Since the animated sequel began playing inChinaon January 29, its trajectory has been nothing short of stunning.
meaning theres not a steady stream of product for audiences to get excited about.
And Chinese movies generally dont travel.
Towers in China’s Sichuan province are illuminated with characters from ‘Ne Zha 2,’, left, and the film’s Los Angeles premiere at TCL Chinese TheatreGetty Images
The number of admissions is about 21% of Chinas 1.4B denizens.
Will it buck a trend and kickstart massive attendance at home across the rest of the year?
What does it mean for Chinese movies beyond the Great Wall?
And what about Hollywood doesNe Zhafever affect studio fortunes in the fickle market?
Itpassed $2B in Chinaduring its eighth weekend.
And, at a certain point, the scale is just too big.
As a studio executive recently said to me, You cant fudge a billion dollars.
Tourism also is getting a boost.
NZ2has performed strongly in such markets as North America, Hong Kong and Australia.
In the former, it spentthree weekends in the Top 10.
RelishMix tells us that there is no significant social media footprint in North America.
Separately, via Facewhite, Japan is dated on April 4.
Still, its hardly a given when or ifNZ2s key in of lightning will strike again.
Interestingly, the success ofNZ2has not necessarily goosed the bottom lines of other movies playing in China.
Lunar New Year titles like the No.
If however, moviegoing begets moviegoing, then down the line this year China could see increased turnout.
WhetherNZ2generates newfound interest in Chinese movies outside of the home market also remains to be seen.
Note that recent offerings from China that hit a chord at home werent designed for mass Western appeal.
Aggression), as well asWolf Warrior 2, which featured an American villain.
Now imagine thats 25% of $1B…
The Disney resort in Shanghai since has added aZootopiaattraction that were told is consistently packed.
Beyond that is another Disney title, 20th CenturysAvatar: Fire and Ash.
And yet, it is never wise to bet against James Cameron.
