LEGENDARY Entertainment’s “Kong: Skull Island” and 20th Century Fox’s “Logan” have locked in March release dates in China, the world’s No. 2 film market.

    “Logan” is set to open in China on March 17, just two weeks after its North American debut, March 3. “Skull Island” will follow one week later, launching March 24 — also two weeks after its North American bow.

    Legendary, now owned by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, has had recent releases that are among the top Hollywood performers in China. Duncan Jones’ “Warcraft” was the third-biggest title of 2016, earning US$221 million. The studio’s high-profile U.S.-China co-production “The Great Wall,” starring Matt Damon, has earned over US$170 million since its opening Dec. 16.

    “The Wolverine,” the second and most recent installment in the Hugh Jackman-starring Marvel franchise, earned US$40.6 million of its US$415 million global haul in China in 2013.

    China’s film regulators typically set Hollywood releases some four to six weeks in advance. Other major upcoming China openings include: Vin Diesel’s “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” and video game adaptation “Assassin’s Creed” on Feb. 10; awards favorite “La La Land” on Feb. 14; Universal’s animated musical “Sing” on Feb. 17; “Lego Batman” and “A Dog’s Purpose” on March 3; and Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” reboot March 17.(SD-Agencies)