China with the promotional tour for ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,’ the highly anticipated sequel to the superhero blockbuster ‘Aquaman.’ This marks a significant Hollywood presence in China since the pandemic, following Christopher Nolan’s earlier visit. The film, set to release on December 20 in China, two days prior to its North American debut, is stirring excitement among movie enthusiasts.
The promotional journey began with Jason Momoa and director James Wan visiting Shanghai, then moving to Chengdu in Sichuan Province, and concluding in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Their tour has been one of Hollywood’s largest promotional efforts in China this year.
In Beijing, Wan expressed gratitude towards the Chinese audience for their role in the success of the first film and shared the team’s excitement about returning for the sequel’s promotion. At the premiere, Momoa turned heads with a striking pink suit and black sunglasses, while Wan opted for a classic navy blue and gray ensemble. They were greeted enthusiastically by fans, who eagerly sought selfies and autographs.
Their itinerary included visiting iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing. Momoa humorously commented on his love for Chinese cuisine and its unintended consequences on his fitness at a Beijing press conference.
The tour also included a memorable evening cruise along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, where Momoa likened the city’s futuristic skyline to the fictional Atlantis. Wan was equally impressed, comparing the city’s aesthetic to a sci-fi movie setting.
In Chengdu and Guangzhou, various promotional events were held, further emphasizing the significance of the Chinese market in Hollywood’s global strategy.
Zhang Peng, a film researcher from Nanjing University, highlighted the growing influence of the Chinese film market on Hollywood’s industrial layout. The market’s continuous evolution in cinema consumption, film criticism, related products, and internet platforms has positioned China as a cultural gateway for the industry’s advancement.
Chinese film critic Chen Changye echoed Zhang’s sentiments, suggesting that the scheduling strategy for the sequel’s release indicates a mutual aim for box office success.
The first ‘Aquaman’ film achieved a remarkable $281 million gross in China, second only to its North American earnings. According to Maoyan, a leading Chinese online ticketing platform, the sequel has already garnered significant interest, with numerous users marking it as a must-watch.
Wan shared insights into the sequel, describing it as a continuation of the first movie with Aquaman juggling his roles as king, husband, and father, alongside his mission to avert a major disaster. He also teased the audience with the introduction of a new world, Antarctica, and its unique visual aesthetic.
Variety reported that ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ is among the top contenders for an Oscar in visual effects, reflecting its high technical and artistic standards.
Zhang emphasized the role of superhero IPs like Aquaman in the Chinese film market and their potential as models for the Chinese film industry. He stressed the importance of creating sustainable content ecosystems and super IPs for future development.
Looking forward, Chen offered a cautious outlook for Hollywood’s performance in the Chinese market. He mentioned the recent Writers Guild of America strike and the SAG-AFTRA strike, predicting their impact on film production and release schedules. He suggested that films from non-American countries might become more prominent in China’s imported film market in the coming year.
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