China may be left cold in world release of 'Fifty Shades' as sex scenes 'won't pass the censors'
Though it is showing in the territory Hong Kong, distributor Universal Pictures is not pursuing a theatrical release in mainland China, says a source.
The steamy novel Fifty Shades of Grey is a global phenomenon, but fans on the mainland will not be able to see the movie version in cinemas even though the sex scenes have been toned down for the big screen.
The film adaptation opened last week in 57 international markets, including Hong Kong and France, where it was declared suitable for anyone 12 or older.
It tells the story of a sexual relationship between a wealthy businessman and a college student and includes scenes that depict whipping and bondage.
The distributor, Comcast, is not pursuing a theatrical release on the mainland - the world's second-largest film market - according to a source. Sexually explicit films generally do not make it past mainland censors.
Three countries that often object to sexual content - Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya - have also banned the film from cinemas.
In Malaysia, the head of the film censorship board called it "more pornography than a movie", according to Hollywood trade publication Variety.