'Deadpool' Trailer & Release Date: Anti-Hero Movie Won't Be Screened in China For Nudity, Graphic Violence

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Jan 19, 2016 06:33 AM EST

While the whole world waits for the “Merc with a Mouth” to mouth off as the “Deadpool” movie releases this year, Chinese fans won't be able to enjoy the antihero as much as others will – because the movie is banned in China.

While “Deadpool” received a wild reception in last year's Comic-Con, China's censors didn't respond with the same enthusiasm. “Deadpool,” which already received an R rating in the U.S., will not be allowed to screen in China because of violence, nudity and graphic language contained in the film, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Instead of a ratings system, China's media regulator, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAFPPRFT) makes the decision to ban or allow movies that they deem safe for Chinese viewers of all ages.

Chinese authorities often work with Hollywood studios to make “cleaner” versions of R-rated movies and, apparently, that's what they were planning to do with Fox's movie. However, as “Deadpool” is the most foul-mouthed, “self-aware” superhero in the Marvel catalog, it is not possible to take out the offensive content without affecting the film's plot, unnamed sources “close to the 'Deadpool' decision” revealed to THR.

The Guardian shared that this decision will bring about a huge disappointment for Fox as China has become the world's second-largest theatrical market and has an increasingly huge contribution to worldwide box-office figures.

“Fast & Furious 7” made $390 million in China last year, earning over $30 million more compared to its revenue in the U.S.

Marvel movies also made it big in the Chinese market. As a matter of fact, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” grossed $240 million last summer, “Guardians of the Galaxy” had $96.4 million, and “Ant-Man” had $105.4 million.

Although “Deadpool” has been banned from screening due to its offensive content, observers still predict that it will be able to find its way into the Chinese market.

Quentin Tarantino'sDjango Unchained,” for example, was able to illegally penetrate into the Chinese market, albeit being censored in China.

“I have a lot of Chinese fans who buy my movies on the street and watch them and I’m OK with it,” Tarantino told The Guardian. “I’m not OK with it in other places, but if the government’s going to censor me then I want the people to see it in any way they can.”

Deadpool” premieres in theaters February 12.

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