'The Dark Knight' release cancelled in China

London, Dec 24 (IANS) Hollywood studios Warner Bros. have cancelled the release of 2008 record-breaking hit "The Dark Knight" in China.

While black market DVDs of the Christopher Nolan movie have long been available in China, the comic book adaptation will not be seen on Chinese cinema screens, reports contactmusic.com.

"Based on a number of pre-release conditions that are being attached to 'The Dark Knight' as well as cultural sensitivities to some elements of the film, we have opted to forego a theatrical release of the film in China," Warner Bros. said in a statement.

However, rumours are rife that the film may have been kept from Chinese cinemagoers due to the brief appearance by Hong Kong actor-singer Edison Chen, whose public image was tarnished this year after a leak of compromising photographs.

The film has earned more than $994 million (676,360,720 pounds) worldwide so far and will be re-released in the US Jan 23 next year in a bid to join the exclusive club of films to have earned over $1 billion (680,06,310 pounds) globally.

Other films to have surpassed the milestone are "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest", "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and "Titanic".

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