The summer schedule for Chinese films has begun, and several films have announced their early release, including the Hong Kong-produced “Customs Front.” But one of the films, Wild Child, announced on Wednesday morning that it would be released on July 10th. However, in the evening, it was announced that the release would be suspended, which became a hot topic in Mainland China.
There are different opinions on the real reason why the mainland movie “Wild Child” was withdrawn half a day following the release date was announced.
“Wild Children” is adapted from a 2018 report regarding a pair of wandering brothers from the Chinese TV show “Today’s Statement.” The film tells the story of Ma Liang (played by Wang Junkai) who makes a living by scavenging for family reasons. One day he meets Hin Hin (played by Guan Zixi), a six-year-old boy who is in a similar situation. The report on “Today’s Statement” sparked widespread discussion, and in reality, Ma Liang is imprisoned for theft, so viewers are hoping that Ma Liang can start a new life.
There are different opinions on the real reason why the mainland movie “Wild Child” was withdrawn half a day following the release date was announced.
The subject matter is appealing and popular. In recent years, Chinese audiences have been drawn to heartwarming films. “Wild Child” with Wang Junkai, a popular actor, is one of the summer films audiences have been anticipating. Following the announcement of the film’s release, the presale response was strong. Within half a day, the film had generated 5.5 million yuan (HK$1.1 billion) at the box office. Chinese media estimated that the total box office for “Wild Child” might reach 300 to 500 million yuan. However, on the night of the release announcement, the film’s producer suddenly stated on the official platform that it had canceled its July 10th release “due to late-stage progress reasons” and did not provide a new release date.
There are different opinions on the real reason why the mainland movie “Wild Child” was withdrawn half a day following the release date was announced.
The removal and withdrawal of Chinese films is not unheard of, but this may be the first time a film has been pulled within the same day. Many netizens believed that something was amiss. It is unlikely that the film’s “late-stage progress” would prevent the release just half a day following the release date announcement. There are two main opinions regarding the reason behind the withdrawal of “Wild Child.” First, the subject matter and the main theme may not align with current regulations. Additionally, the protagonist Ma Liang’s crime and imprisonment might lead to moral and legal discussions that the film’s producers might want to avoid. The second viewpoint is that there is another comedy blockbuster starring Shen Teng and Ma Li, “Catch the Doll,” which was released simultaneously with “Wild Children.” The two films target similar audiences, and the competition might have led to the decision to delay “Wild Child.”
Once once more, the “removal” and “removal” of Chinese films is not new, and films do not always fail following a withdrawal. This year, the Chinese Spring Festival release of “Let’s Rock the Sun Together” was withdrawn midway through its release and postponed to the end of March for a re-release. This resulted in a box office of 275 million yuan, regarding twice as much as during the Spring Festival holiday.
More film articles
Click here to download The new Yahoo APP, check out the latest entertainment news, music news, celebrity hot topics, popular movies, Netflix drama reviews, newcomers can instantly redeem limited newcomer gifts, download now!
The Sudden Withdrawal of "Wild Child" Sparks Debate in China
The summer schedule of Chinese films is in full swing, and several films have already seen early releases, including the Hong Kong-produced "Customs Front". However, one film, "Wild Child" (also known as "Ye Hai Zi"), created quite a stir when its release was abruptly cancelled just hours following being announced.
A Movie With Heart, but a Complicated Past
"Wild Child" is based on a 2018 report featured on the Chinese TV show "Today’s Statement". The film tells the story of Ma Liang (played by Wang Junkai), a young man who scavenges for a living to support his family. He encounters Hin Hin (played by Guan Zixi), a six-year-old boy who shares a similar background. The report on "Today’s Statement" sparked widespread discussion, and many viewers hoped that Ma Liang might find a new path in life.
A Promising Release, But a Surprising Twist
The film’s subject matter resonated with audiences, and with Wang Junkai, a popular actor, leading the cast, "Wild Child" was one of the most anticipated summer releases. The pre-sale response was strong, generating 5.5 million yuan (HK$1.1 billion) in box office revenue within just half a day. Chinese media estimated that the film’s total box office might reach 300 to 500 million yuan. However, the same evening, the film’s producers announced on their official platform that the July 10th release had been cancelled due to "late-stage progress reasons." The announcement did not specify a new release date.
The "Withdrawal" Sparks Speculation
The sudden withdrawal of "Wild Child" fueled widespread speculation. Many online users were taken aback by the abrupt change, especially considering the film’s strong pre-sale performance. Some pointed out that the “late-stage progress” claim seemed questionable, as it was unlikely that the film’s production faced insurmountable obstacles so close to the release date.
Two Leading Theories on the Withdrawal
Two main theories emerged regarding the possible reasons behind the withdrawal. One theory suggested that the film’s subject matter and main theme may have sparked concerns due to the protagonist’s past criminal record. The film’s release might have potentially triggered discussions around morality and law, which may have been deemed too sensitive for the film’s producers.
Another theory pointed towards a possible conflict with the comedy blockbuster "Catch the Doll", starring Shen Teng and Ma Li. Both films were set to be released on the same date, and they target similar audiences. The release of "Wild Child" may have been seen as a potential threat to the success of "Catch the Doll".
"Removal" and "Re-release" – A Recurring Trend in Chinese Cinema
The withdrawal and subsequent re-release of Chinese films are not uncommon. One recent example is "Let’s Rock the Sun Together", which was pulled from its Chinese New Year release and eventually re-released at the end of March. The re-release resulted in a box office of 275 million yuan, roughly twice its earnings during the festival period.
The Future of "Wild Child" Remains Uncertain
While the exact reason behind the withdrawal of "Wild Child" remains unknown, speculation continues to swirl. The incident has highlighted the intricate web of factors that can impact film releases in China, including content, market competition, and potential regulatory influence. The film’s future remains uncertain, but its journey has already sparked significant discussion within the Chinese film industry and beyond.
