China's Huahua Media, Shanghai Film Group Take Stakes in Vin Diesel’s 'xXx' Sequel
2017-01-18 00:00:00
Chinese companies Huahua Media and Shanghai Film Group have taken stakes in Vin Diesel's xXx: Return of Xander Cage from Paramount and Revolution Studios.
The film co-stars greater China's Donnie Yen and Kris Wu.
Chinese companies Huahua Media and Shanghai Film Group have taken stakes in Vin Diesel's xXx: Return of Xander Cage from Paramount and Revolution Studios.
The two companies made the investment via a joint venture. They did not disclose the size of their stake, but said they will also assist as China marketing partners for the movie.
The third entry in the xXx extreme sports/spy action franchise, xXx: Return of Xander Cage will open in China on Feb. 10, right after the Chinese New Year holiday period, when international titles are blocked from the market to give local blockbusters an uncontested run at cinemas.
Vin Diesel returns as extreme sports star turned government operative Xander Cage. The film's international prospects are boosted by co-stars Donnie Yen and Kris Wu of Greater China. India's Deepika Padukone. Ruby Rose and Nina Dobrev also feature.
Huahau was one of Paramount's China marketing partners on Michael Bay's Transformers: Age of Extinction, which earned $320 million in the country. Huahua has since partnered on several other Paramount titles in China, including Star Trek Beyond and the forthcoming Transformers: The Last Knight. Shanghai Film Group and Huahua also took stakes in Paramount's Jack Reacher: Never Go Back for its Chinese release.
Said Megan Colligan, Paramount Pictures' president of worldwide distribution and marketing: "We are pleased to collaborate once again with Huahua Media and the Shanghai Film Group. xXx: Return of Xander Cage is a film that delivers incredible action and great entertainment and we anticipate a strong showing for the film in China, where our stars Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Kris Wu and Nina Dobrev have such dedicated fan bases."
"Huahua's co-investment in xXx: Return of Xander Cage marks the second time our company has had the opportunity to partner with Shanghai Film Group as a financier and marketing provider for a Paramount title," said Huahua CEO Kefei Wang. "We are poised to launch a multi-market campaign to drive a lucrative opening for the popular film series in China."
