The reboot of the highly successful "Ghostbusters" franchise may be making tons of money and raking in praises since its release. However, there is one place where the film will not make its official debut, and that is China.
Chinese censors decided not to allow "Ghostbusters" for a local release. It is important to note that the Chinese official guideline states that for international films to get appropriate regulatory approval to be released on the Chinese market, they must not "promote cults or superstition," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The same stipulation barred the 2006 movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" from being released in the country, as the film was banned due to its unapproved depiction of ghouls.
In an interview with Sputnik News, a Chinese film critic named Van said "Horror films that belong to the authorship of foreign directors in cinemas in mainland China are shown only during special festivals and film weeks. As a rule, the movies involving ghosts and all sorts of vermin cannot be show."
"Ghostbusters" producers and analysts have kept a keen eye on China's strict regulation regarding films in order to make sure that the film will be released in the country. To that extent, the Chinese character for "ghost" was even removed from the film's tile, in case it may caught the attention of censors.
The original "Ghostbusters" film released in 1984 was never released in Chinese movie theaters as well. The film's Chinese translation was "Ghost Catcher Dare Die Team," while the reboot is being billed as "Super Power Dare Die Team."
Lately, China has become an interesting market for filmmakers due to its massive consumer base's appetite for international titles. "Warcraft," which was a critical and financial flop in the United States, became a huge hit in China and rake in $24.4 million in its opening weekend. The film went on to earn $165 million in its first five days on the box office.