The Avengers movies and Avatar are returning to Chinese theaters

With its coronavirus outbreak largely under control—and with fewer new cases being reported—China has re-opened over 500 movie theaters, and more are expected to return to business in the coming weeks. To help lure moviegoers back to the theater, Variety reports that China Film Group has lined up 11 titles for re-release, including four Avengers movies and James Cameron’s Avatar. The state-owned group, which controls the distribution of Hollywood films in the region, is plotting a “phased release” of the four Avengers films—all but Civil War—starting this Thursday, March 26. The repertory blockbuster screenings will continue through May or June. When reached for comment by Variety, “sources close to Disney in Asia said the studio is not involved in the re-releases, and that these are matters decided on by China Film.” Disney, meanwhile, has announced plans to reopen Disneyland and Disney World on April 1—an ill-advised move given that more and more states are issuing “shelter in place” orders and restricting unnecessary public movement.