China has developed into the second-largest film market in the world. To help protect movies that are produced locally, the country limits imported movies to just a few dozen titles per year.
With those kind of numbers in mind, it's not guaranteed that every potential Hollywood blockbuster will have the opportunity to open in theaters throughout China. The decision is strictly in the hands of Chinese authorities. So, even though Star Wars: The Force Awakens was approved to open in Chinese theaters early this year, Disney didn't know for certain that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story would be granted the same opportunity.
Approval was granted yesterday, however, and to celebrate, a new English-language trailer with Chinese subtitles has been released. Watch it below.
We're treated to lovely, if fleeting, glimpses of new footage that teases a bit more about the plot. We also get to see Donnie Yen (top) and Wen Jiang showcased, though they are still obviously supporting players. Yen is a sightless warrior monk named Chirrut Îmwe, who believes all living things are connected in the Force.
Jiang (above) portrays his friend Baze Malbus, who likes heavy weapons and is further described as "a pragmatic soldier and a crack shot." A new poster has also been released, prominently displaying Yen and Jiang among the supporting players.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will open in the U.S. on December 16. It will open in China on January 6.
