Both Avatar and Marvel Studios' Avengers franchise will be getting rereleases in China to help heal the struggling box office due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to THR, both Avatar and Avengers 1-4 have been chosen among others, such as Inception and Interstellar, to be rereleased upon movie theaters reopening in China. This move is in an effort to help theaters fill seats as the country slowly recovers from the onslaught brought on by coronavirus.
Following the disease breaking out, China implemented strict quarantine procedures to try to contain it. This led to the closing of public spaces throughout the country, including movie theaters. As of this week, however, restrictions are being lifted and over 500 theaters are reopening.
With many films delayed due to coronavirus, Chinese regulators are hoping to buy some time with the rereleases while they figure out the future new release schedule. They're hoping these rereleases will slowly help heal the marketplace as the population begins to recover.
Both Avatar and the Avengers films have done well overseas, especially in the Chinese market. Combined, the total grosses for all five films exceed over $1.5 billion, with $1.3 billion coming from the four Avengers films. China also has a successful track record of rereleasing films, with titles such as Titanic and Spirited Away raking in millions upon rerelease.
At the time of this writing, there is no confirmed date for when Avatar and the Avengers film will return to theaters.