Several Marvel superhero movies have depicted Mainland China positively or made changes to appeal to Chinese audiences, primarily to secure access to the lucrative Chinese market.
- “Iron Man 3” (2013) – This film is one of the most prominent examples of a Marvel superhero movie depicting China in a positive light. It featured additional scenes specifically made for the Chinese market, including cameos by Chinese actors Fan Bingbing and Wang Xueqi as doctors who help save Tony Stark. These scenes were not part of the international version of the film but were included to cater to Chinese audiences. The collaboration with Chinese companies and the depiction of China as a technologically advanced and capable country helped portray the nation in a favorable light oai_citation:3,How the Disney-China Alliance Started…and How It’s Going – AllEars.Net oai_citation:2,Rated C for Censored: Walt Disney in China’s Pocket.
- “Doctor Strange” (2016) – While not necessarily a positive depiction of China, this film adjusted its portrayal of the character “The Ancient One,” originally written as a Tibetan monk in the comics. The character was re-imagined as Celtic, played by Tilda Swinton, reportedly to avoid political sensitivities around Tibet and ensure the film’s approval for release in China. This decision, however, sparked some backlash from fans but was seen as a move to maintain China’s favorable reception oai_citation:1,Rated C for Censored: Walt Disney in China’s Pocket.
These efforts reflect Marvel Studios’ broader strategy to adjust their films to appeal to Chinese censors and audiences, portraying the country in a more positive or neutral light to secure box office success in the region.
Disney’s relationship with Mainland China is multifaceted, blending major investments, cultural adaptations, and strategic diplomacy. One of the most significant examples is the Shanghai Disneyland Resort, which opened in 2016. It represents a massive $5.5 billion investment and is a joint venture between Disney and Chinese state-owned enterprises. To appeal to Chinese culture, Disney incorporated local elements, such as the “Garden of the Twelve Friends,” which combines Disney characters with the Chinese Zodiac. This project was carefully designed to be “authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” a balancing act to integrate Western entertainment with Chinese cultural preferences oai_citation:4,How the Disney-China Alliance Started…and How It’s Going – AllEars.Net oai_citation:3,’Distinctly Chinese’ Disneyland opens in Shanghai – DW – 06/16/2016.
Disney’s history in China, however, has not been without controversy. The company has been criticized for making concessions to Chinese censorship. For example, Mulan (2020) faced backlash due to scenes shot in Xinjiang, a region associated with alleged human rights abuses. Moreover, Disney’s earlier films, like Kundun (1997), which depicted China’s treatment of Tibet, caused tensions, leading Disney to adopt a more cautious approach in its subsequent dealings with China oai_citation:2,Rated C for Censored: Walt Disney in China’s Pocket.
Additionally, Disney faces challenges related to intellectual property issues in China, such as counterfeit Disney products and even imitation theme parks like the Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park, often dubbed the “counterfeit Disneyland” oai_citation:1,Disney Goes To China – Risks And Rewards In Shanghai And Beyond – World Of Walt. Despite these hurdles, Disney continues to view China as a critical market for its future growth, both in terms of theme parks and film distribution.