Columbia Pictures’ Venom: The Last Dance will be in theaters on October 23, 2024, as the release date in China, marking its debut in the country two days ahead of its North American release. This coordinated release aligns with the film’s rollout in other international territories.
China’s film market, known for its stringent import controls and censorship, requires all foreign films to adhere to specific guidelines. Most revenue-sharing films, like Venom: The Last Dance, must be released through a state-owned enterprise, and often undergo edits to ensure they are suitable for audiences of all ages. However, recent trends suggest that Chinese authorities are not impeding the release of major Hollywood titles, like Alien: Romulus which had a “day-and-date outing and has gone on to earn some $101 million at the Chinese box office,” surpassing its North American earnings.
The Venom franchise has a strong track record in China. The first film, released in late 2018, achieved “a massive $262 million” at the Chinese box office, significantly higher than its North American earnings of $212 million. However, its 2021 sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in a canceled release in China. The absence of this installment raises questions about the potential impact on the Chinese audience’s interest in the upcoming film.
Venom: The Last Dance features Tom Hardy reprising his role as Venom, “one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters,” for the final chapter in the trilogy. Directed by Kelly Marcel, the film promises to deliver a climactic end to Eddie and Venom’s journey as they face “a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.”