Deadpool has been ‘banned’ in China
Superhero film Deadpool has officially been denied a release in China – over its graphic violence, nudity, and bad language.
The Ryan Reynolds film, based on the Marvel superhero of the same name, is set for a global release next month.
Like its original source material, the film – certified 18 in the UK – takes a gleeful approach to vulgarity.
But according to the Hollywood Reporter, sources said that even with extensive cuts, the film couldn’t do enough to appease China’s censors.
Fans had hoped that previous Marvel superheroes performing well in the country may have helped Deadpool’s case – but the country is renowned for its tough ratings system.
The country’s media regulator, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), approves or denies releases for all film imports – and reportedly found that Deadpool was ineligible for release.
Deadpool is the first non-heterosexual superhero to get his own standalone film, with the comic book version said to “do anything with a pulse”.
The approach to the character will stay the same in the new film – with director Tim Miller insisting on portraying a “hypersexualised” version of Deadpool.
He said of the character’s sexuality in the film: “Pansexual! I want that quoted. Pansexual Deadpool.”
Ryan Reynolds, who is portraying the popular ‘merc with a mouth’, said of Deadpool’s sexuality previously: “There is some sexuality in this movie for sure. You kinda think you have moments when you’re shooting where you think, ‘This is, uh, a little excessive. This is a comic book movie. Are we gonna get away with this?’
“But so far so good. Studio hasn’t crushed us with anything. They were here yesterday, they were thrilled, they saw some cut footage and so far so good.”
The upcoming movie is being produced by 20th Century Fox, but will share a Universe with the X-Men films.
Marvel’s Cinematic Universe – which features Iron Man, Thor and Captain America – has recently featured its first gay characters – in TV series Jessica Jones and Agents of SHIELD.
Arrow star John Barrowman previously called for more gay superheroes on TV.
Watch a trailer below:
