‘John Wick 4’ Scores Surprise Theatrical Release in China (Without Cuts)

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In the unexpected late surge, John Wick: Chapter 4, the latest exhilarating chapter in Keanu Reeves’ violent action series, is aiming for success at the Chinese movie theaters.

The hit movie produced by Lionsgate is given clearance for a theater debut in the country on March 14, marking exactly two years since its global premiere in 2023. Insiders connected to the film claim that no alterations or edits were made to the R-rated version of the movie to meet approval from China‘s stringently censorship-focused film authorities.

It’s uncommon for graphic R-rated foreign films, such as those in the John Wick series, to be shown in Chinese cinemas. Previously, none of these movies have been screened there. However, last year, Disney and Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine were exhibited in Chinese theaters, albeit with some edits made to reduce violence and explicit language (the initial Deadpool was banned by censors, while the second one was heavily cut and released later as a PG-13 version).

The daring, sometimes inconsistent Chinese media company, Huahua Media, is responsible for the local promotion and distribution of the upcoming film, John Wick 4.

The fourth installment of John Wick, namely John Wick 4, has become the top money-maker in the Lionsgate series so far, raking in approximately $440 million globally, with a significant $187 million earned within the United States.

Created by Thunder Road Films and 87Eleven Entertainment, the sequel was marketed as potentially the final installment in the John Wick series, which kicked off with the raw, B-movie-esque chaos of the original John Wick in 2014. The narrative started with a straightforward premise: A retired assassin is pulled back into a life of unyielding violence following the death of his pet dog at the hands of mysterious invaders. However, the plot has since evolved into an ongoing tale centered around the Continental, a hidden world of killers.

Under the guidance of director Chad Stahelski, John Wick 4 is brimming with the characteristic chaos, brutality, graceful action sequences, and dark wit that have become synonymous with this action series. The ensemble includes Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick, who tragically passed away in 2023.

A movie prequel named “Ballerina,” which takes place prior to Chapter 4’s storyline, is scheduled to hit North American theaters on June 6. The film stars Ana de Armas and includes a guest appearance by Keanu Reeves.

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2025-02-28 05:54