After its massive success in 2016, Lionsgate’s award-winning feature musical, La La Land, is set to make a triumphant return to Chinese theaters on December 22. Directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the film raked in a staggering $35 million of its $470 million global box office in China. Not only did La La Land break records as the highest-grossing original live-action movie musical in the country, but it also made a clean sweep at the Golden Globes with seven nominations and seven wins.
As the La La Land in Concert celebrates its sixth year of touring globally, Lionsgate is determined to capitalize on the film’s success by expanding its reach even further. The studio is currently developing a Broadway musical adaptation, under the guidance of Emmy and Tony Award-winning producer Marc Platt.
The decision to re-release La La Land in China on its seventh anniversary holds a special significance. In Chinese culture, the number seven symbolizes sticking together for a lifetime, making it a fitting celebration of the film’s enduring popularity. JL Film, a rapidly growing foreign film investment company, will handle the distribution for the re-release. This move follows their successful release of The Expendables 4 earlier this year, further establishing their reputation for investing in overseas blockbusters.
Wendy Reeds, Lionsgate’s Executive Vice President of International Sales, expressed excitement about the re-release, acknowledging the passionate support of La La Land’s fans worldwide, particularly in China. The film’s timeless love story and captivating song-and-dance sequences have resonated deeply with audiences in the country. Reeds also emphasized the joy of giving moviegoers the opportunity to experience the magic of La La Land once again on the big screen.
Ricky Qi, President of JL Film, expressed his honor and pride in being able to re-release this beloved film for Chinese audiences. As one of the numerous loyal fans of La La Land in China, Qi looks forward to sharing the enchanting story with a large number of viewers across the country.
China Film Group, a prominent state-owned film distribution company, highlighted the significance of La La Land’s re-release as part of their segmented distribution initiative. The film holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese audiences, and this re-release only adds to its cultural impact.
The return of La La Land to Chinese theaters is an exciting development for fans in the country. The re-release serves as a celebration of the film’s enduring popularity and its ability to captivate audiences with its timeless love story and dazzling musical numbers. With JL Film as the distributor, this highly anticipated event promises to give Chinese fans a chance to experience the magic of La La Land once again.