It looks like folks from the Chinese mainland may miss out on catching Disney’s upcoming Marvel film, Eternals in theaters. A new report suggests that officials in China are against the release of director Chloe Zhao’s project in their country.
The move stands in line with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which also failed to secure a release in China after old controversial comments by star Simu Liu regarding China resurfaced. According to Wall Street Journal, Now, the release of Eternals also faces a similar situation. but this time, it’s due to Zhao’s statement on China.
Disney’s unfortunate political controversy with China has continued to impact blockbuster projects ever since Mulan. Similarly, the upcoming Eternals is already being promoted as a flick with much representation.
Zhao’s comments regarding China causes Eternals roadblock in China release
For those unaware, A 2013 comment by Zhao calling China “a place where there are lies everywhere” is the reason behind Eternals facing a roadblock in China. However, it must be noted that the Middle Kingdom government has lately been curbing the release of foreign films as well.
Eternals is already being touted as one of the longest Marvel films after Avengers: Endgame. Reports claim that the film has a runtime of over two-and-a-half hours. But speaking to Fandango, director Zhao teased that “It could be longer! You know, it’s ten characters, the Celestials, and 7,000 years. There’s a lot going on.”
The upcoming flick is expected to explore the origin of MCU as it establishes the Celestials and Deviants, a race that existed even prior to the First Avenger. MCU fans may have to sit longer than usual with the MCU flick featuring two post-credits scenes. The final trailer for Eternals can be found below.
It remains to be seen if Disney could manage to secure a release in China. Eternals is set to hit theatres on November 5th. The film features star-studded casts namely Angelina Jolie, Slama Hayek, Gemma Chan, Kit Harrington, Richard Madden and more.
