The Batman stalls in China with muted $11.8 million opening weekend

Last Updated on March 22, 2022

The Batman is currently dominating the domestic box office as it spent a third weekend at number one and cleared the $300 million mark, but the same can’t be said for its opening in China. The film is also doing strong business most places overseas except in China, where the movie would’ve normally made a splash, its opening was extremely muted and more COVID-19 outbreaks are to be blamed for its sluggish performance.

Despite finishing in first place, The Batman grossed a mere $11.8 million in China over the weekend, per Variety. This is the biggest opening for a Hollywood film in the region but that just goes to show you how hard it has been for Hollywood tentpoles in the area. COVID-19 outbreaks affected cinema operations in China as the China Film Administration ordered cinemas in high and medium-risk areas to close temporarily. Low-risk areas are required to practice social distancing at their cinemas and cut their seating to 75% of full capacity. Concessions were also closed down at their multiplexes.

This is really a case of bad timing because The Batman had the potential to shine in China but the theater closures have kneecapped its chances to dominate, at least for now. The worldwide total stands at $598 million as the weekend came to a close and a $1 billion global haul seemed possible with China in play but now some box office experts think the film will fall short of that milestone. That’s not to say that The Batman isn’t a global hit. It’s easily the biggest film of 2022 so far and will likely finish the year that way.

Per the film’s official synopsis, “It’s not just a call… It’s a warning. From Warner Bros. Pictures comes Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne. Two years of stalking the streets as the Batman (Robert Pattinson), striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. With only a few trusted allies—Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis), Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright)—amongst the city’s corrupt network of officials and high-profile figures, the lone vigilante has established himself as the sole embodiment of vengeance amongst his fellow citizens. When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot/aka the Penguin (Colin Farrell), Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Edward Nashton/aka the Riddler (Paul Dano). As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear, Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.”

What are YOUR thoughts on The Batman’s opening box office performance in China?