When director Tim Miller, star Ryan Reynolds, and 20th Century Fox went into Marvel's Deadpool, they set out to create the most authentic movie true to the character. That, of course, meant graphic language, nudity, and lots and lots of violence. That also meant running the risk of not being approved to show in China, the world's second-largest movie market.
According to widespread local media reports, and verified via a source close to the decision at China Film Group (via THR), that risk is now a reality. Deadpool has been banned from screening in China due to its violence, nudity, and graphic language; basically everything that makes Deadpool the awesome character he is.
Unlike the United States, which boasts a rating system that determines an appropriate age for a movie's viewing, China has no ratings system. Instead, the country's media regulator, the Slate Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SAPPRFT) determines if a film is appropriate for viewers of all ages. If it's not, China typically works with the Hollywood studio to edit the R-rated movie to make it more appropriate for the country's audiences. However, in Deadpool's case, any cuts or edits to the inappropriate parts would've interfered with the overall plot of the film, so it's been barred from being shown in the country.
Deadpool's R-rating was already a potential gamble for the studio, as it limits the potential box office reach. Taking away the world's second largest movie market certainly won't help, especially since superhero movies generally do well in China. While most fans are pleased with the R-rating, you can bet 20th Century Fox will be keeping a close eye on the box office numbers.
