好莱坞超级英雄电影《海王》中国市场兴风作浪

A poster for “Aquaman.” File photo Warner’s decision to roll out superhero movie “Aquaman” first in China — before the United States — has paid off.

Over the weekend, it collected US$94 million.

While Hollywood has learnt a lot about Chinese moviegoers in recent years, releasing films in the country — the world’s No. 2 market behind the United States — remains a gamble*.

Warner and other Hollywood companies cannot distribute their own movies in China. They must rely on State-owned China Film Group.

Chinese audiences have grown more selective*, at times displaying a new preference for locally made movies like the extravagant* “Operation Red Sea” (2018).

“Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa as the DC Comics superhero and directed by James Wan, could have flopped* in China, which would have left a stink on the movie before its global release.

“Aquaman” will arrive in 40 more countries this week. Audiences in North America will have the chance to see it from December 21.

Warner decided to pursue an early release date in China to avoid the country’s traditional end-of-year blackout period for American movies. (SD-Agencies)