Spider-Man: No Way Home’s China Release Blocked Over Statue of Liberty Scene
Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman revealed that 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home was not released in China due to the Chinese government’s request to remove a scene featuring the Statue of Liberty. The film, which brought together three generations of Spider-Man actors, grossed $1.9 billion worldwide but could have exceeded $2 billion with a Chinese release, according to Rothman.
China’s Request and Sony’s Response
During an interview on The Town with Matt Belloni, Rothman explained that Chinese film authorities requested the removal of the Statue of Liberty from the film’s climax. The final battle in Spider-Man: No Way Home takes place on and around the iconic monument. “Just cut out the Statue of Liberty — which is where the climax is. That was their request,” Rothman stated.
Rothman declined the request, citing the integral role of the Statue of Liberty in the film’s narrative and his reluctance to explain the alteration to the U.S. Government. “Also, I really didn’t look forward to sitting in front of Congress telling them why I cut the Statue of Liberty out at the request of the Chinese Communist Party,” he added.
Impact on Box Office Revenue
Rothman believes that Spider-Man: No Way Home would have surpassed $2 billion at the global box office had it been released in China. The film ultimately earned $1.9 billion worldwide, ranking as the third-highest-grossing film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and eighth on the list of all-time highest-grossing movies.
Future Spider-Man Films and China
Rothman also hinted at a change in strategy for upcoming Spider-Man films, including this summer’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He indicated that the sequel would avoid featuring American patriotic symbolism, potentially to secure a Chinese release. “Actually, coincidentally, that’s true,” Rothman replied when asked if the Statue of Liberty would be excluded from the new film. He also mentioned a planned reboot of the Spider-Man universe with “new people,” emphasizing the importance of “scarcity” to maintain audience interest.
Hollywood and China: A History of Compromise
This situation highlights a broader trend of Hollywood studios making concessions to secure access to the lucrative Chinese market. The article notes that countless examples of censorship in American movies exist over the past few decades.