From Hollywood to the Forbidden City: Inside the Negotiations for Swift’s China Premiere

Taylor Swift’s Movie Release Plans in China

Negotiations are happening to make sure Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” movie is shown in mainland China cinemas. They aim for a December release, or more likely in early January.

The film has earned about $250 million worldwide since it premiered on Oct. 13. Currently, Chinese authorities are reviewing it. Different bodies need to approve foreign movies before they can be released to the public.

Alibaba Pictures, part of Alibaba, is testing the import and distribution of the film. Wanda Films, once the majority owner of AMC Theaters (the movie’s North American distributor), is also on board. Wanda, with strong ties in China, operates the largest cinema chain there.

Unofficial news from China suggests a broad release with many daily screenings, including premium formats like Imax and Dolby.

Alibaba Pictures acknowledged messages but didn’t comment on rumors. AMC Theaters said, “We do not comment on rumors or speculation.”

Time is crucial because the movie will be available for streaming outside China on Dec. 13. There’s concern about online piracy in China. Posters suggest a release in the first half of January.

A source close to the process stated, “The approvals process is ongoing and not yet completed. The Film Bureau’s concern is not so much about content censorship but whether this film could be the first major title to be released under its ‘branch distribution’ policy.”

In recent years, state-owned entities officially distributed all foreign films in China. Now, regulators are considering allowing cinema exhibitors or distributors to handle this, giving them due credit.

If approved and released in December, “The Eras Tour” would join a peak cinema season in China, although with a crowded calendar. January seems more likely, offering a smart opportunity during a box office low point. Swift’s popularity in China could mobilize her fans.

Chinese media has shown a keen interest in Swift. In 2019, Global Times even published a piece titled ‘Welcome to China, Taylor Swift’ when she appeared at an Alibaba-backed event.

Swift has a Chinese nickname, “Meimei,” meaning unlucky but used affectionately. It’s a play on words, as “mei” also means beautiful.