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CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: 'Spider-Man' and 'The Odyssey' come courting the massive filmgoer market

More American movie stars have appeared in China this year, reflecting Hollywood's market interests amid political tensions.

CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: 'Spider-Man' and 'The Odyssey' come courting the massive filmgoer market

TL;DR

  • Hollywood stars like Timothee Chalamet and Tom Holland have visited China, signaling a renewed effort to engage with the market.
  • Films such as 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and 'The Odyssey' are showing promising box office results in China.
  • Despite increased screenings of Hollywood films, some movies have struggled, and China's overall box office declined in the first half of the year.
  • New entertainment trends like Chinese-led micro-dramas and immersive virtual reality experiences are gaining traction.
  • Chinese film studios are increasingly looking to expand their reach internationally with their productions.
  • The VR sector in China is seeing growth, with companies creating location-based immersive experiences supported by state policy.
  • Hollywood has yet to fully embrace licensing its characters for VR producers, though some anticipate this shift.