Disney’s new live-action “Aladdin” will release in China on May 24, day-and-date with North America, giving the studio a run of three films in Chinese theaters as many months.Directed by Guy Ritchie, who also co-write the screenplay, and starring Will Smith and Canadian newcomer Mena Massoud, the film will be the twelfth live-action remake based on a beloved animated Disney classic.“Dumbo,” the most recent such adaptation, is currently on the very tail end of its theatrical run in China after its own debut day-and-date with the U.S.
on March 29.
It has been a relative flop in a country where the flying elephant is a relatively unknown character, bringing in only $21.8 million (RMB147 million).
2017’s Emma Watson-starring “Beauty and the Beast” fared better, earning $87.6 million (RMB590 million) in China.“Aladdin” will hit Chinese theaters exactly a month after the April 24 debut of “Avengers: Endgame,” the final installment in the 22-film Marvel franchise.
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