China has granted rare theatrical extensions to two very different American blockbusters, the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink Marvel bonanza ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and the low-budget horror smash ‘A Quiet Place’, which lives up to its name, with almost no dialogue or other sounds. Both films have had their theatrical runs in the People’s Republic extended by 30 days.
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ has already amassed $360 million in China alone. With the extra 30 days, it looks to take in another $10M. The Joe and Anthony Russo-directed flick is inching close to collecting $2 billion at the worldwide box office and this should help it get there. It was due to wrap its run this coming weekend, but thanks to the Children’s Day holiday, it surged this past week. It will now play until July 9, but it will take a hit once ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ arrives in June 15 (one week earlier than in the U.S.) and then ‘The Incredibles 2’ on June 22.
Rarely are horror movies of any form allowed to open in China, but ‘The Quiet Place’ was a rare exception. Within 20 days, Paramount’s John Krasinski-directed thriller has made $32.8M, which was enough for it to land an extension. Since its release on May 18, ‘A Quiet Place’ has remained in the Top Five in the Middle Kingdom.
Elsewhere, ‘A Quiet Place’ is the first Paramount movie to ever open in Saudi Arabia.
But back to China, though these extensions are unusual, they’re not unheard of. Earlier summer releases, ‘Ready Player One’ and ‘Rampage’ were also given lengthier theatrical stays. ‘Coco’‘s run was also extended last year.
As is the case every year, come July, NO foreign films will be allowed to open in China for roughly two months in order to give a boost to their domestic film industry. So it’s good that these U.S. films are doing so well before the embargo goes into effect. But there are still a few weeks for the Chinese market to impact the global takes of the latest U.S. releases.
Source: Deadline
